#circus towne pizza theater

[animatronicappreciation]

hello! I'm new here and I wanted to ask you if you could find photos or videos of some animatronics that were in a restaurant called "circus towne pizza theater"

It looks like Circus Towne Pizza Theatre was a kid's arcade/restaurant located in Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania.

It was open throughout the 80s. The first mention of it I can find in the Philadelphia Enquirer archives is December 1983, and I think it closed sometime in 1990.

According to the Philadelphia Enquirer, "The 'theater' part consists of 'mini-shows' staged by animated Disney- like figures... There is also a circus tent with animated animals."

I was only able to find one photo of the animatronics.

(source)

- Mod coyote

[alex-the-nonsensologist]

Disney Dreamland - Part 4: Fantasyland

(I had already posted about Mysteryland previously, which retroactively makes it Part 3. So we're moving on to the next part.)

Quite possibly the largest of the five lands, probably even beating out my mega-Adventureland. 

Small World Gardens

Located behind Small World, this sprawling area would transition into Storybook Town Square. Flower arrangements inspired by Keukenhof in the Netherlands. Similar to Paris’s Fantasyland, there would be a couple rivers running through the garden with lovely bridges to cross over them. 

Dumbo the Flying Elephant : The Masquerade Circus could be positioned near the Mysteryland/Fantasyland border so that the back of the tents could serve as a backdrop for the Dumbo ride, which would have its own little area in the gardens. I was at a loss on where else to place this ride, but I stubbornly wanted to include it as it is currently the only attraction to be found in all 6 existing castle parks and I didn't want to break that streak.

"Casey Jr. Circus Train": Doesn't have to specifically be Dumbo-themed, I just really want a cute novelty train to wind through the garden, with cute bridges to pass over the walkways and rivers.

“Swan Boats”: Paddle boats. I say “swan boats” but they don’t have to be just swans, but could also resemble other birds such as ducks, geese, and flamingos.

Symphony Gazebo: A gazebo in the garden for a live band to play classical music.

“Windmill snack stand”: I saw a picture of the Old Mill in Paris and thought it looked so charming. German pretzels. 

Storybook Town Square

The town follows in the footsteps of Ananheim’s 1983 overhaul with each building having its own unique look. Would feature a fluid mix of Bavarian and British architecture. The Bavarian half of the town on the west contains “Pinocchio Square” and the theater. The British half on the east contains Peter Pan, Little Nemo (even though Nemo is American), and Mr. Toad. A large fountain stands in the center. Cobblestones would pave the ground. I want this area to evoke the feeling of Paris’s Fantasyland as well as Efteling in the Netherlands . 

Pinocchio’s Daring Escape: Focuses more on escaping Pleasure Island. The only other thing I would change is have all the sets and animatronics appear to be carved out of wood, and have real clothes on the animatronics, for a more high-quality “hand made” look, the implication being the entire ride is a life-sized puppet show. The ride building along with the toy shop and restaurant form a smaller “Pinocchio Square”, which would include a smaller fountain with a statue of Pinocchio.

Geppetto’s Toy Shop: Would feature regular retail plush toys, as well as old fashioned toys like wooden marionettes and wind-ups, as well as cuckoo clocks. Christmas ornaments can also be purchased here.   

Pinocchio’s Pizza Place: Italian cuisine. Basically the Pinocchio Village Haus in Orlando, but with an alliterative name, and also some of the pizzas have toppings decorated to look like Pinocchio smiley faces. Quick service.  

Once Upon a Time Theatre: Hosts live indoor stage shows. While any show with Disney musical medleys is fine, I would much prefer original shows of rarely-featured stories, such as the other tales from the 1001 Arabian Nights, or a stage version of Disney's Return to Oz (which I personally love better as an Oz adaptation than MGM's movie; 2013's Oz the Great and Powerful was meh). Building design would be modeled after the new Fantasyland Forest Theatre in Tokyo.

“German restaurant”: Table service. 

Flight to Neverland: Would utilize the best aspects from each version of the ride. For example, I love that Shanghai’s queue is themed to a London park (Kensington Gardens?), and the chimneys in Paris’s loading dock blow smoke. The building facade would definitely have a functioning clock tower, in homage to Big Ben, but designed to fit with the small town aesthetic. The name change is simply because I feel like guests actually take on the role of the Darling children more than they do Peter.

Little Nemo in Slumberland: Little Nemo may not be a Disney IP, but it has such rich and vibrant imagery, I think it could work really well as a Disney ride. Not to mention it’s in the public domain, so there shouldn’t be any legal issues. In many ways it’s very similar to Peter Pan’s Flight, so maybe it could also help balance the wait times between the two rides. Guests take on the role of Nemo and ride flying beds (or at least, benches that look like beds, with a headboard and a footboard) that soar out the bedroom window. What follows are awe-inspiring, almost surreal, scenes of Slumberland. Things start to distort and become chaotic as the dream turns into a nightmare. Before anything too awful happens, guests “wake up” back in Nemo’s bedroom while the voice of Nemo’s mother scolds us for eating before bed. For visual reference, I recommend the Osamu Dezaki pilot film that was created during the movie’s development, though I obviously wouldn’t put the giant Sauron eye in the ride. 

Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride: Orlando’s former double-track ride, but with Anaheim’s building exterior. I never got to experience this ride and I really want to.

Ever After Castle

Here it is, the traditional centerpiece of all Disney parks, now the centerpiece of Fantasyland instead. I personally think of most Disney castles as tall but not wide. This castle would be slightly different from the traditional Disney castle by taking up more ground space. I hate to sound blasphemous, but for this castle I’m thinking of something similar to Shrek’s Far Far Away Castle in Universal Singapore but with more detailed ornate decorations like Paris’ castle, and the outer walls slightly covered in ivy vines for a more inviting, homely look. It would also stand on top of an elevated foundation, surrounded by a moat. There would be a large courtyard in front of the main castle building, with the carousel placed in the center of it. The gift shop and the meet-and-greet are each placed on either the west or east side of the courtyard. The north of the courtyard would feature the restaurant on the ground floor, the entrance to the underground boat ride, and stairs to the second floor attraction. 

Cinderella’s Carriage Carrousel: Regarding the visual design, I want it to look like the pumpkin carriage turned into a carousel. The canopy could include fiber optic fairy dust that lights up at night.

Be Our Guest Restaurant: French cuisine. I really like Tokyo’s Beauty and the Beast ride and would love to import it, but I respect the OLC’s exclusivity rights too much. I wondered if I could make it a combination ride and restaurant where each table is a ride vehicle, but I worried that would cause motion sickness which is a big no-no for a restaurant. At the very least, for my version I would love to have animatronics perform “Be Our Guest” every 30 minutes or so. Also, perhaps every hour, Belle and Beast performers would come out onto the dance floor and invite guests to waltz with them. Hot Take: The Grey Stuff is very obviously a savory food as it is clearly presented on a tray of hors d'oeuvres in the movie. But since the version currently offered in the parks has been imprinted in fans’ minds I think it’s best to offer two versions: Savory (chicken liver pate) as an appetizer and Sweet (cookies and cream) as a dessert.

Royal Meet-and-Greet: I personally do not care much for meet and greets, but for the people that do, here you can meet the Princesses, some of the Princes, as well as non-Princesses such as Giselle, Esmeralda, and TinkerBell. 

Kingdom Treasures gift shop: Based on the Tokyo shop of the same name. 

Crystal Caverns Canal: Boat ride underneath the castle. My first idea for this ride was basically Voyage to the Crystal Grotto from Shanghai, if all the character statues were built out of crystals and mosaic tiles. Then I realized, there’s probably too much IP already in the land, so I think there could be an original story about the crystals being a source of magic for the kingdom, and have scenes of wizards and fairies harvesting the crystals and creating experiments with them. Sort of a “tour of the workshop” kind of ride. I’m thinking of something with the same vibes as Dreamflight in Efteling. 

Merlin’s Library / Yen Sid’s Library: Located on the second floor of the castle. Originally I wanted a ride in a similar vein to Symbolica in Efteling, but with a story like that of Mystic Manor in Hong Kong. Then I wondered if it would be feasible to have a ride in the second story, so I’m also okay with this being a walkthrough attraction.  I feel either wizard could work here. Merlin is the more well-known wizard, but Yen Sid is easier to create an original backstory for. The basic gist of the attraction is you wander around a library with little vignettes of magical items operating on their own; a quill pen writing  by itself, a large spell book turning its own pages, floating books sorting themselves on the shelves, etc. There could even be some interactive elements, such as paintings that change, or opening a book can project a scene “coming to life” and “escaping” the book.

Fairytale Gardens: Walkthrough garden. There would be lovely little vignettes scattered throughout, including Snow White’s wishing well, a giant beanstalk, and The Sword in the Stone placed in a little alcove in the castle’s outer wall. This would be outside the courtyard. Maybe off to the side, to the west, wrapping around the outer castle wall, next to Shadowland Forest.

Shadowland Forest

Inspired by the Black Forest of Germany, this area features spookier attractions. West of the castle, shares the border with Mysteryland and the Gravity Falls area. There would be plenty of fir, spruce, and pine trees to make it feel like an actual forest, maybe even hide some of the attractions from view. 

Snow White’s Scary Adventures : Building facade would include the Evil Queen peeking out her window. I would place the building nearest to Storybook Town Square, at the edge of the forest.

“Gingerbread Factory Tour” : Based on my twisted Hansel and Gretel dark ride idea. Guests are given a tour of gingerbread golems at work (something like Tim Burton’s version of Wonka’s factory if it were more surreal and set in 1800s Germany), then are chased through obstacles, such as lollipop blades swinging from the walls, and peppermint stick darts, by Hansel and Gretel themselves. They’ve been very distrustful of adults after their parents abandoned them in the woods, and after the witch held them captive. They deem the guests harmless, and let them go but warn them to never come back.

Candy Carnival shop: The ride would exit into a shop themed to a candy carnival safe haven that Hansel and Gretel built for children lost in the woods. Would feature gingerbread treats and a nice selection of old-fashioned candies and German sweets. Guests can also watch bakers and candymakers at work. (Despite the name, there are no actual rides here, just animatronic decorations.)

Dragon Mountain: I wanted a unique “Mountain” ride, much like how the Matterhorn and Everest are unique to their parks. And dragons are cool. Originally this was going to be based on Maleficent, but now I’m leaning more towards an original story. And to put a neat spin on things, instead of a fire-breathing dragon, it would be a wintery ice dragon! I would also love it if the dragon was not portrayed as a mindless, violent beast hoarding treasure, but a parent protecting their child from intruders.

I initially wanted a sub-land recreating Halloween Town (with a spooky "Scare-ousel") but I felt Fantasyland was already overrun with too many IPs (and seven carousels is enough for one park), so here an area is set aside for seasonal Nightmare Before Christmas or Villains themed events, leaving the Haunted Mansion free during the holidays. 

Disney Dreamland Railroad Fantasyland station: Styled after the ruins of a medieval castle. Located on the edge of the forest near Ever After Castle, next to the entrance to Winter Village.

Wonderland

East of the castle, on the border with Create-It-Land. While there would be plenty of natural green, there would also be an abundant mix of giant pink, purple, and turquoise “wildlife”, as seen in the initial scrapped concept art for Tokyo’s expansion. Giant mushrooms in place of benches,  trees decorated with misleading signs, lamp posts that look like giant flowers. March Hare would definitely be included as a walk-around character alongside Hatter and Alice. People often forget the tea party took place at the Hare’s and mistakenly believe Hatter to be the host, and I will not stand for this March Hare erasure.  I would also have plenty of card soldiers roaming around, “patrolling” the area.

Down the Rabbit-Hole: An upside-down funhouse with wonky mirrors, and trick doors galore! A hall of doors in the end would lead into the maze. I was thinking there could probably also be a madhouse ride portion where guests can experience the room actually turning upside down; inspired by Villa Volta in Efteling. 

Wonderland Maze: As much as I like the Alice in Wonderland ride in Anaheim, I personally feel that Wonderland is a world that is best experienced up close and at your own pace, which a maze perfectly embodies. While the maze would obviously be themed to classic animated Alice like the Paris version, it would have different environments, like Shanghai’s Tim Burton version. First half of the maze would be a forest-like environment with giant plants and singing flowers. Second half would have rose bushes, fancy iron fences, and carved stone walls and statues for the Queen of Heart’s castle area. There would be a handful of tiny doors scattered throughout that guests can crawl through as shortcuts. Among the character statues scattered around the maze, I really want to include the Mock-Turtle and Gryphon, based on their designs from the Jell-O commercial, perhaps on a sandy beach shore by a small fountain / pond.

House of Cards Banquet Hall: Inspired by the Queen of Hearts Banquet Hall in Tokyo. Would follow the same eccentric and colorful design scheme, but I want it to look like a stone castle made out of cards. Definitely would have lovely stained glass windows. Desserts include Royal Heart Tarts. They could also come in souvenir cups and plates like the ones found in Tokyo.

Mad Tea Party: Would have a canopy roof to protect from the weather and direct sunlight, but I also wouldn’t mind a stained-glass version. Or even a canopy made of trees. Teacup designs would be a mix of various patterns from all versions (except Orlando’s, I do not care for the zigzag scribbles). Would also include the giant teapot with the Dormouse in the center. To help with queue waits, I’d even have two ride systems, much like how Orlando doubled their Dumbo ride. One could even be themed to the Hatter while the other to the March Hare.

March Hare’s tea shop: Would have the same building design as March Hare Refreshments in Paris. Would sell several varieties of tea, Unbirthday Cake, and macarons. Could also feature a long table with interactive tea things to play with, like Shanghai does at the end of its maze, and plenty of fancy chairs for photo-ops.

Mad Hatter’s hat shop: Hats, Mickey ears, and other headgear. To match the March Hare’s chimney ears, this building would resemble a large top hat. Would also feature hat racks for photo-ops, like Shanghai does at the end of its maze.

100 Acre Wood

East of Town Square, on the border with Create-It-Land. A tiny little area with tall trees providing shade, a lovely little Poohsticks Bridge over a small river, and a cozy corner for a meet-and-greet with Pooh and friends.

Winnie the Pooh and the Blustery Day: Basically the same as Pooh’s Hunny Hunt in Tokyo, which includes the giant book facade, and the same level of crafted detail and technical marvel throughout the ride, but with scenes added for the “rain, rain, rain”, and Pooh’s hero party as the ending. I would also use Anaheim’s zany color scheme for the Heffalumps and Woozles room with some added special effects for even more zaniness.  The ride’s name change is just to both set it apart from the other versions, and because I realized with the exception of Pooh stuck in the honey tree, all the iconic scenes in the ride come from Blustery Day.

Pooh Corner gift shop: Also utilizes the same English cottage look as Tokyo’s.

Hunny Smackerels snack stand: Hunny Pot cupcakes, honeycomb, honey ice cream, and a separate cart for honey popcorn in lovely Pooh-shaped popcorn buckets. It would be really cute if the stand is actually inside a giant tree trunk, with a dutch door counter window for guests to order from. 

The next three sub-lands would be behind Ever After Castle, outside the perimeter of the railroad tracks border. The entrance to Winter Village is between Shadowland Forest and the castle, while the entrance to Encanto Valley is between Wonderland and the castle. Mermaid Lagoon is directly behind the castle, between the other two sub-lands and only accessible through them. Small mountains would form berms for each sub-land. For reference, think of how Grizzly Gulch, Mystic Point, and Toy Story Land are arranged in Hong Kong.

Winter Village

Inspired by my Narnia theme park concept. This entire mini-land would be indoors, to have air-conditioning to sell the illusion of winter, and to preserve the artificial winter setup from the real-life elements outdoors. This mini-land would be round (roughly) so that the glass ceiling that lets in natural light can have a hexagonal snowflake design. At night time there’d be projections of Northern Lights. NOT Frozen themed. It’s a cute movie and all, but far overstayed its welcome before it was even released on DVD. Village would be a mix of Russian and Scandinavian architecture.  Can be used for a Santa Claus meet-and-greet during Christmas.

Enchanted Snow Palace: The planned but never built ride based on Hans Christian Andersen’s Snow Queen. The concept art looks leagues better than the final product of Frozen Ever After.

“Winter Sleigh Ride”: Ride through winter scenery in sleighs pulled by reindeer. Technically a dark ride, since the entire subland is indoors, but feels like an outdoor ride.

"Snowball Arcade": I really wanted something to simulate snowball fights, but without the chaos and mess. Here, guests can throw snowballs at targets to win plush prizes.

"Russian cafe": Russian pastries and snacks

"Ice skating rink": Free if you bring your own skates.

Mermaid Lagoon

A scaled-down version of the land in Tokyo DisneySea, without the playground and kiddie rides. Like DisneySea, it would have a lovely seashell castle facade, with the attractions indoors. Unlike DisneySea, there would be a small lake in front with a ship restaurant docked on it.

“Under the Sea”: NOT a retelling of the movie, but instead an original story that would take place some time pre-movie. Follows Ariel on one of her outings as she explores the sea looking for new treasures to add to her collection. Final scene could be of Ariel in her grotto after completing her latest trip, but feeling unsatisfied as she wistfully looks at her collection, while instrumentals for “Part Of Your World” softly play in the background. 

King Triton’s Concert Hall: Just like the one in Tokyo DisneySea, this would be a 360 degree show with Ariel “swimming” in midair above the audience, a giant animatronic Triton, performer puppets of Flounder and Sebastian, and other mixed special effects. 

Undersea Carousel: Fish carousel. Underwater lighting effects and blows bubbles as it spins. 

Ariel’s Grotto gift shop

Ship restaurant: Mediterranean seafood. I mean, it’s on a human ship that’s not technically in Triton’s Kingdom, so I think this gets a pass for serving fish. It could even be themed to Chef Louis for a laugh. 

“Nighttime Water Show”: Just spitballing an idea, maybe the lagoon could also be used for a nighttime water show a la Fantasmic / World of Color. The viewing area could be across the lagoon from Triton’s castle; the lights of Triton’s castle would coordinate with the show.

Encanto Valley

A lovely recreation of the valley, with Casita and a little village area for shops and Colombian dining, and plenty of lush greenery. 

La Casa Madrigal: I really like @rrdcooc’s idea for Casita as a walkthrough attraction! It’s so cool! Especially the ideas for Pepa and Luisa's rooms. I wouldn’t change much, aside from adding a few extra touches, such as an interactive flower wall in Isabela’s room that mimics guests’ silhouettes (like Daniel Rozin's "Mechanical Mirrors"), and maybe a couple themed flat rides to add capacity, such as a flowery swing spinner ride in Isabela’s room, and a tiny jungle animal carousel in Antonio’s room. In Dolores's room, guests can see sound waves (like that Magic School Bus episode), and Camilo's room can contain "mirrors" with different character models that mimic guests' movements in real time (like VTuber avatars). Also includes a gift shop selling “homemade” fashions and plush toys by Mirabel.

“Magic Realism Art Exhibit”: While I think the final movie is perfect, I would have loved it if Casita more closely resembled its concept art, which leaned much more heavily into magic realism. This attraction would be a walkthrough art exhibit full of giant optical illusion paintings that guests can pose in for photo-ops. For reference, I’m recalling the Trick Eye Museum, a temporary art exhibit I went to years ago in Hong Kong.

Encanto Sing-Along: I’m not always a huge fan of the “book report” shows they do in the Parks, but in this case, most of Encanto’s songs are so specific to the story that removing them from the context of the movie wouldn't work (especially in the case of fan favorite “We Don’t Talk About Bruno”).  The stage can also be used for original Colombian performances, as well as from neighboring Latin American countries.

Julieta’s Arepas: Food cart. These arepas may not heal you, but they’re magically delicious! 

Arabian Oasis (scrapped)

Before Encanto was released and became one of my favorite recent movies, my initial idea was to put in an Aladdin-themed area. Not an exact recreation of Agrabah, more like a broad strokes version of Agrabah in the same manner as Arabian Coast in Tokyo DisneySea.

Magic Carpet Ride: A suspension ride in a similar manner as Peter Pan’s Flight, using the carpet vehicles. Fly through the Agrabah marketplace, over the desert, and above the clouds. Ride music features instrumentals from “A Whole New World”.

Scheherazade’s Tales From the 1001 Nights: Stage show.

Flavors of Agrabah: Arabian / Middle-Eastern cuisine 

Cave of Wonders gift shop: I think the theming is appropriate considering guests are exchanging money for goods and not stealing them (ideally).

Other parts:

World Galleria

Adventureland

Mysteryland

Create-It-Land

Discoveryland

[divinequo]

Ok since some people are taking an interest of beautiful world of celestial heavens I thought I would show you all a list of the many many places of celestial heavens, some realistic (makeup store, yoga studio) and others more magical! (Cloud city, fairy village etc) I'll probably edit this later because it's late rn and I'm tired, still enjoy my loces! (⁠つ⁠✧⁠ω⁠✧⁠)⁠つ*⁠.⁠✧*⁠.⁠✧

⁠*⁠.⁠✧RV PARK

⁠*⁠.⁠✧MAKEUP STORE

⁠*⁠.⁠✧CASTLE

⁠*⁠.⁠✧WEDDING CHAPEL

⁠*⁠.⁠✧GRADUATION CEREMONY

⁠*⁠.⁠✧THERPAY HOUSE

⁠*⁠.⁠✧BRIDGES

⁠*⁠.⁠✧BREAKFAST BUFFET

⁠*⁠.⁠✧ATLANTIS (UNDERWATER CITY THE MERFOLK LIVE IN)

⁠*⁠.⁠✧ARCHERY RANGE

⁠*⁠.⁠✧SLEDDING HILL

⁠*⁠.⁠✧YOGA STUDIO

⁠*⁠.⁠✧CRYSTAL COVE

⁠*⁠.⁠✧STATUE

⁠*⁠.⁠✧MOUNTAINS

⁠*⁠.⁠✧MINING OPERATION

⁠*⁠.⁠✧TOY STORE

⁠*⁠.⁠✧POST OFFICE

⁠*⁠.⁠✧BEACH HOUSES

⁠*⁠.⁠✧BANK

⁠*⁠.⁠✧RODEO

⁠*⁠.⁠✧DANCE STUDIO

⁠*⁠.⁠✧MARATHON

⁠*⁠.⁠✧BASKETBALL COURT

⁠*⁠.⁠✧CAR DEALERSHIP

⁠*⁠.⁠✧PUMPKIN PATCH

⁠*⁠.⁠✧LUNARY ACADEMY

⁠*⁠.⁠✧SELF STORAGE BUILDING

⁠*⁠.⁠✧FARM

⁠*⁠.⁠✧CROP FIELDS

⁠*⁠.⁠✧SKATE RINK

⁠*⁠.⁠✧FISHING SPOT

⁠*⁠.⁠✧DRIVE IN MOVIE THEATER

⁠*⁠.⁠✧BEACH

⁠*⁠.⁠✧CLOTHING STORE

⁠*⁠.⁠✧ENCHANTED FOREST

⁠*⁠.⁠✧CLOUD TOWN (WHERE THE FLYING CREATURES REST)

⁠*⁠.⁠✧MYTHICAL WATERFALLS

⁠*⁠.⁠✧MYTHICAL CREATURE MUSEUM

⁠*⁠.⁠✧BOOKSTORE

⁠*⁠.⁠✧CAFE

⁠*⁠.⁠✧VARIOUS RESTAURANTS

⁠*⁠.⁠✧BAKERY

⁠*⁠.⁠✧FAST FOOD

⁠*⁠.⁠✧BARBER

⁠*⁠.⁠✧PET STORE

⁠*⁠.⁠✧PLANT STORE

⁠*⁠.⁠✧MALL

⁠*⁠.⁠✧GROCERY STORE

⁠*⁠.⁠✧FARMERS MARKET

⁠*⁠.⁠✧ICE CREAM VAN

⁠*⁠.⁠✧ARCADE

⁠*⁠.⁠✧ARMOR SHOP

⁠*⁠.⁠✧MOVIE THEATER

⁠*⁠.⁠✧PIZZA PLACE

⁠*⁠.⁠✧SPIRITUALLY SHOP

⁠*⁠.⁠✧LIBRARY

⁠*⁠.⁠✧FOOD TRUCKS

⁠*⁠.⁠✧PICNIC AREAS

⁠*⁠.⁠✧TRAIN STATION

⁠*⁠.⁠✧MUSEUM OF REALITY SHIFTING AND SPIRITUALITY

⁠*⁠.⁠✧RELIGIOUS BUILDING (ETSI CENTER OF WORSHIP)

⁠*⁠.⁠✧DINER

⁠*⁠.⁠✧GYM

⁠*⁠.⁠✧FAIRY VILLAGE

⁠*⁠.⁠✧AMUSEMENT PARK

⁠*⁠.⁠✧AQUARIUM

⁠*⁠.⁠✧COFFEE SHOP

⁠*⁠.⁠✧PARK

⁠*⁠.⁠✧CIRCUS

⁠*⁠.⁠✧DRAGON MOUNTAINS

⁠*⁠.⁠✧WISHING WELL

⁠*⁠.⁠✧FLOWER FIELDS

⁠*⁠.⁠✧FOUNTAIN

⁠*⁠.⁠✧ZOO

⁠*⁠.⁠✧OBSERVATORY

⁠*⁠.⁠✧SPORTS FIELD

⁠*⁠.⁠✧BIKING TRAIL

⁠*⁠.⁠✧CAMPGROUND

⁠*⁠.⁠✧CLOCK TOWER

⁠*⁠.⁠✧PUBLIC RESTROOM

⁠*⁠.⁠✧SCHOOL

⁠*⁠.⁠✧CONSTRUCTION SITES

⁠*⁠.⁠✧SHOE STORE

⁠*⁠.⁠✧GAZEBO

⁠*⁠.⁠✧HIKING TRAILS

⁠*⁠.⁠✧HOCKEY RINK

⁠*⁠.⁠✧TENNIS COURTS

⁠*⁠.⁠✧GOLF COURSE

⁠*⁠.⁠✧SKATE PARK

⁠*⁠.⁠✧CANDY SHOP

⁠*⁠.⁠✧BOWLING ALLEY

⁠*⁠.⁠✧GO KART TRACK

⁠*⁠.⁠✧CAT CAFE

⁠*⁠.⁠✧PARK (NATURE)

⁠*⁠.⁠✧TAXI STAND

⁠*⁠.⁠✧BUSES

⁠*⁠.⁠✧AIRPORT

⁠*⁠.⁠✧ROCKET LAUNCH

⁠*⁠.⁠✧GAS STATIONS

⁠*⁠.⁠✧HOTEL

⁠*⁠.⁠✧MOTEL

⁠*⁠.⁠✧CASTLE

⁠*⁠.⁠✧JUNK YARD

⁠*⁠.⁠✧PRESCHOOL

⁠*⁠.⁠✧WR CRYSTAL BALLS

⁠*⁠.⁠✧PORT

⁠*⁠.⁠✧HORSE RANCH

⁠*⁠.⁠✧MYTHICAL LAKE

⁠*⁠.⁠✧WATERFALL

⁠*⁠.⁠✧CAPITOL BUILDING (MY OFFICE/BUILDING FOR SUGGESTIONS)

⁠*⁠.⁠✧TREE HOUSE CITY

⁠*⁠.⁠✧HOT AIR BALLOONS

⁠*⁠.⁠✧CHERRIE CHERUB SPA AND SALON

⁠*⁠.⁠✧WINDMILL

⁠*⁠.⁠✧SPACE STATION

⁠*⁠.⁠✧INTERACTIVE MAPS

⁠*⁠.⁠✧APARTMENTS

⁠*⁠.⁠✧WATER PARK

⁠*⁠.⁠✧LIGHTHOUSE

⁠*⁠.⁠✧PIE SHOP

⁠*⁠.⁠✧SUB SHOP

[johnnykera]

Visit the City of Nin, Croatia.

Along the coastal region of Croatia in the Mediterranean region of Eastern Europe, lies a small seaside city called Nin. An once capital city of Croatia during the Medieval Times and the first city of royalty with King Branimir (see statue below) standing on the front entrance of the city's port. Now, here is where I get a bit nepotistic about Nin and I'll be honest, I don't get any money from the city of Nin for writing this post too. My father was born in this city and raised here since the age of 21, when he left the former Yugoslavia to head to America for better opportunities. After the Balkan Wars in the early to mid-90s, Croatia, now its own country, began rebuilding the country into a mecca tourist attraction from the current capital city of Zagreb to Dubrovnik at King's Landing, based on the hit TV series, A Game of Thrones.

A statue of King Branimir 879 A.D.-892 A.D.

Many tourists that come to Croatia from all over the world, have visited the hot spots such as Split, Dubrovnik, Reikija, Hvar and the Island of Pag. Nin may not be a hot spot for young tourists who want to party all through the night, but Nin has many attractions to offer its tourists. The city is labeling itself as "Romantic City", where older tourists with a spouse can visit the city and have a great time at bars, restaurants, cafes, and other attractions with its magnificent sunsets over the lagoon that even appeases photographers capturing the beauty of Nin.

A lagoon in Nin.

Tourists have heard about Nin from many travel agencies in Europe and of course, locals from other parts of Croatia. Advent photographers and videographers, such as I, have photographed many parts of Nin to capture its rustic look and ancient architecture that dates back to Roman Times.

The Roman Temple built in the 1st Century A.D. in Nin.

The city offers a vast shopping center inside the island city for souvenirs, food, toys, and rental apartments for tourist to stay. In addition, the city offers an abundance of tourist information for out of towners by visiting the Tourist Board Nin office. Every summer, the circus is in town for children who seek fun and excitement while vacationing with their parents during the holiday school break. Kids can also swim at Queen's Beach, which is filled with activities such as kite surfing and boating.

Strole through the city and see many of the old churches such as the Church of the Holy Cross and the Church of St. Anselm. The churches have been there for centuries, including St. Nicolas Church, which is outside the city's walls.

St. Nicolas Church in Nin.

Every summer both the Tourist Board and the city put on many concert events featuring performances from musicians, theater performers and bands from all over Europe. Now as much as I would like to display the many events that are upcoming, just visit the Tourist Board Nin's website at this address: Calendar of events - Tourist board Nin Croatia.

Now for food and dining, I am particular with mostly American food such as pizza, burgers, and grilled barbeque, but Croatia's food is to me and I am being a bit favorable me being a Croat, but the food is really good. Try heading on over to Pizzeria Peperoni, in which, Tripadvisor.com gave the restaurant a high ranking on their website. If you're craving for a burger, head on over to Mad Duck restaurant where a charbroiled burger with melted mozzarella cheese melted into the burger, reminds me of back home in America.

As far as apartment renting, expect to pay around 800 Euros to 1,500 Euros a month, pending on the number of guests staying in the apartment. Car rental is found in Zadar and don't forget that many tourists can also camp with their trailers in the area of Zaton while viewing the beautiful beaches of Zaton.

To come to Nin, Croatia this summer or next, visit your nearest travel agency or go online to some of the top travel sites on the web. All photos were done by the author of this post. To follow the author, please visit the following social media sites.

Twitter: @johnnykera

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Also, subscribe to my Tumblr page as I will be writing new content about Croatia and post some amazing photos of my upcoming travel destinations.

[ghostgothgeek]

Map of Amity Park

So I did a bunch of research and traced over the map the GIW had in DCMH and extended it to try and build a map of Amity Park. I also paid close attention to locations and places named in canon. I am by no means an artist, map maker, photoshop pro, or civil engineer; I just wanted a general reference map for the phandom to use. 

Here is where I place Amity Park. We know AP isn’t in Michigan or Wisconsin, but is most likely a day drive away from Madison (Bitter Reunions). AP is a decent sized city of itself, so I can see it being an outskirt of a large city like Chicago. Lancer mentions the Northwestern Testing, and Northwestern University is in Evanston, IL, which is why I placed it where it is.

LIST OF PLACES (in great detail): 

Every city needs it’s basic services: energy supply, water supply, sewage, and trash/recycling. These of course are located more on the edge of the city, as they need a large amount of space and are typically isolated.

I placed a local airport in the city as well. Typically you would fly out of one of Chicago’s airports anyway, but private planes (Vlad, Mansons, etc.) can take off and land here. 

University of Amity Park is located at the north side of the city, and is home to a Nasty Burger location, an LGBT Center, and is probably near a gas station. The blocks surrounding the campus are more student housing. 

Near the University, we have the Science Center, Axion Labs, a Mental Institute, and the Museum, as a lot of research from the University would go into those places. 

In the more isolated areas, we have the Penitentiary, the abandoned North Mercy Hospital, and the GIW Headquarters. 

The Zoo is located on the north side of the park and is also close to the University for research purposes.

The Observatory is also located in a more isolated area, so you can actually see the stars without a bunch of light pollution.

Going into the center of town, where most things are actually located:

A community college, which is near the internet cafe where Danny and Tucker play games, a gas station, a liquor store, a thrift shop, a Planned Parenthood, Java Jive (the coffee shop), a tech store, and a gym. 

We also have a shoe store, the hunting goods store and Guitar Palace that Skulker and Ember take over in Reign Storm, the U-Ship Box Store the Box Ghost takes over, a barber and a hardware store.

There is a hair salon, tanning salon, and nail salon, where Paulina frequents. There is also Elmer’s Pharmacy, a dentist office, a law office, the TV repair store, butcher shop, and pet store (which we see next to each other in an episode), a toy store, and a vet office.

Government buildings include City Hall, a public library, a court house, a DMV, a bus station (for all mass transit in the city), a community center (likely where town halls are located and other smaller events; Ida plays bingo here every week), and a retirement home. 

There is also the post office, Amity Park Fire Department, a bank, the 24K Jewelry shop, a nearby ice cream shop, and another Nasty Burger location (this is the one right by Casper High that the trio usually hangs at). Also an animal shelter, a grocery store, and a pizza joint.

Education: there is a preschool and daycare, the elementary school, a playground/park, the middle school (yes, a Beetlejuice reference), and Casper High. Casper High campus also has the track, a fieldhouse, and the football field. 

Moving towards Amity Park Mall:

Bucky’s Music Mega Store, an apartment complex, Amity Park Police Department, a bookstore, doctor clinic, gas station, a Denny’s (where Phight Club happens), Material Grill restaurant, the mini golf course and bowling alley, Freddy Fazbear’s (which is actually a horror video game, but here it’s a kids pizza place like Chuck E. Cheese), a furniture store, a party supply store, and the movie theater (which is Marmel’s Multiplex 22, Amity Park Multiplex, and Googolplex Cinemas...it seems that they go to the same movie theater throughout the series and the names just change, or these could also be other movie theaters in the area (like near the college campus). I just picked Multiplex 22 cause it sounded very mall-y).

Along the interstate, there’s a pawn shop, a publishing house (which somehow prints all 5 of Amity Park’s newspapers), a homeless shelter, the diner, Safe House Motel, a laundromat, the 89¢ Store (a nod to Fanning the Flames), and the car dealership.

Also near the mall is Amity Arena, which hosts concerts, sports events, and other large entertainment events. There is a hotel near both the arena and the hospital (the one that isn’t abandoned and haunted). Towards the outskirts of the hospital, there’s a trailer park; north a few blocks is the TV station, where News 4 is headquartered. There’s also a construction site near Amity Arena, but that kinda went out the window when Undergrowth hit. 

On the other side of town, we have:

A-Mart, a convenience store. I named it like this because it can be like an offshoot of KMart, but A for Amity! 

Floody Waters, right off the interstate.

North of Floody Waters, East of Casper High, we have the main residences: the Foley household and only a couple blocks away is Fenton Works. 

There’s also another gas station and the Amity Park Radio Station nearby. There’s also a private school near ultra posh Polter Heights, but the A-Listers attend Casper High because the private school doesn’t have a football or cheerleading team.

Moving into Polter Heights and the surrounding area:

The Polter Heights Golf Course and Country Club are exclusive to those in the neighborhood, as well as their private neighborhood pool; members only. 

The Mayor’s Mansion (eventually Vlad’s) is located in here too.

All of the A-Listers’ houses are of course in this neighborhood, as well as Val’s previous residence and the Fenton’s temporary mansion from Living Large (which is of course right next door to Vlad, but with some distance, because the rich are always socially distancing with their big houses).

Polter Heights is adjacent to a bunch of farmland (this is the midwest, we like cows and stuff), and there is a church close by as well.

Just outside Polter Heights is the Manson Mansion (with Sam’s greenhouse). Lucky for Sam, the Skulk and Lurk Books and an occult shop are just down the street. The Manson residence is also near a funeral home and graveyard (how did Sam get so lucky? Oh, because I love her), a synagogue, Mario’s restaurant, and a dry cleaners. 

We get more spacious as we get away from the center of town! 

Along the shore of Lake Eerie, there are the docks which are home to many warehouses, including the mattress factory.

Also along the shoreline, there is a pier which doubles as an amusement park (think kinda like Navy Pier in Chicago in comparison) and alongside the pier is the public beach area. 

Camp Skull and Crossbones is located on the other side of Lake Eerie, and the fishing area is more on the north side of the lake. Lake Eerie is not one of the Great Lakes, it’s just its own thing in Amity Park. 

Back towards the park, we have event grounds space, which is where Circus Gothica is located, as well as the Meet Swap and flea market. Basically whatever rotating event hits town, it comes right here. Just next door is a theatre (for music, opera, Broadway, etc.). There is also the third and final Nasty Burger location in AP.

This is all surrounding the actual park Amity Park, which has a pond, a big fountain, and also hosts that really big hill that overlooks City Hall.

On the south side, across the bridge and over the interstate is Elmerton, where Val currently is resided. 

All the other blocks are filled with more office buildings, apartment complexes, houses, and businesses, but all of the main places are already listed and placed. 

Finally, yes, I did name some places for myself and my friends because they’re great and they deserve it. These include Steph’s (mine) Occult Shoppe, Nick’s Liquor Emporium (@ecto-american), Lexx R Us Toystore (@lexosaurus and appropriately named after the Lexxpocalypse), Laz’s Law Offices LLC (@kinglazrus), Dee’s Dentistry (@qlinq-qhost​), Lily’s Looks Thrift Store (@dannyphantomisameme​), Ceci’s Funeral Home (@ceciliaspen​), Vic’s Amusement Park (@babypop-phantom​), and Reverie Books (@wastefulreverie​). 

[cardest]

Italy & Rome playlist

Pizza. Fiat. Centurions. Fulci. Argento. Morricone. It’s all here in this Roma - Italia playlist. If you love ancient Roman history and horror film soundtracks, this is the playlist for you! Hit play right here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-iHPcxymC18JtHohAYmD7g1FGA8S-D2B

Nero would enjoy this playlist! But, if there is a song or band I forgot or even a horror film soundtrack, or Italian prog record I mighta missed, let me know! This is one of my favorite playlists. Grazie!

ITALIA & ROMA

001 Goblin - La caccia 002 High On Fire -  Romulus And Remus 003 Braens Machine - Flying 004 Piero Umiliani - Produzione 005 Fantomas - Page 1 [6 Frames] 006 Lucio Fulci's Zombie Theme(1979) 007 Tullio De Piscopo drum pattern - Samba Carnival 008 Quella Vecchia Locanda - Il Tempo Della Gioia 009 Sandro Brugnolini - Amofen 010 Ufomammut - Mars 011 Gerardo Iacoucci - Tradimento 012 Procol Harum - Conquistador   013 LA TERZA MADRE  - Main Theme by Claudio Simonetti 014 Fantomas -  The Godfather 015 Toto Cutugno - L'Italiano 016 CHILDREN OF TECHNOLOGY - Fear the mohawk reaper 017 Ennio Morricone -  Non Rimane Piu Nessuno 018 Mina - Non credere 019 Bölzer - Roman Acupuncture 020 Jerry Goldsmith The Omen OST - Ave Satani 021 Lou Monte - roman guitar 022 Tony Di Marti - L'Uccellino Della Comare   023 Paul Chain Violet Theatre - 17 day 024 Satyricon -  The Ghost of Rome 025 Ghost - Con Clavi Con Dio 026 Charles Aznavour - Com'a Triste Venezia 027 Jula de Palma - Tua (1959) versione originale 028 Dean Martin - That's Amore   029 FORGOTTEN TOMB - We Owe You Nothing 030 Mike Patton - Ti Offro Da Bere 031 Death SS - Heavy Demons 032 The Lord Weird Slough Feg - Sword of Machiavelli 033 Afterhours - Milano Circonvallazione Esterna 034 Fantomas -  Page 17 [14 Frames] 035 Gluttony -  The Rise Of Pompey 036 Sherpa - Kim (((o))) Tigris & Euphrates 037 Umberto Tozzi Gloria - Italian Version 038 Franco Bracardi & Giorgio Bracardi -  Lo Strangolatore Di Boston 039 Black Hole - Bells of Death 040 Tarantella Pugliese - La Rondinella 041 Pino Villa- A Mucca Pazza 042 Opera IX - Bela Lugosi's Dead 043 MARIO MOLINO - TRAFFICO CAOTICO 044 Lucio Battisti - La Collina Dei Ciliegi 045 Tenebre (Main Title) by Goblin 046 SYK - FONG 047 FUOCO FATUO - Sulphureous Hazes 048 Primordial -  As Rome Burns 049 Abysmal Grief - Crypt of Horror 050 Mike Patton/Mondo Cane - re D'Amore 051 The Man from U. N. C. L. E. Soundtrack - Jimmy Renda Se 052 Stelvio Cipriani - Papaya 053 Fantomas - Page 28 [20 Frames] 054 Carlo Maria Cordio - Rosso Sangue (Absurd) 055 Emma De Angelis - Trip 056 BRUNO NICOLAI-Red Cats (1975) 057 Duncan Dhu - La barra de este hotel 058 FROZEN CROWN - Neverending 059 Pavor na Cidade dos Zumbis (City of the Living Dead, 1980) Theme 060 Jarboe & Father Murphy - The Ferryman 061 Mudhoney - When In Rome 062 Fantomas - Page 21 [11 Frames] 063  Ancient Roman Music - Synaulia I 064 Behemoth - Rome 64 C.E. / Slaying the Prophets ov Isa 065 Clutch - Nero's Fiddle 066 Gluttony -  The Rise Of Sulla 067 Goblin - L'alba dei morti viventi 068 Elvis Presley - Heart Of Rome 069 Bulldozer - Insurrection Of The Living Damned 070 Peggy Lee - When In Rome (I Do as the Romans Do) 071 Osanna - Variazione I (To Plinius) 072 GIULIANO SORGINI - Ultima Caccia 073 Ennio Morricone - Metti una sera a cena 074 Sepultura -  The Vatican 075 Rome Soundtrack 02 The Forum 076 Fantomas -  Page 4 [11 Frames] 077 Gladiator - Theme Song 078 Avantasia - The Glory of Rome 079 Caligula (1979)-Opening Credits 080 Umberto -  Temple Room 081 SODOM - Caligula 082 Lacuna Coil -  Survive 083 Gigliola Cinquetti - Non ho leta 084 Lucio Battisti - Emozioni 085 Goblin -  Markos 086 MIke Patton -  Urlo Negro 087 Sandro Brugnolini -  Megattera 088 Fantomas -  Page 25 [34 Frames] 089 The Italian Job Soundtrack- Opening Titles 090 Fabio Frizzi - Un Gatto Nel Cervello 091 Heidevolk - Het verbond met Rome 092 Messiah - Nero 093 Julio Iglesias - Todo el amor que te hace falta 094 Calabria - Luna Calabrisi 095 Various Artists -  Iena Sequence 096 Fantomas -  Page 5 [7 Frames] 097 Perry Como Mandolins In The Moonlight 098 The Beyond Soundtrack - main theme 099 Mercyful Fate - Gypsy 100 Goblin -  Suspiria 101 Ufomammut - Empireum 102 Diaframma - Neogrigio 103 Umberto -  The Psychic 104 NecroDeath - Master Of Morphine 105 The Dirtiest - Cento shot 106 Fantomas -  Page 29 [39 Frames] 107 La Morte Viene Dallo Spazio - Ashes 108 Achille Togliani Fontana Di Trevi 109 MV & EE - Much obliged 110 Isis Synaulia - Musica dell'antica Roma 111 Sandro Brugnolini - Marsuino 112 Giobia - far behind 113 Darvaza - silver chalice   114 Fantomas -  Investigation Of A Citizen Above suspicion 115 Rome Soundtrack - Main Title Theme 116 Nebulae - Carbon 117 Beat Fuga - Shake 118 Gruppo folk naxos - Tarantella siciliana 119 Russian Circles - Milano 120 Kalidia - Circe's spell 121 Harlan Williams, Beneath the Iron Heel of Pagan Rome 122 Exhorder - Slaughter in the Vatican 123 Vatican - the 5th of metal 124 Extrema - Deep Infection 125 Rod Stewart - Italian Girls 126 Louis Prima - Buona Sera 127 Mike Patton/Mondo Cane - Che Notte! 128 Sinoath -  Saturnalia 129 Piero Piccioni - L'Italia Vista dal Cielo (Lombardia) 130 PIERO UMILIANI - Topless Party 131 Dean Martin - Arrivederci Roma 132 Fantomas -  Page 30 [2 Frames] 133 Sadist - Nadir 134 Hour of Penance - Rise and Oppress 135  Virgin Steele - The Burning of Rome (Cry for Pompeii) 136 FROZEN CROWN - Battles In The Night 137 The Monolith Deathcult - Demigod 138 PIG DESTROYER -  Machiavellian 139 Raw Power  - State oppresion 140 La luna ammenzu o mari - Folk Sicilia 141 Angels and Demons Soundtrack - Main Theme (Hans Zimmer) 142 Lou Monte - Bella notte 143 Fantomas - Page 7 [6 Frames] 144 Danger Mouse and Daniele Luppi - Theme of ''Rome'' 145 INFERNO OST Dario Argento - MAIN THEME 146 Hombres G - Venezia 147 Rome Soundtracks - The Battle has began (Caesar's Theme) 148 NORA ORLANDI- Ossessione 149 Stelvio Cipriani - Orgasmo Nero 150 Goblin -  Profondo Rosso - Mad Puppet 151 Duatha - Maximinus Thrax 152 Sodom - City of God 153 Caronte - Invocation to Paimon 154 Demoni (Demons) Soundtrack by Claudio Simonetti  - Killing 155 PSYCHEDELIC WITCHCRAFT - Rising On The Edge 156 James Reyne - Fall Of Rome 157 Fantomas -  Vendetta 158  Rome Soundtrack - 16Th Death of Pompey 159 Alessandro Alessandroni & Sorgini Giuliano - Overcraft 160 The Man from U. N. C. L. E. OST - Che Vuole Questa Musica Stasera (Profumo Di Donna) 161 Clutch - Circus Maximus 162 Candlemass - Demons Gate 163 ROME - Uropia O Morte 164 Siouxsie And The Banshees - Cities In Dust (Extended 12 Version) 165 Tony Mottola - You And Only You 166 Musica dell'Antica Roma - Pavor 167 Fantomas - Page 6 [26 Frames] 168 Aborym -  II 169 Scorpions - The Sails Of Charon 170 Blind Guardian -  Lionheart 171 Septicflesh -  Dante's Inferno 172 MESSA - Leah 173 Mike Patton -  Senza Fine 174 Gary Numan - My Centurion 175 Frank Black and the Catholics - Back to Rome 176 Tonino Cavallo - Tarantella Siciliana 177 THE MELVINS - The Bloated Pope 178 Gluttony -  Lucullus In The East 179 Toto - Spanish Steps Of Rome 180 Fantomas -  Page 8 [9 Frames] 181 Mark Lanegan Band - Playing Nero 182 METRALLETA STEIN OST - Telemark 183 Luciano Pavarotti - Sole Mio 184 Jorja Chalmers - red light 185 Blood Ceremony -  Faunus 186 EKPYROSIS - Profound Death 187 Corleone  - Tutto diventerà rosso (feat. Mike Patton) 188 Primus -  The Storm 189 Museo Rosenbach - Superuomo 190 IVANO FOSSATI - MILANO 191 Lucio Dalla - Milano 192 Fantomas -  Page 9 [11 Frames] 193 Alessandro Allesendroni - Remember 194 Le Orme - Felona & Sorona - Return To Naught 195 Rome - The Spanish Drummer 196 Epitaph  -  Beyond the Mirror 197 Ephel Duath - The Passage 198 Three of You - New Life 199 Walter Rizzati I remember (Quella villa accanto al cimitero) 200 Lacuna Coil -  Heaven's A Lie 201 Judas Priest - Nostradamus 202 Triumvirat - Vesuvius 79 A.D. 203 Amedeo Tommasi - Exploration 204 Nero Kane † Lord Won't Come 205 FULCI - Eye Full Of Maggots 206 ULVER - Nemoralia 207 Voltumna  - Roma Delenda Est 208 Adorable - Sistine Chapel Ceiling 209 I Gres - Restless 210 Rita Pavone - Il Geghegè 211 Jahbulong - Under the influence of the fool 212 Theatres des Vampires -  Sangue 213 Antonio - High Voltage! 214 Fantomas -  Page 23 [17 Frames] 215 Sadist - Enslaver of Lies 216 Bunker 66 - (She's Got) Demon Eyes 217 GIULIANO SORGINI - Mad town 218 Zu -  Ostia 219 Moonraker - Miss Goodhead Meets Bond in Venice 220 Franco Micalizzi - I Due Volti Della Paura 221 John Zorn Naked City - The Sicilian Clan 222 Piero Umiliani - Nel Villaggio 223 Mike Patton/Mondo Cane - Cielo In Una Stanza 224 UFOMAMMUT - Warsheep 225 Fleshgod Apocalypse -  Elegy 226 SLASHER DAVE - Fulzzi 227 Panna Fredda - La Paura 228 Meads Of Asphodel - God Is Rome 229 Nora Orlandi - I Robot Original Version (Il dolce corpo di Deborah) 230 Caronte - Exctasy of Hecate 231 White Skull - Will of the Strong 232 Wotan - Thermopiles 233 Chromatics - Faded Now 234 Fantomas -  Page 2 [7 Frames] 235 Schizo - the main frame collapse 236 Ghost B.C. -  Per Aspera Ad Inferi 237 Dream Theater - The Count Of Tuscany 238 Satyricon -  Commando 239 Psico Galera - La Prima Volta 240 Scolopendra - Priest's blood soup 241 Theatres Des Vampires - 'Til the Last Drop of Blood 242 Victrola - Game of Despair 243 Blue Phantom - Diodo 244 Mortuary Drape - My Soul/primordial 245 Fantomas -  Page 11 [10 Frames] 246 Gianni Ferrio - Un dollaro bucato 247 Ataraxia - Canzona 248 Hexvessel - Phaedra 249 Lee Hazlewood and Nancy Sinatra - Some Velvet Morning 250 Mike Patton -  L'Uomo Che Non Sapeva Amare 251 Idiota Civilizzato - Uno E Nessuno 252 Ennio Morricone - Main Theme for Dario Argento's THE CAT O'NINE TAILS 253 Rhapsody - Ascending to Infinity 254 Monumentum - Battesimo: Nero Opaco 255 Opera IX - 1313 (Eradicate the False Idols) 256 Piedone lo sbirro OST - The Baron's death 257 Goblin - Deep red OST main theme 258 EKPYROSIS - Immolate the Denied 259 L'Impero delle Ombre - II Sabba 260 Monte Kristo - The Girl of Lucifer 261 Ghost - Lady Nite 262 Hallowed - Wake Up In The Night 263 Fantomas -  Page 27 [15 Frames] 264 Giuliano Sorgini - Lavoro cerebrale 265 Death SS - Vampire 266 VOLTURIAN - Broken 267 Cradle Of Filth - The 13th Caesar 268 Fulci - tropical sun 269 Alessandro Cortini - Perdere 270 Francesco Guccini - Bologna 271 Abysmal Grief  - Celebrate what they fear 272 Goblin - book of skulls 273 Tom Waits - In The Colosseum 274 Peggy Lee - Autumn In Rome 275 Ruins - Petit Portrait 276 Urna - Omnis Inifinita Mens Est Gremium Et Sepolcrum Universi 277 Nicolas Gaunin - Noa Noa Noa 278 Lacuna Coil - No Need to Explain 279 Theatres Des Vampires - Morgana Effect 280 Sepultura - City of Dis 281 Opera IX - The Oak 282 Rhapsody - Il cigno nero 283 Cripple Bastards  - Variante Alla Morte 284 Goblin - Witch (Susperia OST) 285 Death SS - revived 286 Henning Christiansen - L'essere Umano Errabando La Voca Errabando 287 Rolling Blackouts - The Second Of The First 288 Giuda - Overdrive 289 Hierophant  - Son of the new faith 290 Giorgio Faletti - Nati a Milano 291 Fabio Frizzi - A Cat in the Brain, Sequence 2 292 Dean Martin - On An Evening In Roma (Sott'er Celo De Roma) 293 FLESHGOD APOCALYPSE - Monnalisa 294 Valgrind - The Endless Circle 295 Oceana - Atlantidea Suite Part 1 296 Soda Stereo - Paseando Por Roma 297 Blasphemer - The Sixth Hour 298 Raw Power - Dreamer 299 Mike Patton/Mondo Cane - Deep down 300 Lacuna Coil - Swamped 301 Slalom OST by Ennio Morricone - Main theme 302 Stefano Marcucci - INFERNO 303 Lou Monte - Shaddap Ya Face 304 The Case of the Bloody Iris OST by Bruno Nicolai - Main theme 305 Mortuary Drape - Dreadful discovery 306 Antonio Riccardo Luciani - Cinque sottozero 307 Plateau Sigma -  Ouija and the Qvantvm 308 Piero Piccioni - Colpo rovente OST - main titles 309 Riz Ortolani - sette orchidee macchiate di rosso 310 Ad Nauseam - Imperative Imperceptible Impulse 311 Oliver Onions - Italian Girl 312 Bauhaus - Bela Lugosi's Dead 313 Metamorfosi - Spacciatore di Droga - Terremoto - Limbo 314 Body Count OST by Claudio Simonetti  - main theme 315 Symphony X - Underworld 316 Carlo Savina - Titoli di testa 317 Orchestra King Zerand - Night Song 318 Piero Umiliani - La schiava 319 CLAUDIO SIMONETTI'S GOBLIN - The Devil is back 320 Roman Holiday OST - Main title 666 Fabio Frizzi - Voci Dal Nulla

Perhaps not enough Morricone and needs more Goblin. The next update will have more, I am sure. Play it here:  https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-iHPcxymC18JtHohAYmD7g1FGA8S-D2B

[thefivecalls]

Things I associate with each of the sides for no reason

Logan:

I understand he's supposed to be dark blue or indigo. Regardless, he will always be teal. This teal:

For some reason when I got detention that one time I got a Logan vibe so yeah theres that

"Space... The final frontier..." But uhhh just the opening has his vibes

Why is he always whereing a neck tie and not a bow tie? If anyone has necktie vibes its Janus not Logan

Logan also has chaos incarnate vibes that are only in check because of his last shreds of humanity one of these days he'll break and when he does thomas can and will set something on fire using bill nye the science guy tactics

He is waking up early and going to bed late

He is framing posters

He is dancing in your bedroom to awesome music that has never been such a vibe before that moment and will never be again.

Broken clocks

Beaker from the muppets? I don't quite get it but yeah

Rock of ages

Getting a pitcher of soda or tea or whatever and setting it on his desk, then getting 23 straws and taping them together so he can lay in bed on his phone and safely drink it without spilling

Grilled cheese

Kahoot music

Remus:

Death waltz. Not the synthesia no the one that takes 14 people to play.

Canoeing

Obviously he has close combat weapons but have you thought about giving him a bow and arrow? I have and yes thats a vibe because he is one of three people I've ever met with those vibes ok

Portable speakers

He is bonfires and fireworks.

He is hyperfixating on something and writing a story until 4 in the morning.

Potions!

The fact that witches ingredients are actually just named strange things but are edible somethings? Like mustard seeds being newts eyes and the like

Acid

In my human anatomy class we dissected deer hearts and when we found the blood clots we called them the Forbidden Jellies.

The county fair

The circus that comes around at fall festival time

Homecoming game in football/rugby

I feel like if he played an instrument he'd be a baritone

The lime green smoke Disney villians have

Roman:

Zootopia the movie

Hopping. Or bouncing in place.

My family's crest?? I think its because of his crest but he had those vibes before the outift upgrade???? Idk

The ponytail thing that give you a unicorn horn when you've got short hair but bangs that are beginning to grow out

He is picnics at the park

He is also going shopping

He is also dancing in the rain at four in the morning with the outside lights on and the music blaring but its ok the neigbors are four acres away and they sleep like the dead.

When I went to my first metal concert and I saw the mosh pit? The exhilaration that comes with wanting to join but not wanting to get crushed is a Roman thing.

Pancakes

Cold pizza at midnight

Succulents!

Fire and cane whiskey

The warm smiles that the bearer never gets to see because they don't get the chance to see it in a reflection

Butterscotch

Janus:

Springtime showers that makes snowmelt rivers

Prom. Dont ask this is just a him vibe ok

He seems like the guy that would make a blanket cacoon/nest when his bedsheets are in the wash and can I say mood

Sunlight

Looking off my back porch and seeing the feilds of corn beginning to dry out in late fall every three years.

Pumpkin soup

Apple cider

Lemonade

Not only is he snowmelt rivers he is also the first thunderstorm of summertime

Sun tea. Not the brand the stuff that you make via harnessing the suns power

Cucumber facemasks

Wildflower honey

The person who youd never guess goes to comic con but is actually the one who wins first place in the costume contest every year

Oversized sweaters

German Sheppards and yellow labs sunbathing after playing for hours

Antique mirrors

Burlap canvas bags

Oil paint

Espressos at ten at night

Late night chinese food runs

Dragons

Spice. Not the average spice either I'm talking could eat a carolina reaper and yes he'll be more red but he could still talk and thats more than I can say for myself

Virgil:

The red rubber balls from kick ball in elementary. By god I can smell the plastic just thinking about it

Flappy stims! Almost every time I flap he comes to mind I never really questioned it

The weighted blanket my dad got that I steal from him all the time

'He's a Mary poppins in a world of hasselhoffs" my friend once said that not even talking about Virgil but like. Come on.

Basically all of Star Lord's vibes are Virgils

Deadpool

Jack Skellington (kinda obvs)

Sample perfumes that are like the size of a pinky

Telescopes

Not writing an essay but instead learning all about world history or astronomy or psychology

Earings. Specifically hoops

Black pearls

Boardwalks that have tiny shops along them with a bunch of food.

Going to a club or a party with flashing lights and even though you're kinda nervous you have fun and live like tomorrow is still a dream away.

Ripped movie posters that the theater is selling

Tying ropes together to make nets.

Fairy lights

Taping movie theater tickets to your wall after you've gone and seen it

Scarecrows sitting on bales of hay at sunset next to my willow tree and the cicadas are on their 13th year so they're the loudest they'll ve until another 13 years have passed

The glint in someone's eye when they think of something mischievous

Bang by AJR

The corpse bride's tale/song

Patton:

The lazer eye meme. This one

Graham Crackers. Not smores, not candy crack-just the cracker ok

Pep rallies

The pet store??

Sugar sculptures

Corn pits (strictly midwestern thing)

Driving for hours upon hours and seeing the strange statues some towns have as you pass them by

Silver sparkles

Art herpes glitter

Photo booths

Riding in the back of a pickup truck on the county's main road

Wedding crystals cabinet where you put the fancy china you're going to give to your children that never gets used once but is probably worth half your house

The chubby bunny challenge

The moment when you tip your chair back too far and you know it but you can't do anything because you'll be on the floor in a second anyway

The thing maya did from Girl Meets World when she slammed lockers closed and caused the chalkboard to let its dust fly

Dusk.

That moment when everything is going by so quickly so you step back and watch the world go by for only a few seconds but then you're back in the present laughing with your friends

Snow cones melting and getting the syrup all over your hands

Orange Side:

All things citrus but especially lemons no not oranges lemons

Sunglasses

Men in black 1 not the rest just the first

Pineapple too hes got a lot of pineapple vibes

Combat boots but with spikes

Also lace?

And tea. Like, all kinds of tea but especially the really expensive stuff that I've only tasted like twice thats imported from Ireland

Himalayan salt lamps.

Sensies. the wax melting things

Candles too

Once we meet him I'll have more but this is it for him for now

Thats it! If this gets notes I might do emile remy and thomas but I think I'll leave this be for the moment. Have a great day y'all!

[lovemesomesurveys]

How do you feel about full length beards? I’m not into a lot of facial hair. I like some scruff, but that’s it. Have you ever been to a circus? Yeah, once. I was naive and didn’t know about the abuse that went on at the time. Do you know anyone who’s gone to a Fat Camp? No. Do you use Facebook IM everyday? No. I don’t even remember the last time I used it. How many surveys have you done already today? This is my first.

What’s the WORST show on Adult Swim? I don’t care for the Adult Swim shows. Family Guy and American Dad is okay, but after that it gets too stupid and weird for me. Sorry. Like once I saw this show, Mr. Pickles, and uh... wtf. The episode I saw was very disturbing. I don’t get the appeal of Rick and Morty at all. And why the hell is Mike Tyson Mysteries a thing? That’s just to name a few. I see previews of other shows and I just... wow. Do you have any relatives that have shunned you, or vice versa? No. Has anyone ever posted a HORRIBLE picture of you for everyone to see? Not maliciously or because they thought it was horrible and wanted to embarrass me, but yeah. My mom has posted photos where she didn’t see anything wrong and she thinks I looked fine, but I was like EW NO take that down it’s hideous. I reallyyyy don’t like photos of me taken by someone else. I have to take my own photos if I’m going to take one at all because I know the angles and lighting and can add a filter. Plus, I can take a ton before finally settling on one. If someone else takes the photo and they want to post it, I have to approve. Which grade in school was the most fun for you? I enjoyed elementary and middle school. High school had its ups and downs, but there were parts I liked. I liked the last 2 years the best. Which would you rather have, a new puppy or kitten? I wouldn’t want another pet right now to be honest. We have our doggo and one suits our family best right now. Does drama seem to follow you everywhere you go? No, thankfully. I have other issues I struggle with, but not drama. Do you ever just want to go away to a new place where no one knows you? I don’t live in a small town where everyone knows everyone and I was never Miss Popularity, so apart from family and a few other people, not a lot of people know me. However, I do want move away to a new place. My family and I have wanted to for a long time, we just haven’t been able to. A change of environment and scenery would be really nice. You’re ordering a pizza, you can have any kind of toppings, what are they? I’m a simple gal, I just like white sauce, feta and ricotta cheese, garlic, spinach, and crumbled meatballs with pesto drizzled on top. Do you hit ‘quiet’ or ‘ignore’ on your cell? Which one usually? Nah. If my phone rings and I don’t want to answer it, I just let it ring. Do you ever regret giving your number to people? I have before with some people. Have you ever been told that you’re afraid of your own shadow? Haha yeah. Have you ever tried Gouda cheese? Nope. Does/did your high school have pop machines? No. They decided to remove them the year I entered high school, which I was mad about. Do you use a public computer, or do you have your own? I have my own laptop. Do you ever find it odd how you type LOL when you’re not really laughing? >> No, because I understand that its function has moved far beyond representing actual laughing-out-loud. <<< Yeah. I remember discussing that in a class once. Have you ever gambled? A couple times. Not my thing. Although, what really made my experience unenjoyable wasn’t so much the gambling, it was that the casinos I’ve been to allow smoking and I don’t do well with cigarette smoke. At all. It gives me a killer headache, makes my heart rate go up, and makes me feel dizzy and sick. It’s awful. The smell in the casinos was too overbearing for me, so I spent very little time inside. Do you know anyone who’s won the lottery? No. If you could work at any retail store, which one would it be? I really don’t want to work retail. And that’s not shade toward retail workers AT ALL. I salute you, honestly. You deal with a lot of shit. What’s the shortest you would ever cut your hair? I had a “bob” for a few years. Do you listen to any deathcore? No. Do you subscribe to any teen magazines? Which ones? No. I’m also 30 years old. Do you know someone who never smiles? Never? No. Has anyone ever made you feel uncomfortable at work? I’ve never had a job. Do you still watch South Park? I never did. I mean, I’ve seen bits here and there before because my brother used to watch it, but I was never into it myself. Tell me one movie you’ve seen recently that sucked: My mom, brother, and I recently watched this movie on Netflix called, The Platform. It had potential and was interesting at first, but the ending was just... no. It seemed abrupt and I was just really confused. Have you ever carved something into a dinner booth somewhere? No. When’s the last time you were carded at a bar? When I last went to the bar, which was almost 10 years ago. Do you smoke little cigars? Have you ever tried them? Nooo. You’re babysitting, what do you expect per hour for pay? Pfft, no I’m not babysitting. What’s the last thing you returned at a store? I very rarely return things so I have no idea. It’s been a long time. What’s the name of the last cat you pet? I don’t even recall the last time I petted a cat. Do you still look at clouds and make shapes of them? I haven’t in a long time. If you had to dye your hair for one year, what color would you pick? I already do, I dye it red. Who’s got your heart? Me. What’s your television addiction? I have several shows that I’m into. Have you ever stringed green beans before? No. What do you do to make yourself more relaxed when you’re nervous? It’s hard to calm myself when I’m anxious, but I try to distract by talking to someone, listening to ASMR, watching TV or something on YouTube, or reading.  Do you cook? If so, what’s the last thing you made? The only thing I cook is ramen. Oh wait actually I made a grilled cheese sandwich the other day. ha.  Have you ever had any painful dental work done? If so, what? Yeah, a few things. How do you usually spend your Saturdays? I spend all my days and nights the same, really. Do you make your own jewelry or clothing? Last year I briefly got into making beaded bracelets. I made a few. What’s your favorite thing to do when you’re bored? I do the same things everyday whether I’m bored or not: spend time on my social medias, watch YouTube, read, watch TV, scroll through Tumblr, do surveys, just lie there.... ha. Somedays just feel like they’re dragging and going by extra slow and the things I listed above that I like doing just don’t cut it so I just lie there mindlessly watching TV or go to sleep. Do you use drawing to describe what you’re feeling? No. Do you like the smell of new school supplies? As a kid I did. Like getting a new box of crayons. Do you give everything you do 100%? No. I certainly haven’t with life... Do you shop at any independent music stores? No. I don’t shop at any music stores. How do you feel about mainstream music? I like a lot of it.

What song lyrics describe your mood at the moment? *shrug* Do you have healthy eating habits? No. My eating habits are messed up. I have issues with appetite and other issues.

If you could transform into any kind of animal, what animal would you be? A dog. Are you superstitious? If so, what are you superstitious about? I do the knock on wood thing, but it’s just out of habit, really. If you could travel anywhere in the world where would it be? There’s so many places I’d like to visit. What food disgusts you the most? I don’t do seafood at all. What is your favorite thing to cook? Ramen. One place you would never want to get lost in in the dark? I wouldn’t want to get lost anywhere in the dark. :O Are you claustrophobic? Yes. What is your worst flaw? Oh where to start. One thing that always creeps you out? ALL bugs. What is your biggest fear? Losing loved ones, death, never getting better/getting worse, never doing anything with my life and just wasting away... If you could be reincarnated, would you come back as another human or an animal? If an animal, what kind? I don’t believe in reincarnation. Ideal way you’d like to die? Obviously painlessly, but jeez. If you could be roommates with anyone of your choice, who would you pick? I like living with my family. What is the most ridiculous thing you’ve ever heard? Uh, a lot of things. Your favorite kind of dog? I love doggos, but I definitely have a special thing for Labs and German Shepherds. Do you have any scars? If so, how many? I have a lot of scars. I’m not going to count them. What is your favorite scary movie to watch in the dark? I don’t watch them in the dark. Unless I’m at the theater, obviously. I love scary movies, though. Would you rather be buried or cremated when you die? Cremated. What is your favorite thing to drink? Alcoholic and non alcoholic? Coffee and Starbucks Doubleshot energy drinks. That’s also coffee, but you know what I mean. I don’t have a favorite alcoholic drink, I don’t drink. What is your favorite food around the holidays? I love either ham or turkey depending on the holiday and mashed potatoes with gravy, stuffing, and rolls. Easiest way to scare you? I’m such a jumpy, easily scarable (it’s a word, shh) person so you could really just say hi and I’ll jump. haha. Like my back faces my bedroom door and if I don’t hear anyone coming in or they just poke their head in to say something I’ll jump. lmao. Tell me one of your biggest secrets? Nah. What was your last nightmare about? It’s been awhile since I’ve had one, thankfully.

[treago]

A SUMMARY OF WHAT HAPPENS IN EARTHBOUND BY YA BOI TREAGO

your neighbor who is a fucking annoying asshole bothers the police to try and see a meteor

a telepathic bug from the future will emerge from the meteor.

an alien will attack you and potentially wreck your shit if not for the bug

your mom kills the bug, and he tells you with his dying breath to go to 8 special places

a man called “Lier X. Agerate” destroys his own home and digs into the earths crusts and finds a golden statue

You assault a local gang and their steam robot

You fight an enormous ant so you can listen to music

You fight the police force to get them to remove a roadblock

Fight a local insane man in a park

You pay a cool looking kid to rip you off

you pay this fat kid that lives with rats to invent cell phones and the ability to erase pencils from this plane of existence

You encounter and subsequently destroy a cult that now has possession of that gold statue from earlier to recuse a psychic girl

You fight a giant mole to listen to more music

same local insane man in the park gives you ten thousand dollars. you give a local band thats in debt ten thousand dollars so you can ride a tour bus through a tunnel full of ghosts

You see a town full of zombies and decide that staying at the hotel would be a great idea, and so are thrown into a pit in a cemetery.  Your psychic friend contacts a nerd in boarding school telepathically

Nerd gives bubblegum to a monkey.  Monkey leads you to the lochness monster

Nerds father who abandoned him 10 years ago gives him a space ship, so he can crash into the pit in the cemetery and lock pick a door.

Fat kid invents zombie paper which is like fly paper for zombies. You put it in a circus tent and enjoy your life

You encounter friendly aliens.  One of them will tell you the password to an enemy base is 3 minutes of silence.  You go behind a waterfall and do nothing for 3 minutes to fight sludge

You trip balls in a hot springs with an alien while drinking coffee

You take a bus to the city.  It breaks down in the desert.  You walk the rest of the way to the city.

The same band gets indebted to another theater.

You go to the desert near a mining dig. You fight the 3rd strongest mole, the 3rd strongest mole, the 3rd strongest mole, the 3rd strongest mole and the 3rd strongest mole.  A construction worker gives you a diamond for the trouble. You pay off the debt with said diamond.

A haunted mall abducts your psychic girlfriend. 

Local insane man visits the city to find golden statue and fucking dies writes a haiku and tells you go insane

You decided going insane is a pretty great idea and go to an alternate dimension.

In the alternate dimension you square up with the golden statue.  You destroy it and discover your been dissociating in a warehouse.  

Your neighbor somehow becomes a business person in this city

Fat kid makes trout flavored yogurt dispenser.  The delivery guy just gives it to a random person in the desert.  A maid mentions her boss would love a yogurt dispenser

You then give a bunch of monkeys pizza, hamburgers, sandwiches, eggs, towels, rulers. A guy in a turban gives you your shit back.

A monkey teaches you how to run to other towns at the speed of not having to deal with the bullshit teleport

You enter the business mans building an destroy his security robots because the maid forgot to tell you a password.

You talk to the businessman and discover he was possessed by the statue from early.  He returns your friend. 

Your neighbor fucking pisses off in a helicopter says he doesnt need the businessman anymore.

You fight a mushroom near stonehenge to listen to music

You eat cake and have a bad trip.

Now controlling a prince, you meditate so hard your consciousness rips your arms, legs, ears, eyes away from you.  You’re now officially a psychic prince.  Also none of that happened.  He teleports to the rest of the group.

You visit a theater and get an autograph on a banana.  You give the banana to a guard to go into a sewers and kill a rat.  You listen to some music near a weird sculpture

You go to the princes home together and fight the avatar of storm and thunder.  You listen to music on a pink cloud.

You go to another desert, walk through a pyramid.  The prince gets bored and fucks off to learn how to summon meteors.

A man in a giant rock robot gives you his submarine so you can access a a swamp.  More sentient sludge will try to attack you.  Prince will come back and beat the shit out of it with meteors.

You meet more aliens.  The fat kid and nerds dad gives you the ability to erase erasers from existence back at stonehenge 

You discover a secret alien base in stonehenge that has abducted people.  You kill these aliens.  They are the ones your bug friend protected you from early on.

Fat kid donates a book about overcoming shyness to a library.  You give it to an alien. He directs you to a sentient rock.  The sentient rock directs you to a different alien, but that is evil.  You listen to music and get a message from yourself about yourself and your unease.

You are dropped into a world where everything is gigantic.  You get near a cave of lava and fight a dog made out of carbon.  you listen to music.

You retreat into your own psyche.  At the heart you discover the golden statue is a reflection of yourself.  You destroy it and wake up

You upload your consciousness into robots, dying and being reborn in the process, and then go to the future to fight the expression of evil.

Your fucking neighbor is there being an asshole in a robot, along with your flesh body stuck in a machine.

The evil cannot be defeated, so your characters pray help from:

aliens, the indebted band, the psychic girls parents, the boarding school, the princes town, the local gang leader, your family

You are swallowed by darkness

There is one last prayer is the final bit of support is YOU!  the player holding the controller.  

The kids die and their spriits float away

its okay they get back to their flesh bodies i guess

[wikitopx]

Montreal, the erstwhile commercial capital of Canada, is the most populous municipality in Quebec province.

Well-connected by air and rail to various parts of the country as well as international destinations, this bustling city is also a hub of education. There is no dearth of places to enjoy art, relish good food, and live life to the fullest when you are in this beautiful city. This 4,000-year-old destination is a popular location for international conferences as well as music and sporting events such as the Canadian Grand Prix segment of Formula One racing. With plenty of things happening each day, the city is just as amazing by night as it is by day! Here are some things to do at night in Montreal.

1. Go for a midnight stroll up Mount Royal

The city of Montreal derives its name from this volcanic mountain that towers over the city. The mountain sits in Mount Royal Park, a sprawling green space, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the landscape architect who also designed New York’s famous Central Park. Walking up to the summit of Mount Royal through one of many routes through the park, especially in the middle of the night, is an unforgettable experience.

2. Laugh a while at The Comedy Nest

Smile away your blues at Montreal’s popular comedy club where you can catch in action, some of the established comics from across North America. Doors open about 45 minutes before show time and give you the chance to down a few drinks at the bar and to fuel up with some light snacks. The 90-minute show usually features local talent as openers.

3. Try air-gun shooting at Tir du Soleil

Montreal’s sole air-gun shooting center is a great spot for everyone over the age of eight to spend some time as night falls. Choose from a range of air guns and pistols to shoot at moving targets. Don’t worry if you have never done this before because the facility provides you with the training and all the equipment necessary.

4. Go late-night gaming at Amusement 2000 Plus

A fun place to while away your night while in Montreal, Amusement 2000 Plus offers a range of classic arcade games. Put your gaming skills to the test and face-off with friends for the perfect way to end an exciting day. Or you could just be getting started!

5. Pamper yourself at The Bota Bota Spa

Enjoy rejuvenating treatments at this unique floating spa. Situated in the old port of Montreal, this spa is housed in a historic river ferry boat. Relax in the sauna as you look out at the twinkling city lights in solitude. Savor flavorful dishes made from fresh organic produce at the elegant restaurant adjoining the spa.

6. Play arcade games at Arcade MTL

Spend the night at this hip, brick-walled bar featuring a range of vintage arcade games. Take up challenges and unwind with friends or family in this intimate setting in the Latin Quarter of town. The arcade often hosts tournaments that are extremely popular with the young and old alike. Of course, the different types of beer available add to the charm of the place!

7. Eat dinner at Nouveau Palais

Drop by this casual dining and drinking place for some excellent comfort food, Canadian-style. A favorite among locals for brunch as well as late night eats, this cozy restaurant is not to be missed. Enjoy a range of salads, soups, and mains including pizza and specials for dinner. They have a midnight menu especially for those who get late cravings for a side of cheesy fries to go with that sumptuous burger!

8. Take a tango lesson at Dance Conmigo

Unleash your love for dance with an exciting private tango lesson at this professional studio. Dance the night away with Alain and Cheryl as you learn the finer nuances of this sensual dance form. You can also opt for a private lesson in a public space to help you get over your fear of dancing in public.

  9. Take a dinner cruise along the Saint Lawrence River

Relish a sumptuous five-course dinner as you sail down the St Lawrence River in a cruise ship. Take in the stunning views of Montreal and its neighboring islands as you feast in one of three glass-enclosed dining rooms. After dinner, enjoy dancing on the open terrace as the DJ plays all the latest music. Seeing the beauty of Montreal from the water with the starry sky above is something you will cherish forever!

10. Watch a midnight screening at Dollar Cinema

Enjoy the old-world charm of an inexpensive movie theater at the Dollar Cinema with tickets hovering around USD 2.50. Add a dollar’s worth of popcorn or soda and settle in for the next couple of hours. Dollar Cinema has two theaters and a lobby where you can get your tickets and refreshments. The theaters also host live performance such as concerts and circus acts on a regular basis.

Read also: Top 10 things to do in Bryson City, NC

From : https://wikitopx.com/travel/top-10-things-to-do-in-montreal-704322.html

[businessliveme]

American Road Trips You Must Take in This Lifetime

The days are getting longer, and the weather’s getting warmer: It’s time for a good, old-fashioned road trip.

Embrace a quirky detour or two along classic highways and byways to discover America’s most exciting cultural debuts, food oases, and fast-evolving cities. Best of all, no roadside motel needed.

Each of the five weeklong itineraries below includes overnights at some of the country’s most lavish new spots, even in rustic locales unaccustomed to five-star digs such as Yellowstone National Park.

What are you waiting for? The open road awaits.

A Delicious Southern Drive

Ready to take on the biscuit byways? Or hit the sweet tea circuit? Whatever you want to call your adventure through the South, food will be front and center—now more than ever.

Days 1-3: Start in Charleston, S.C., where the plush Hotel Bennett has just opened in a historic building on King Street—right next to some of the city’s hottest new restaurants, such as Melfi’s. (The hotel’s own restaurant Gabrielle, which merges Charleston flavors and European techniques, is getting plenty of buzz, too.)

Want to get hands-on with the city’s food history? The French Quarter Inn has just started food tours with local chef Benjamin Dennis, who famously showed Anthony Bourdain around town for his Parts Unknown series.

Day 4: Then head three hours north to Greenville, S.C., a charming culinary center in the making. It’s where Sean Brock recently opened an outpost of Husk, one of the country’s most venerated love letters to Southern cuisine.

The Anchorage, Greenville’s other destination dining spot with a daily-changing small plates menu, has just been shortlisted for a James Beard Award. Bookmark a brand-new food hall called Gather GVL featuring HenDough (a fried chicken and doughnuts spot) and a craft beer emporium, and you’ll be full as long as you decide to stay.

Day 5: A (temporary) break from all the gluttony awaits in Asheville, N.C., where a new hotel called The Foundry is within walking distance of the breweries and old-timey shops downtown; it’s also a few minutes away from the city’s thriving River Arts district. But more important, a stop here gets you closer to the capstone of your foodie pilgrimage, Blackberry Farm, which lies two and a half hours west across the Tennessee border.

Days 6-8: Book into the resort’s new wellness-oriented spinoff, Blackberry Mountain, to explore the Great Smoky Mountains by day and then stuff yourself silly by night. The resort’s active offerings include bouldering and aerial yoga in what’s essentially a private concession of the national park, plus access to the iconic restaurants at the main hotel. And, if you’d rather not fly from Knoxville’s tiny airport nearby (which offers limited connectivity even to major hubs), you’ll be only three hours away from Nashville, where a rooftop concert series is soon to kick off at the music-centric Bobby Hotel and swish properties such as the Dream are bringing elevated levels of luxury to a down-home city you likely know and love.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park – Gatlinburg Pigeon Forge Tennessee

What to drive? A Porsche Macan GTS. The best-selling SUV is large enough to hold all your roadside finds but small and sporty enough for some spirited driving on all those blue-smoke Appalachian back roads (it’s a Porsche, after all).

The Essential National Parks Pilgrimage

Whether you’re seeking America’s most awe-inspiring sights for a humbling perspective or doing it for the ’gram, there’s never been a better time to drive through the rugged West—especially if you prefer to sleep in the lap of luxury.

Day 1: Since you’re likely spending most of your trip off the grid, start with a totally different vibe in Las Vegas. The recently opened NoMad resists the themed schtick of most hotels on the Strip and aims for classy—but of course that’s all relative, and when its new pool opens this month, Moroccan-inspired weekend parties will be helmed by boldface names such as Mark Ronson and DJ Five.

Days 2-3: Set out north on Interstate 15, past Valley of Fire State Park and the Beaver Dam and toward Zion National Park in Utah. If you’re lucky, you’ll be sleeping at Amangiri—but since the resort’s sandstone suites book up far in advance, you may have better luck at the Amira Resort in St. George, which incorporates elements of Native American design. Use either one as a hub to explore the nearby natural attractions: not just Zion, but Bryce Canyon and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.

Days 3-5: Head north toward Park City, Utah, where Auberge’s latest five-star resort, The Lodge at Blue Sky, is opening any day now. With pristine access to 3,500 acres of sagebrush-covered mountains, it’s a perfect spot for leisurely clay pigeon shoots and nighttime hikes lit only by the full moon.

Days 6-8: A long day of driving (roughly six hours) will get you to Yellowstone National Park. Just on the edge of the park is the new Sage Lodge, where you can live out your Wild West fantasies, whether that means fly-fishing, horseback riding, or searching for buffalo.

Day 9: You’ll eventually have to fly out of Helena, Mont., but pit-stopping in nearby Bozeman will give you an easier re-entry into civilization. The city is in the midst of a cultural renaissance: The Rialto theater has just been fully renovated (and hosts live music several nights of the week), galleries such as Cello and Tierney Fine Art put a spotlight on the makers of the American West, and the Museum of the Rockies has one of the largest dinosaur fossil collections in the world.

What to drive? The Jaguar F-Pace. It’s stylish and functional, with a panoramic sunroof that’s perfect for taking in all of the tall peaks you’ll be passing.

Hill Country, and Then Some

Texas doesn’t offer the most scenic driving, but pretty much everything else about this town-and-country itinerary is as crowd-pleasing as it gets.

Days 1-3: Of course you can get stellar brisket and ribs within Austin’s city limits, but you’re here to explore Hill Country, just a few miles away. So check into one of Austin’s funky newcomers (The Line, South Congress Hotel, and the Liz Lambert-designed Austin Motel all get two thumbs-up), and then U-turn straight out of town. Try Opie’s, a half-hour northeast, for its sweet, spicy, and sticky baby back ribs one day; the next, venture along supposedly haunted highways to Milt’s for expertly charred brisket. Want some of the most fabled sausage links in the country? Make your pilgrimage to Salt Lick, or try the less-iconic (meaning: less touristy, but no less delicious) Payne’s Bar-B-Q Shak in the tiny town of Burnet instead.

Days 4-6: Go in the opposite direction as most road trippers, by skipping Marfa and heading to Houston instead. (It’s just a two-and-a-half-hour drive—much better than the six-and-change it takes to get to the sleepy arts town.) The largest city in Texas is having a banner year, with a host of museum openings and renovations, four new jumbo food courts, and a worth-the-trip exhibit at the Johnson Space Center honoring the 50th anniversary of Apollo 11’s moon landing. Plus, you might even catch the spring rodeo if you plan your trip just right.

Days 7-9: You can hightail it to New Orleans in a relatively uneventful five hours, or you can make a day of it with a few fun stops. Amelia Farm & Market is a working pecan farm with grade-A lunch options in Beaumont, Texas, Bread & Circus Provisions in Lafayette, La., recently earned a James Beard nod for its standout pizzas, and the Oak Valley Plantation is a stunning estate that serves as an important reminder of the South’s history. (There’s a small but noteworthy exhibit documenting the area’s ties to slavery right on-site.) You’ll still make it to New Orleans in time to have a night out on the town, and if you’re staying at Maison de la Luz, a whimsically designed entry from the developers of the Ace Hotels, you won’t have to go far—the property’s West Indies-inspired Library Bar and Italian restaurant, Josephine Estelle, are both among the city’s most of-the-moment hangouts.

What to drive? The Audi R8 V10—a fast and smooth option for all those wide-open, flat roads.

America’s B-Sides

You might not want to carve out a full week to explore each of the Midwest’s best cities, but linking them on a road trip is a great way to see how artistic innovation is roaring through the country’s core.

Days 1-2: The four-month-old Shinola Hotel is the nucleus of all that’s new in Detroit, with its Andrew Carmellini-led restaurant and retail alley with only made-in-Detroit goods (hit up the Brakeman beer hall and weekend-wear specialist Good Neighbor). But it also has strong competition from two other new hotels in town, The Siren and the Detroit Foundation Hotel—both with bold design schemes and plenty of smart local partnerships. With at least $5 billion in major development projects happening across the city, there’s a lot of change in the air, but one neighborhood well into its stride is New Center. For excellent eating, you’ll find the Afro-Caribbean Yum Village and the fine dining spot Cuisine. As for where to drink? Standby has all the whiz-bang tricks up its sleeve as the most creative bars in Manhattan, while Bad Luck goes for more of a retro, Gilded Age vibe (even its run-of-the-mill beers are served in Champagne flutes).

Days 3-4: There’s never a bad time to stop in Chicago, so check into the new Hoxton hotel in the Fulton Market District and eat your way around the neighborhood; it’s right by classic spots Momotaro and Au Cheval, and beloved local chef Stephanie Izard has just opened a ceviche spot right at the hotel. Afterward, make time for a quick culture crawl. Theaster Gates has a new multimedia show up at Gray Warehouse through June, there’s an ode to the 100-year anniversary of the Bauhaus movement and its connections to the Windy City at the Matthew Rachman Gallery, and a musical adaptation of August Rush with Broadway aspirations will be playing at the Paramount Theater all season.

Day 5: Make it an early morning so that you’re in Indianapolis in time for brunch at Milktooth; the city is three hours away, and one of the country’s hotbeds for culinary innovation. Then continue eating your way through our guide of its most exciting new restaurants.

Days 6-7: There’s so much more to St. Louis than the Arch, a straight shot down Interstate 10. In fact, its compact and highly walkable arts district has a youthful energy and officially includes more than 60 cultural venues, including the second-oldest symphony in the U.S. and the gilded Fabulous Fox theater. At the recently popped Angad Arts Hotel, David Miskit, the former night manager of Studio 54, is trying to conjure the same funky energy at the hotel as he did at the famed club; think impromptu odes to Dirty Dancing by local troupes or unannounced aria concertos in the middle of the lobby.

Days 8-9: Culminate your trip in Kansas City, Mo., less than four hours away. It’s dubbing itself the heart of the “New Midwest” thanks to a proliferation of homegrown creativity that spans from chocolatier Christopher Elbow (whose wildflower honey bonbons are a dream) to the mural park at the Crossroads Arts District (think of it like Miami’s Wynwood) to the many local businesses (like coffee shop The Wild Way and florist KC Bloom Co.) that operate out of retro camper vans. You know a city’s creative clout has reached fever pitch when a 21C Museum Hotel opens, as one did here last summer, with 120 art-filled rooms in the historic Savoy building.

What to drive? The Ford Mustang GT—an American icon that shares its roots with your first destination.

California’s Next Great Hits

By focusing on just a small subsection of the usual Highway 1 drive, you’ll make time for a handful of oft-overlooked gems.

Day 1: If you can’t resist the pull of Los Angeles, stick around for the day before embarking on your real adventure. (Maybe that means checking out Audrey, a new indoor-outdoor, vegetable-driven restaurant at the Hammer Museum before whirling through its critically acclaimed retrospective on conceptual artist Allen Ruppersberg.) You’ll have a good excuse to check out what all the fuss about DTLA is, too.

Days 2-3: The Ojai Valley Inn is just 80 miles up the coast, abutting the Los Padres National Forest. It’s been there for what feels like forever, but a newly added farmhouse is reinvigorating its offerings, particularly food. Visiting chefs (Enrique Olvera, Missy Robbins, Dario Cecchini) are slated to cook dinners and teach workshops throughout the year. That high-level touch is right in step with its namesake town, which is seeing a proliferation of galleries and design shops.

Days 4-5: As you set out for Montecito, look out for the “100 Year Bloom,” where the hillsides of Southern California erupt in every shade of yellow and orange following significant rainy periods. Within 45 minutes you’ll arrive at Rosewood Miramar, where everything—from the 161 rooms and suites to the Goop-branded souvenir shop—is fresh off a Beverly Hills-worthy face-lift. Your M.O.: Spend one day in a poolside cabana soaking up rays, and another in nearby Santa Barbara scoping out the artsy and industrial Funk Zone.

Days 6-7: Work your way up the coast, stopping at Hotel Skyview, a recently restyled motel in Los Alamos for an al fresco lunch that starts with Morro Bay oysters and ends with blackberry-smothered goat’s milk cheesecake. Check ahead: If the slick Hotel Cerro in San Luis Obispo hasn’t opened by the time you’re hitting the road, consider extending your lunch into a lazy overnight. You can do far worse than the wineries and tasting rooms in this charming, under-the-radar swath of the Santa Ynez Valley.

Days 8-9: Last stop: Big Sur. After four hours on the road you’ll be rewarded by drop-dead views as you cross Pfeiffer Canyon and make your way to Ventana Big Sur, with its rustic-luxe, timber-framed guest rooms. Book a massage in an outdoor treatment room at the spa, sit on the patio and crack a few bottles from the 10,000-label cellar, or spend a night in one of the resort’s five-star campsites scattered among the redwoods—this is a celebration of warm weather at its finest.

What to drive? A Bentley Continental GT Convertible. It’s the biggest, most luxurious, and most comfortable choice to stash all your luggage and still take in the sky.

The post American Road Trips You Must Take in This Lifetime appeared first on Businessliveme.com.

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[kathryntrattner]

Girlfriend at the Lyric Theatre - Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

"I love musicals; I love the ballet, opera, the circus. It's all performance to me."  -- Ian McKellen

I don’t go out and explore Oklahoma City as often as I should. I think it’s easy to overlook the place you live when you think about travel and adventure. And I’m pretty much a hermit most of the time. My favorite place to be when I’m not traveling is in bed writing or reading, which sounds more than a little lazy but it’s absolutely true. I don’t spend as much time as I’d like there either because I chase my six and four year old around a lot.

The reason I got out on a sunshiny Sunday afternoon was because my very good friend Lauren invited me to come see her sister play drums in the musical Girlfriend at the Lyric Theater. And we couldn’t pass us the chance for lunch and dessert beforehand. The last time I’d even seen any kind of live performance that wasn’t a band at the Diamond Ballroom was my cousin’s high school performance in a musical too many years ago. My kids are addicted to The Greatest Showman right now though and considering they both sing and dance along it counts as performance too.

The three of us met for brunch at Pizzeria Gusto in the Uptown District before the play. I hadn’t been before and was pleasantly surprised. It wasn’t at all what I’d been expecting, which was a typical pizza place with passable food. It’s a shabby chic, exposed brick, industrial style seating, with crisp white table cloths and napkins kind of place. Also velvet curtains. I’m a firm believer in velvet; everywhere and everyone should have some. And the main menu stretches far beyond wood fired pizzas and the brunch menu features things like ricotta waffles, frittatas, and pitchers of mimosas. I can personally vouch for the last two and my friend and her sister had margarita pizza which looked amazing. I definitely plan to go back with Darrell at some point.

Afterward we had a little bit of time to kill before the play and headed to Roxy’s Ice Cream across the street from the Lyric Theater in the Plaza. I love Roxy’s and I don’t go often enough because it’s a little out of the way for me. I enjoyed sitting with Lauren over mango and chocolate chip ice cream (not together because that would be a weird combination) soaking up the first sunny day of spring after the frigid start of the season. And the ice cream is always amazing so you should drop what you’re doing right now and go get some.

Girlfriend, staring Jimmy Mavrikes and Ian Marcontell, is a sweet story about falling in love and finding yourself along the way. The two characters, one an outsider and the other a football star, navigate a irresistible attraction in a small minded Nebraskan town where they won’t be accepted. It’s bright and happy and full of the first kiss kind of thrill which makes it even more poignant when it starts to crumble. But it all comes together on a hopeful note (thank goodness because I love a happy ending) with the characters finding each other again in another place at a different time.

The actors are incredible and I fell in love with both. Who can resist a good love story? And the play is based on the album Girlfriend by Matthew Sweet and was originally released in 1991. The album is very 90’s (I’m not saying that’s a bad thing at all - it’s absolutely feels like the music of my tween years) and it translates into a musical wonderfully. We loved the experience so much we’re considering getting summer passes and seeing the rest of the musicals lined up for the season. Until then though I’ll have to get my fix watching Greatest Showman with my kids.

So much has changed in Oklahoma City over the years. I can remember a time when most of the restaurants were chains and there wasn’t anything to do after nine o’clock at night. Now we’ve got a growing downtown and so much going on all the time. New things keep coming and getting out with my friend reminded me to pay more attention. Oklahoma City is a pretty great place to live and I shouldn’t overlook it when I’m planning the next fun thing I want to do.

A few helpful links -

Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma

Girlfriend - Signature Theatre

Plaza District - Oklahoma City

Pizzeria Gusto

Uptown 23rd District

Roxy’s Ice Cream

[joshuamshea84]

The Best Neighborhoods in London: Where to Stay When You Visit

Posted: 2/25/2019 | February 25th, 2019

I’ve always liked London, but when I visited last year something in me just clicked—and poof! I finally saw the light and came to love it.

London has a million things to do to keep you busy a lifetime over. With its amazing architecture, world-class art museums, tons of historical sites, and unique shopping experiences, what’s not to love?

What’s not to love about a city where the pubs are so small everyone just stands on the street with their pint glass?!

And from its beautiful gardens to the excitement of Piccadilly Circus, there’s just an energy that can’t be beat.

But London is huge, containing more than 8 million people and 48 neighborhoods stretching over 607 square miles.

I mean it’s HUGE.

Any city that warrants a “I survived the subway” T-shirt usually is. Stay in the wrong neighborhood and you’ll spend hours on “the tube.”

So which are the best neighborhoods and places to stay when you visit London?

That depends on a lot of things (especially what your idea of fun is).

Each neighborhood has its own charm.

So I’ll break down the best neighborhoods and accommodations in London (for travelers, according to me):

The City of London

This is technically the center of London (sometimes called “The Square Mile”), and it’s where the Romans set up a small military outpost named Londinium in 43 CE. You can still see evidence of the Romans here, including the crumbling wall on Tower Hill. Now, the area a financial district. There are several good markets here like Whitecross Street, with its large number of international food vendors; the Sunday Upmarket in the Old Truman Brewery for handmade crafts and clothing; and Leather Lane for a more traditional mix of everything from leather to tropical flowers. I like the history, quiet, and central location of this neighborhood.

Best Places to Stay in The City

BUDGET: YHA London St Paul’s – Opposite St. Paul’s Cathedral, this was once the school for the cathedral’s choirboys (you can actually still see some of their graffiti on the walls). There’s no kitchen on-site, but there is a small restaurant and bar. It’s not a party hostel, as families often stay here. So it’s ideal for a good night’s sleep.

MID-RANGE: Citadines Barbican London – Renovated in 2017, this hotel is comfortable, affordable, and close to the Barbican tube stop.. There are some really great restaurants nearby, like Tinseltown and Workshop Coffee, but there is also a small Sourced Market in the hotel for when you need to grab something to eat on the run.

LUXURY: Counting House – The Counting House is actually an iconic English pub with 15 large luxury rooms above it with the most comfortable beds you’ll ever sleep in (Egyptian cotton sheets!). Some rooms come with living rooms. A free hearty breakfast is included. This is a very traditional, posh British hotel!

Kensington/South Kensington

If you have come to London to soak up British history or to indulge your love for all things royal, this is the neighborhood to be. Kensington is where London’s Museum Quarter is, including the Victoria & Albert Museum, the Science Museum, and the Natural History Museum. It’s really close to Hyde Park and the regal Kensington Gardens. I love to stroll the neighborhood and gaze at the mansion-lined streets. It’s quiet, quant, and classically British.

Best Places to Stay in Kensington/South Kensington

BUDGET: Astor Hyde Park – This hostel is in a quiet neighborhood right off Hyde Park, and within walking distance to the Natural History and the Victoria & Albert Museums. There’s a great social vibe, and the friendly hotel staff will help you arrange tours and activities. Plus the £1 breakfast can’t be beat! I love the old wooden décor — you feel more like you’re in a home than a hostel. The dorms are huge and there’s plenty of room to sprawl out. Try to avoid the rooms on the upper floors, though, as the hostel has no elevator.

MID-RANGE: London Lodge Hotel – You can book single rooms in this bright Victorian townhouse, while the executive rooms have more floor space and larger bathrooms. The rooms are each uniquely decorated to make them feel more like a home with colorful patterned wallpaper and carpeting, and vintage furniture.

LUXURY: The Ampersand Hotel – The Ampersand is a luxury boutique hotel next to the South Kensington station. Each beautiful room has a different theme, like music or astronomy, and if you’re staying on the top floor, you get a great view over London. They do a posh afternoon tea in the drawing rooms and you can play ping-pong in the games room.

Mayfair

Mayfair is one of the wealthiest neighborhoods in London. Located between Hyde Park and the West End, it’s home to numerous five-star hotels, classy art galleries, and ultra-expensive shops but quiet at night. If you’re looking to stay in one of the city’s fancier and more beautiful neighborhoods, this is it!

Best Places to Stay in Mayfair

BUDGET: Mermaid Suite Hotel – There are no hostels in this neighborhood, but the Mermaid Suite Hotel on Oxford Street is one of the best affordable options. You’ll get a private room with an en suite bathroom, satellite TV, and tea and coffee. There’s also a free continental breakfast.

MID-RANGE: Mayfair Guesthouse – Although all the rooms in this guesthouse are private and spacious (some have balconies), most of them come with shared bathrooms. It’s a really good value property for this part of town.

LUXURY: The Beaumont Hotel – Walking into the lobby is like stepping back into time. The walnut-paneled walls are covered in original classic paintings and photography, and all the rooms are art deco style with king-sized beds. The marble bathroom floors are heated. Take advantage of the sauna, steam room, fitness center, and hammam. If you’re going to treat yourself to dinner, try the fresh lobster at the Colony Grill. Or you can pretend it’s the 1920s and order a strong whiskey cocktail in the low light of Jimmy’s Bar.

Soho

Soho is one of London’s most vibrant neighborhoods. The former red-light district, Soho is home to hundreds of restaurants, pubs, stores, all-night coffee shops, and theaters. It’s eclectic and exciting, and London’s artistic community thrives here. I love Soho at night when the pubs here spill onto the street with folks having a pint after work. You’re a twenty minute walk from a lot of the main attractions (especially the theaters of the West End). This is one of my favorite neighborhoods in the city.

Best Places to Stay in Soho

BUDGET: SoHostel – This large hostel (I kept getting lost in the hallways) has a rooftop “tiki”-style bar, nightly drink specials, quiz nights, live music, and karaoke. It also has a big common space with a restaurant with cheap food (like £5 pizzas) and beer. The beds are comfy, and the showers super clean. It’s one of the best hostels in London. If you book directly with them, they often have special rates.

MID-RANGE: Mimi’s Hotel Soho – Mimi’s is a newer hotel, and its affordability is based on its tiny rooms. They come in “tiny,” “mini,” cozy,” and “lux,” but even the lux rooms are pretty small. On the other hand, there’s floor heating, specially filtered water, and really nice marble bathrooms. The hotel’s on-street bar, Henson’s, gets really busy at night.

LUXURY: The Soho Hotel – No two guestrooms are the same at the Soho Hotel; they’re also enormous and most have floor-to-ceiling windows. There’s a well-equipped gym and even a personal trainer on-site, but if you’d rather take a book to the cozy library and read, you can do that too. There are tons of restaurants, bars, cafés, and theaters surrounding the hotel, and Oxford and Regent Streets are both just a quick walk away.

Covent Garden

Covent Garden is just east of Soho. This is the theater district and is also known for its historic indoor market and throngs of tourists. There are plenty of street performers and lots of shopping opportunities. But it’s also a quirky neighborhood with cobblestone streets, cool shops, restaurants, and a historic square. It’s also very central.

Best Places to Stay in Covent Garden

BUDGET: Astor Museum Inn – Like the Astor Hyde Park, the dorms rooms here are pretty basic, but they aren’t overpriced, are clean, and there’s a cozy lounge and kitchen. Free dinners are also offered frequently. It’s not as quaint as the Hyde Park branch, but it is a better location.

MID-RANGE: Strand Palace Hotel – This hotel has been around since the early 1900s, and all its rooms are built around six inner courtyards. If you want a quiet space, ask for a room overlooking the interior. There are single-room options too, if you’re traveling solo and don’t mind a small space.

LUXURY: Fielding Hotel – The Fielding Hotel is named for author Henry Fielding, and in keeping with the period, the building has a lot of 19th-century charm. The rooms are tiny, but they come equipped with large TVs and tea and coffee facilities, and some even have claw-foot bathtubs. The hotel is located across from the Royal Opera House and just five minutes from the famous Covent Garden Market.

Shoreditch/Spitalfields

This artsy, hip neighborhood in East London is an up and coming neighborhood filled with outdoor markets, vintage clothing stores, bars, and restaurants, and it’s one of the best nightlife districts in town. The abundance of street art contrasts old industrial warehouses and dimly lit streets. Thanks to the immigrant influence here, you’re never too far from a döner kebab or a plate of Peruvian ceviche.

Best Places to Stay in Shoreditch/Spitalfields

BUDGET: The Dictionary – The hostel itself has a great rooftop terrace, a bar for drinks, and free breakfast. There’s a big kitchen in case you want to cook too. The rooms are bare, but they’re spacious, and kept clean, and the beds are fairly comfortable.

MID-RANGE: Brick Lane Hotel – This offers basic but very clean accommodations, including single, double, and triple rooms with en suite bathrooms. Each room has a tea and coffee station and a desk. There are only eight rooms total, so you’ll get to know your hosts quite well. The onsite Sheraz Bangla Lounge serves cheap curry and is a local neighborhood favorite, so be sure to eat here at least once!

LUXURY: The Curtain – Every nook of this hotel has some sort of quirky design touch, whether it’s contemporary artwork or a wall-mounted stag. The rooms are spacious and come with exposed brick walls, nice seating areas, and rainfall showers. There’s a small rooftop pool, and the fitness center has daily yoga and cycling classes.

King’s Cross/Camden

These two neighboring areas are especially popular with backpackers and young Londoners. King’s Cross has a lot of hostels, and the canal banks are full of warehouses that have been transformed into restaurants and bars. Camden has always been a hot spot for the alternative crowd. Like Shoreditch, it has a lot of vintage and unusual shops (like Cyberdog, the futuristic glow-in-the-dark shop that’s also part rave). The waterside Camden Lock Market is quite famous, and you’ll definitely find some treasures here.

Best Places to Stay in King’s Cross/Camden

BUDGET: Generator – This is Generator’s first hostel (it’s now a huge chain spread all over Europe), and it’s housed in an old police station. You can’t go wrong with this chain. Like most of their hostels, Generator London has lots of modern, upscale fixtures, a huge common area, a bar, and a restaurant (no common kitchen though). The beds are plush, but there are not many charging outlets, so you’ll have to fight for space. It’s a short walk from Regents Park, Covent Garden, and the British Museum.

MID-RANGE: Ambassadors Bloomsbury – The rooms here are simple here. The hotel makes really good use of its space. The beds are excellent, there are blackout curtains, and the showers have strong water pressure. The hotel does a simple afternoon tea too.

LUXURY: Great Northern Hotel – This luxury boutique hotel has been around since the 1850s. Each floor also has a pantry where you can get free snacks and treats, like home-cooked cakes, and plenty of tea and coffee. The rooms have high ceilings, walnut furniture, giant walk-in showers, and beds you’ll never want to leave.

Chelsea

Chelsea has a reputation as London’s most fashionable neighborhood. There are also some very picturesque hidden squares you can find with a little exploration, and the colorful buildings make for great photography. It’s located on the Thames, and Albert Bridge (reputably one of the “most romantic bridges in the world”) has beautiful views over London. Chelsea is pretty residential, but there are lots of galleries and shopping options!

Best Places to Stay in Chelsea

BUDGET: Acacia Hostel – The rooms are small and they don’t have much character, but there are no more than six beds in each dorm. There’s a well-equipped communal kitchen but you’ll get free continental breakfast. It’s quiet, clean, and the Chelsea Football Stadium is a short walk away.

MID-RANGE: Chelsea House Hotel – This 150-year-old Victorian hotel has maintained a lot of its original charm and makes for a relaxed stay right near Earl’s Court. The rooms are pretty dull, without any kind of artwork or design touches, but they’re comfortable and tidy. There’s also a free continental breakfast buffet.

LUXURY: Blakes Hotel – Each room is different: some have four-poster beds, or enormous chandeliers, or antique furniture. The bathrooms have heated floors and soaker bathtubs. It can be a little dark for some people — there are a lot of blacks and grays — but overall it has a romantic vibe. If the weather is nice you have to get a cocktail in The Courtyard garden – there’s a ton of graffiti art and even an installation of a giant zebra.

Southwark

This historic district on the south bank of the Thames has a lot going for it. Tourists flock to the neighborhood, as it is home to the Tate Modern and Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. There are several food markets, but Borough Market is the best, especially for foodies. You can’t miss London’s tallest, most modern building, the Shard. Make sure to take a walk along the river, as it’s a scenic route that affords great views of the city skyline. You can cross back and forth the Thames via the Tower, Millennium, or London Bridges.

Best Places to Stay in Southwark

BUDGET: St. Christopher’s Inn at the Village – This hostel chain has eight London locations, but I like the Village venue the best — especially for being so near the Borough Market (an absolute haven for foodies). It’s also a short walk to the London Eye and Tower Bridge. This is a pretty big party place, with an outdoor terrace and a ton of social events to get you well acquainted with your fellow travelers, like regular beer pong nights and musical performances. It’s the first hostel in London to have cozy pod-style beds. They are actually super comfortable and provided one of the best sleeps I had in the city!

MID-RANGE: The Bridge Hotel – Near London South Bank University and the Tate Modern, the Bridge Hotel has a ton of value for money. The beds are big, the linens are soft, and the shower pressure is super strong. During the week, you can access the Fitness First gym. The hotel’s classic English pub is a really nice spot to hang out, especially when there are small musical acts.

LUXURY: H10 London Waterloo – The rooms here are bright and airy, with floor-to-ceiling windows and tons of natural light. There’s a lot of extra space, and the beds are really comfortable. Watching the sun go down from the rooftop Waterloo Sky Bar is a must-do, especially with a drink in hand. From here you can look out over the skyline and see the London Eye turning lazily in the distance.

Notting Hill

This is a really unique neighborhood, with cobblestone streets, Victorian townhouses, and plenty of quaint charm. You’ll find shop after shop with walls lined with antiques, as well as street food vendors, mom-and-pop shops, and small cafés and pubs that serve up some delicious grub. Notting Hill is really stylish! Each Saturday, it hosts the country’s largest antiques market, Portobello Road Market.

Best Places to Stay in Notting Hill

BUDGET: Hostel One Notting Hill – This hostel is awesome. Guests get a free homemade dinner each night and can join in on organized activities (including drinking games). It’s a very social hostel with friendly staff and a good vibe. The rooms are a bit cramped and pillows a bit flat, but the vibe more than makes up for the beds! There are two locations (the other one is in Camden).

MID-RANGE: Notting Hill Hotel – Located on a calm, tree-lined street right by the Pembridge Square garden, this is a nice boutique retreat from the city. The rooms are clean and come with your usual hotel amenities, but they’re a little colorless. The staff here are also super friendly and helpful. There is a common room and a library, and you can rent bicycles from reception.

LUXURY: Portobello Hotel – You’ll wake up to the best breakfast ever: tea, coffee, cereal, pastries, meats, cheeses, fresh fruit…you name it! Some rooms have extra character, like round beds with feather toppers, or mattresses so high you need a set of stairs to climb in. Plus the staff brings a flask of hot chocolate to your room every night.

Clapham

For a long time, Clapham was a rundown suburb of London but, in recent years, Clapham has turned into one of those up-and-coming districts with a constantly improving list of restaurants, nightclubs, music venues, specialty shops, and more. It’s now one of the hip places to live in the city, thanks in part to the cheap rent there! And, when the sun is out, head to the Clapham Common and join the other Londoners hanging out or picnicking on the grass.

Best Places to Stay in Clapham

BUDGET: PubLove The Crown – The main part of this hostel is actually its popular local pub that draws people from all over the neighborhood. The entire building was refurbished in 2018, so it’s a clean, fresh accommodation to lay your head after you have a few drinks at the bar. Each bed comes with individual sockets and security screens. You get discounts for food and drink as a guest.

MID-RANGE: The Gateway Hotel – Located two minutes from the South Clapham metro spot (and also near the Clapham Common), The Gateway Hotel offers basic accommodations in all its en suite rooms. Desks and coffee/tea are provided in your room. It’s a small hotel with just 20 rooms.

LUXURY: The Windmill on the Common – The Windmill is awesome. It’s housed in a 500-year-old British pub, with 42 individually designed boutique rooms. It’s also right on the Clapham Common. There’s a super cozy lounge with large sofas, a roaring fireplace, and even a friendly Bernese Mountain dog named Max. If you’re here on a Sunday, try their famous roast.

Paddington

Paddington is a hub for independent markets and boutique shops, and there’s a café on every corner. Spend an afternoon strolling along Praed Street and you’ll have your souvenir shopping done in no time. There are also unlimited sidewalk menu boards advertising meal specials day and night. Plus, you can wander the streets and take in the classic Georgian architecture.

Best Places to Stay in Paddington

BUDGET: The Pride of Paddington – The Pride of Paddington has both private rooms and dorms with up to eight beds, including female-only dorms. The rooms and bathrooms are clean and tidy, but they lack a lot of personality, and there is no communal kitchen. You get a free English breakfast with your stay, and discounted deals on other food and drinks.

MID-RANGE: Europa House Hotel – This is a family-run bed-and-breakfast that has been around since the ’70s. For a budget hotel, the beds are incredibly comfortable and luxurious. There’s not much decoration in these rooms, but they’re clean, and tea and coffee are provided.

LUXURY: Royal Lancaster London – Every room in this luxury hotel overlooks the London skyline or Hyde Park. The most “basic” rooms have smart TVs, USB hubs, sofas, and a work area. You also get all the fun free stuff, like plush slippers and bathrobes, vanity kits, and mineral water.

***

This is by no means an exhaustive list of London neighborhoods. These are just my favorites. No matter where you stay, you’re sure to find the city an excellent destination. There’s so much — including lots of free museums and attractions — that you’ll never run out of things to do. Take it easy, pace yourself, and make sure you get to know each neighborhood.

Book Your Trip to London: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner or Momondo. They are my two favorite search engines, because they search websites and airlines around the globe, so you always know no stone is being left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com, as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. I use it all the time.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it, as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. I’ve been using World Nomads for ten years. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

World Nomads (for everyone below 70)

Insure My Trip (for those over 70)

Looking for the best companies to save money with? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel! I list all the ones I use — and I think they will help you too!

Looking for more information on visiting London? Check out my in-depth destination guide to London with more tips on what to see and do, costs, ways to save, and much, much more!

Photo credits: 4, 5, 8, 11, 12

The post The Best Neighborhoods in London: Where to Stay When You Visit appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

from Traveling News https://www.nomadicmatt.com/travel-blogs/where-to-stay-london/

[vidovicart]

The Best Neighborhoods in London: Where to Stay When You Visit

Posted: 2/25/2019 | February 25th, 2019

I’ve always liked London, but when I visited last year something in me just clicked—and poof! I finally saw the light and came to love it.

London has a million things to do to keep you busy a lifetime over. With its amazing architecture, world-class art museums, tons of historical sites, and unique shopping experiences, what’s not to love?

What’s not to love about a city where the pubs are so small everyone just stands on the street with their pint glass?!

And from its beautiful gardens to the excitement of Piccadilly Circus, there’s just an energy that can’t be beat.

But London is huge, containing more than 8 million people and 48 neighborhoods stretching over 607 square miles.

I mean it’s HUGE.

Any city that warrants a “I survived the subway” T-shirt usually is. Stay in the wrong neighborhood and you’ll spend hours on “the tube.”

So which are the best neighborhoods and places to stay when you visit London?

That depends on a lot of things (especially what your idea of fun is).

Each neighborhood has its own charm.

So I’ll break down the best neighborhoods and accommodations in London (for travelers, according to me):

The City of London

This is technically the center of London (sometimes called “The Square Mile”), and it’s where the Romans set up a small military outpost named Londinium in 43 CE. You can still see evidence of the Romans here, including the crumbling wall on Tower Hill. Now, the area a financial district. There are several good markets here like Whitecross Street, with its large number of international food vendors; the Sunday Upmarket in the Old Truman Brewery for handmade crafts and clothing; and Leather Lane for a more traditional mix of everything from leather to tropical flowers. I like the history, quiet, and central location of this neighborhood.

Best Places to Stay in The City

BUDGET: YHA London St Paul’s – Opposite St. Paul’s Cathedral, this was once the school for the cathedral’s choirboys (you can actually still see some of their graffiti on the walls). There’s no kitchen on-site, but there is a small restaurant and bar. It’s not a party hostel, as families often stay here. So it’s ideal for a good night’s sleep.

MID-RANGE: Citadines Barbican London – Renovated in 2017, this hotel is comfortable, affordable, and close to the Barbican tube stop.. There are some really great restaurants nearby, like Tinseltown and Workshop Coffee, but there is also a small Sourced Market in the hotel for when you need to grab something to eat on the run.

LUXURY: Counting House – The Counting House is actually an iconic English pub with 15 large luxury rooms above it with the most comfortable beds you’ll ever sleep in (Egyptian cotton sheets!). Some rooms come with living rooms. A free hearty breakfast is included. This is a very traditional, posh British hotel!

Kensington/South Kensington

If you have come to London to soak up British history or to indulge your love for all things royal, this is the neighborhood to be. Kensington is where London’s Museum Quarter is, including the Victoria & Albert Museum, the Science Museum, and the Natural History Museum. It’s really close to Hyde Park and the regal Kensington Gardens. I love to stroll the neighborhood and gaze at the mansion-lined streets. It’s quiet, quant, and classically British.

Best Places to Stay in Kensington/South Kensington

BUDGET: Astor Hyde Park – This hostel is in a quiet neighborhood right off Hyde Park, and within walking distance to the Natural History and the Victoria & Albert Museums. There’s a great social vibe, and the friendly hotel staff will help you arrange tours and activities. Plus the £1 breakfast can’t be beat! I love the old wooden décor — you feel more like you’re in a home than a hostel. The dorms are huge and there’s plenty of room to sprawl out. Try to avoid the rooms on the upper floors, though, as the hostel has no elevator.

MID-RANGE: London Lodge Hotel – You can book single rooms in this bright Victorian townhouse, while the executive rooms have more floor space and larger bathrooms. The rooms are each uniquely decorated to make them feel more like a home with colorful patterned wallpaper and carpeting, and vintage furniture.

LUXURY: The Ampersand Hotel – The Ampersand is a luxury boutique hotel next to the South Kensington station. Each beautiful room has a different theme, like music or astronomy, and if you’re staying on the top floor, you get a great view over London. They do a posh afternoon tea in the drawing rooms and you can play ping-pong in the games room.

Mayfair

Mayfair is one of the wealthiest neighborhoods in London. Located between Hyde Park and the West End, it’s home to numerous five-star hotels, classy art galleries, and ultra-expensive shops but quiet at night. If you’re looking to stay in one of the city’s fancier and more beautiful neighborhoods, this is it!

Best Places to Stay in Mayfair

BUDGET: Mermaid Suite Hotel – There are no hostels in this neighborhood, but the Mermaid Suite Hotel on Oxford Street is one of the best affordable options. You’ll get a private room with an en suite bathroom, satellite TV, and tea and coffee. There’s also a free continental breakfast.

MID-RANGE: Mayfair Guesthouse – Although all the rooms in this guesthouse are private and spacious (some have balconies), most of them come with shared bathrooms. It’s a really good value property for this part of town.

LUXURY: The Beaumont Hotel – Walking into the lobby is like stepping back into time. The walnut-paneled walls are covered in original classic paintings and photography, and all the rooms are art deco style with king-sized beds. The marble bathroom floors are heated. Take advantage of the sauna, steam room, fitness center, and hammam. If you’re going to treat yourself to dinner, try the fresh lobster at the Colony Grill. Or you can pretend it’s the 1920s and order a strong whiskey cocktail in the low light of Jimmy’s Bar.

Soho

Soho is one of London’s most vibrant neighborhoods. The former red-light district, Soho is home to hundreds of restaurants, pubs, stores, all-night coffee shops, and theaters. It’s eclectic and exciting, and London’s artistic community thrives here. I love Soho at night when the pubs here spill onto the street with folks having a pint after work. You’re a twenty minute walk from a lot of the main attractions (especially the theaters of the West End). This is one of my favorite neighborhoods in the city.

Best Places to Stay in Soho

BUDGET: SoHostel – This large hostel (I kept getting lost in the hallways) has a rooftop “tiki”-style bar, nightly drink specials, quiz nights, live music, and karaoke. It also has a big common space with a restaurant with cheap food (like £5 pizzas) and beer. The beds are comfy, and the showers super clean. It’s one of the best hostels in London. If you book directly with them, they often have special rates.

MID-RANGE: Mimi’s Hotel Soho – Mimi’s is a newer hotel, and its affordability is based on its tiny rooms. They come in “tiny,” “mini,” cozy,” and “lux,” but even the lux rooms are pretty small. On the other hand, there’s floor heating, specially filtered water, and really nice marble bathrooms. The hotel’s on-street bar, Henson’s, gets really busy at night.

LUXURY: The Soho Hotel – No two guestrooms are the same at the Soho Hotel; they’re also enormous and most have floor-to-ceiling windows. There’s a well-equipped gym and even a personal trainer on-site, but if you’d rather take a book to the cozy library and read, you can do that too. There are tons of restaurants, bars, cafés, and theaters surrounding the hotel, and Oxford and Regent Streets are both just a quick walk away.

Covent Garden

Covent Garden is just east of Soho. This is the theater district and is also known for its historic indoor market and throngs of tourists. There are plenty of street performers and lots of shopping opportunities. But it’s also a quirky neighborhood with cobblestone streets, cool shops, restaurants, and a historic square. It’s also very central.

Best Places to Stay in Covent Garden

BUDGET: Astor Museum Inn – Like the Astor Hyde Park, the dorms rooms here are pretty basic, but they aren’t overpriced, are clean, and there’s a cozy lounge and kitchen. Free dinners are also offered frequently. It’s not as quaint as the Hyde Park branch, but it is a better location.

MID-RANGE: Strand Palace Hotel – This hotel has been around since the early 1900s, and all its rooms are built around six inner courtyards. If you want a quiet space, ask for a room overlooking the interior. There are single-room options too, if you’re traveling solo and don’t mind a small space.

LUXURY: Fielding Hotel – The Fielding Hotel is named for author Henry Fielding, and in keeping with the period, the building has a lot of 19th-century charm. The rooms are tiny, but they come equipped with large TVs and tea and coffee facilities, and some even have claw-foot bathtubs. The hotel is located across from the Royal Opera House and just five minutes from the famous Covent Garden Market.

Shoreditch/Spitalfields

This artsy, hip neighborhood in East London is an up and coming neighborhood filled with outdoor markets, vintage clothing stores, bars, and restaurants, and it’s one of the best nightlife districts in town. The abundance of street art contrasts old industrial warehouses and dimly lit streets. Thanks to the immigrant influence here, you’re never too far from a döner kebab or a plate of Peruvian ceviche.

Best Places to Stay in Shoreditch/Spitalfields

BUDGET: The Dictionary – The hostel itself has a great rooftop terrace, a bar for drinks, and free breakfast. There’s a big kitchen in case you want to cook too. The rooms are bare, but they’re spacious, and kept clean, and the beds are fairly comfortable.

MID-RANGE: Brick Lane Hotel – This offers basic but very clean accommodations, including single, double, and triple rooms with en suite bathrooms. Each room has a tea and coffee station and a desk. There are only eight rooms total, so you’ll get to know your hosts quite well. The onsite Sheraz Bangla Lounge serves cheap curry and is a local neighborhood favorite, so be sure to eat here at least once!

LUXURY: The Curtain – Every nook of this hotel has some sort of quirky design touch, whether it’s contemporary artwork or a wall-mounted stag. The rooms are spacious and come with exposed brick walls, nice seating areas, and rainfall showers. There’s a small rooftop pool, and the fitness center has daily yoga and cycling classes.

King’s Cross/Camden

These two neighboring areas are especially popular with backpackers and young Londoners. King’s Cross has a lot of hostels, and the canal banks are full of warehouses that have been transformed into restaurants and bars. Camden has always been a hot spot for the alternative crowd. Like Shoreditch, it has a lot of vintage and unusual shops (like Cyberdog, the futuristic glow-in-the-dark shop that’s also part rave). The waterside Camden Lock Market is quite famous, and you’ll definitely find some treasures here.

Best Places to Stay in King’s Cross/Camden

BUDGET: Generator – This is Generator’s first hostel (it’s now a huge chain spread all over Europe), and it’s housed in an old police station. You can’t go wrong with this chain. Like most of their hostels, Generator London has lots of modern, upscale fixtures, a huge common area, a bar, and a restaurant (no common kitchen though). The beds are plush, but there are not many charging outlets, so you’ll have to fight for space. It’s a short walk from Regents Park, Covent Garden, and the British Museum.

MID-RANGE: Ambassadors Bloomsbury – The rooms here are simple here. The hotel makes really good use of its space. The beds are excellent, there are blackout curtains, and the showers have strong water pressure. The hotel does a simple afternoon tea too.

LUXURY: Great Northern Hotel – This luxury boutique hotel has been around since the 1850s. Each floor also has a pantry where you can get free snacks and treats, like home-cooked cakes, and plenty of tea and coffee. The rooms have high ceilings, walnut furniture, giant walk-in showers, and beds you’ll never want to leave.

Chelsea

Chelsea has a reputation as London’s most fashionable neighborhood. There are also some very picturesque hidden squares you can find with a little exploration, and the colorful buildings make for great photography. It’s located on the Thames, and Albert Bridge (reputably one of the “most romantic bridges in the world”) has beautiful views over London. Chelsea is pretty residential, but there are lots of galleries and shopping options!

Best Places to Stay in Chelsea

BUDGET: Acacia Hostel – The rooms are small and they don’t have much character, but there are no more than six beds in each dorm. There’s a well-equipped communal kitchen but you’ll get free continental breakfast. It’s quiet, clean, and the Chelsea Football Stadium is a short walk away.

MID-RANGE: Chelsea House Hotel – This 150-year-old Victorian hotel has maintained a lot of its original charm and makes for a relaxed stay right near Earl’s Court. The rooms are pretty dull, without any kind of artwork or design touches, but they’re comfortable and tidy. There’s also a free continental breakfast buffet.

LUXURY: Blakes Hotel – Each room is different: some have four-poster beds, or enormous chandeliers, or antique furniture. The bathrooms have heated floors and soaker bathtubs. It can be a little dark for some people — there are a lot of blacks and grays — but overall it has a romantic vibe. If the weather is nice you have to get a cocktail in The Courtyard garden – there’s a ton of graffiti art and even an installation of a giant zebra.

Southwark

This historic district on the south bank of the Thames has a lot going for it. Tourists flock to the neighborhood, as it is home to the Tate Modern and Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. There are several food markets, but Borough Market is the best, especially for foodies. You can’t miss London’s tallest, most modern building, the Shard. Make sure to take a walk along the river, as it’s a scenic route that affords great views of the city skyline. You can cross back and forth the Thames via the Tower, Millennium, or London Bridges.

Best Places to Stay in Southwark

BUDGET: St. Christopher’s Inn at the Village – This hostel chain has eight London locations, but I like the Village venue the best — especially for being so near the Borough Market (an absolute haven for foodies). It’s also a short walk to the London Eye and Tower Bridge. This is a pretty big party place, with an outdoor terrace and a ton of social events to get you well acquainted with your fellow travelers, like regular beer pong nights and musical performances. It’s the first hostel in London to have cozy pod-style beds. They are actually super comfortable and provided one of the best sleeps I had in the city!

MID-RANGE: The Bridge Hotel – Near London South Bank University and the Tate Modern, the Bridge Hotel has a ton of value for money. The beds are big, the linens are soft, and the shower pressure is super strong. During the week, you can access the Fitness First gym. The hotel’s classic English pub is a really nice spot to hang out, especially when there are small musical acts.

LUXURY: H10 London Waterloo – The rooms here are bright and airy, with floor-to-ceiling windows and tons of natural light. There’s a lot of extra space, and the beds are really comfortable. Watching the sun go down from the rooftop Waterloo Sky Bar is a must-do, especially with a drink in hand. From here you can look out over the skyline and see the London Eye turning lazily in the distance.

Notting Hill

This is a really unique neighborhood, with cobblestone streets, Victorian townhouses, and plenty of quaint charm. You’ll find shop after shop with walls lined with antiques, as well as street food vendors, mom-and-pop shops, and small cafés and pubs that serve up some delicious grub. Notting Hill is really stylish! Each Saturday, it hosts the country’s largest antiques market, Portobello Road Market.

Best Places to Stay in Notting Hill

BUDGET: Hostel One Notting Hill – This hostel is awesome. Guests get a free homemade dinner each night and can join in on organized activities (including drinking games). It’s a very social hostel with friendly staff and a good vibe. The rooms are a bit cramped and pillows a bit flat, but the vibe more than makes up for the beds! There are two locations (the other one is in Camden).

MID-RANGE: Notting Hill Hotel – Located on a calm, tree-lined street right by the Pembridge Square garden, this is a nice boutique retreat from the city. The rooms are clean and come with your usual hotel amenities, but they’re a little colorless. The staff here are also super friendly and helpful. There is a common room and a library, and you can rent bicycles from reception.

LUXURY: Portobello Hotel – You’ll wake up to the best breakfast ever: tea, coffee, cereal, pastries, meats, cheeses, fresh fruit…you name it! Some rooms have extra character, like round beds with feather toppers, or mattresses so high you need a set of stairs to climb in. Plus the staff brings a flask of hot chocolate to your room every night.

Clapham

For a long time, Clapham was a rundown suburb of London but, in recent years, Clapham has turned into one of those up-and-coming districts with a constantly improving list of restaurants, nightclubs, music venues, specialty shops, and more. It’s now one of the hip places to live in the city, thanks in part to the cheap rent there! And, when the sun is out, head to the Clapham Common and join the other Londoners hanging out or picnicking on the grass.

Best Places to Stay in Clapham

BUDGET: PubLove The Crown – The main part of this hostel is actually its popular local pub that draws people from all over the neighborhood. The entire building was refurbished in 2018, so it’s a clean, fresh accommodation to lay your head after you have a few drinks at the bar. Each bed comes with individual sockets and security screens. You get discounts for food and drink as a guest.

MID-RANGE: The Gateway Hotel – Located two minutes from the South Clapham metro spot (and also near the Clapham Common), The Gateway Hotel offers basic accommodations in all its en suite rooms. Desks and coffee/tea are provided in your room. It’s a small hotel with just 20 rooms.

LUXURY: The Windmill on the Common – The Windmill is awesome. It’s housed in a 500-year-old British pub, with 42 individually designed boutique rooms. It’s also right on the Clapham Common. There’s a super cozy lounge with large sofas, a roaring fireplace, and even a friendly Bernese Mountain dog named Max. If you’re here on a Sunday, try their famous roast.

Paddington

Paddington is a hub for independent markets and boutique shops, and there’s a café on every corner. Spend an afternoon strolling along Praed Street and you’ll have your souvenir shopping done in no time. There are also unlimited sidewalk menu boards advertising meal specials day and night. Plus, you can wander the streets and take in the classic Georgian architecture.

Best Places to Stay in Paddington

BUDGET: The Pride of Paddington – The Pride of Paddington has both private rooms and dorms with up to eight beds, including female-only dorms. The rooms and bathrooms are clean and tidy, but they lack a lot of personality, and there is no communal kitchen. You get a free English breakfast with your stay, and discounted deals on other food and drinks.

MID-RANGE: Europa House Hotel – This is a family-run bed-and-breakfast that has been around since the ’70s. For a budget hotel, the beds are incredibly comfortable and luxurious. There’s not much decoration in these rooms, but they’re clean, and tea and coffee are provided.

LUXURY: Royal Lancaster London – Every room in this luxury hotel overlooks the London skyline or Hyde Park. The most “basic” rooms have smart TVs, USB hubs, sofas, and a work area. You also get all the fun free stuff, like plush slippers and bathrobes, vanity kits, and mineral water.

***

This is by no means an exhaustive list of London neighborhoods. These are just my favorites. No matter where you stay, you’re sure to find the city an excellent destination. There’s so much — including lots of free museums and attractions — that you’ll never run out of things to do. Take it easy, pace yourself, and make sure you get to know each neighborhood.

Book Your Trip to London: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner or Momondo. They are my two favorite search engines, because they search websites and airlines around the globe, so you always know no stone is being left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com, as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. I use it all the time.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it, as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. I’ve been using World Nomads for ten years. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

World Nomads (for everyone below 70)

Insure My Trip (for those over 70)

Looking for the best companies to save money with? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel! I list all the ones I use — and I think they will help you too!

Looking for more information on visiting London? Check out my in-depth destination guide to London with more tips on what to see and do, costs, ways to save, and much, much more!

Photo credits: 4, 5, 8, 11, 12

The post The Best Neighborhoods in London: Where to Stay When You Visit appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

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The Best Neighborhoods in London: Where to Stay When You Visit

Posted: 2/25/2019 | February 25th, 2019

I’ve always liked London, but when I visited last year something in me just clicked—and poof! I finally saw the light and came to love it.

London has a million things to do to keep you busy a lifetime over. With its amazing architecture, world-class art museums, tons of historical sites, and unique shopping experiences, what’s not to love?

What’s not to love about a city where the pubs are so small everyone just stands on the street with their pint glass?!

And from its beautiful gardens to the excitement of Piccadilly Circus, there’s just an energy that can’t be beat.

But London is huge, containing more than 8 million people and 48 neighborhoods stretching over 607 square miles.

I mean it’s HUGE.

Any city that warrants a “I survived the subway” T-shirt usually is. Stay in the wrong neighborhood and you’ll spend hours on “the tube.”

So which are the best neighborhoods and places to stay when you visit London?

That depends on a lot of things (especially what your idea of fun is).

Each neighborhood has its own charm.

So I’ll break down the best neighborhoods and accommodations in London (for travelers, according to me):

The City of London

This is technically the center of London (sometimes called “The Square Mile”), and it’s where the Romans set up a small military outpost named Londinium in 43 CE. You can still see evidence of the Romans here, including the crumbling wall on Tower Hill. Now, the area a financial district. There are several good markets here like Whitecross Street, with its large number of international food vendors; the Sunday Upmarket in the Old Truman Brewery for handmade crafts and clothing; and Leather Lane for a more traditional mix of everything from leather to tropical flowers. I like the history, quiet, and central location of this neighborhood.

Best Places to Stay in The City

BUDGET: YHA London St Paul’s – Opposite St. Paul’s Cathedral, this was once the school for the cathedral’s choirboys (you can actually still see some of their graffiti on the walls). There’s no kitchen on-site, but there is a small restaurant and bar. It’s not a party hostel, as families often stay here. So it’s ideal for a good night’s sleep.

MID-RANGE: Citadines Barbican London – Renovated in 2017, this hotel is comfortable, affordable, and close to the Barbican tube stop.. There are some really great restaurants nearby, like Tinseltown and Workshop Coffee, but there is also a small Sourced Market in the hotel for when you need to grab something to eat on the run.

LUXURY: Counting House – The Counting House is actually an iconic English pub with 15 large luxury rooms above it with the most comfortable beds you’ll ever sleep in (Egyptian cotton sheets!). Some rooms come with living rooms. A free hearty breakfast is included. This is a very traditional, posh British hotel!

Kensington/South Kensington

If you have come to London to soak up British history or to indulge your love for all things royal, this is the neighborhood to be. Kensington is where London’s Museum Quarter is, including the Victoria & Albert Museum, the Science Museum, and the Natural History Museum. It’s really close to Hyde Park and the regal Kensington Gardens. I love to stroll the neighborhood and gaze at the mansion-lined streets. It’s quiet, quant, and classically British.

Best Places to Stay in Kensington/South Kensington

BUDGET: Astor Hyde Park – This hostel is in a quiet neighborhood right off Hyde Park, and within walking distance to the Natural History and the Victoria & Albert Museums. There’s a great social vibe, and the friendly hotel staff will help you arrange tours and activities. Plus the £1 breakfast can’t be beat! I love the old wooden décor — you feel more like you’re in a home than a hostel. The dorms are huge and there’s plenty of room to sprawl out. Try to avoid the rooms on the upper floors, though, as the hostel has no elevator.

MID-RANGE: London Lodge Hotel – You can book single rooms in this bright Victorian townhouse, while the executive rooms have more floor space and larger bathrooms. The rooms are each uniquely decorated to make them feel more like a home with colorful patterned wallpaper and carpeting, and vintage furniture.

LUXURY: The Ampersand Hotel – The Ampersand is a luxury boutique hotel next to the South Kensington station. Each beautiful room has a different theme, like music or astronomy, and if you’re staying on the top floor, you get a great view over London. They do a posh afternoon tea in the drawing rooms and you can play ping-pong in the games room.

Mayfair

Mayfair is one of the wealthiest neighborhoods in London. Located between Hyde Park and the West End, it’s home to numerous five-star hotels, classy art galleries, and ultra-expensive shops but quiet at night. If you’re looking to stay in one of the city’s fancier and more beautiful neighborhoods, this is it!

Best Places to Stay in Mayfair

BUDGET: Mermaid Suite Hotel – There are no hostels in this neighborhood, but the Mermaid Suite Hotel on Oxford Street is one of the best affordable options. You’ll get a private room with an en suite bathroom, satellite TV, and tea and coffee. There’s also a free continental breakfast.

MID-RANGE: Mayfair Guesthouse – Although all the rooms in this guesthouse are private and spacious (some have balconies), most of them come with shared bathrooms. It’s a really good value property for this part of town.

LUXURY: The Beaumont Hotel – Walking into the lobby is like stepping back into time. The walnut-paneled walls are covered in original classic paintings and photography, and all the rooms are art deco style with king-sized beds. The marble bathroom floors are heated. Take advantage of the sauna, steam room, fitness center, and hammam. If you’re going to treat yourself to dinner, try the fresh lobster at the Colony Grill. Or you can pretend it’s the 1920s and order a strong whiskey cocktail in the low light of Jimmy’s Bar.

Soho

Soho is one of London’s most vibrant neighborhoods. The former red-light district, Soho is home to hundreds of restaurants, pubs, stores, all-night coffee shops, and theaters. It’s eclectic and exciting, and London’s artistic community thrives here. I love Soho at night when the pubs here spill onto the street with folks having a pint after work. You’re a twenty minute walk from a lot of the main attractions (especially the theaters of the West End). This is one of my favorite neighborhoods in the city.

Best Places to Stay in Soho

BUDGET: SoHostel – This large hostel (I kept getting lost in the hallways) has a rooftop “tiki”-style bar, nightly drink specials, quiz nights, live music, and karaoke. It also has a big common space with a restaurant with cheap food (like £5 pizzas) and beer. The beds are comfy, and the showers super clean. It’s one of the best hostels in London. If you book directly with them, they often have special rates.

MID-RANGE: Mimi’s Hotel Soho – Mimi’s is a newer hotel, and its affordability is based on its tiny rooms. They come in “tiny,” “mini,” cozy,” and “lux,” but even the lux rooms are pretty small. On the other hand, there’s floor heating, specially filtered water, and really nice marble bathrooms. The hotel’s on-street bar, Henson’s, gets really busy at night.

LUXURY: The Soho Hotel – No two guestrooms are the same at the Soho Hotel; they’re also enormous and most have floor-to-ceiling windows. There’s a well-equipped gym and even a personal trainer on-site, but if you’d rather take a book to the cozy library and read, you can do that too. There are tons of restaurants, bars, cafés, and theaters surrounding the hotel, and Oxford and Regent Streets are both just a quick walk away.

Covent Garden

Covent Garden is just east of Soho. This is the theater district and is also known for its historic indoor market and throngs of tourists. There are plenty of street performers and lots of shopping opportunities. But it’s also a quirky neighborhood with cobblestone streets, cool shops, restaurants, and a historic square. It’s also very central.

Best Places to Stay in Covent Garden

BUDGET: Astor Museum Inn – Like the Astor Hyde Park, the dorms rooms here are pretty basic, but they aren’t overpriced, are clean, and there’s a cozy lounge and kitchen. Free dinners are also offered frequently. It’s not as quaint as the Hyde Park branch, but it is a better location.

MID-RANGE: Strand Palace Hotel – This hotel has been around since the early 1900s, and all its rooms are built around six inner courtyards. If you want a quiet space, ask for a room overlooking the interior. There are single-room options too, if you’re traveling solo and don’t mind a small space.

LUXURY: Fielding Hotel – The Fielding Hotel is named for author Henry Fielding, and in keeping with the period, the building has a lot of 19th-century charm. The rooms are tiny, but they come equipped with large TVs and tea and coffee facilities, and some even have claw-foot bathtubs. The hotel is located across from the Royal Opera House and just five minutes from the famous Covent Garden Market.

Shoreditch/Spitalfields

This artsy, hip neighborhood in East London is an up and coming neighborhood filled with outdoor markets, vintage clothing stores, bars, and restaurants, and it’s one of the best nightlife districts in town. The abundance of street art contrasts old industrial warehouses and dimly lit streets. Thanks to the immigrant influence here, you’re never too far from a döner kebab or a plate of Peruvian ceviche.

Best Places to Stay in Shoreditch/Spitalfields

BUDGET: The Dictionary – The hostel itself has a great rooftop terrace, a bar for drinks, and free breakfast. There’s a big kitchen in case you want to cook too. The rooms are bare, but they’re spacious, and kept clean, and the beds are fairly comfortable.

MID-RANGE: Brick Lane Hotel – This offers basic but very clean accommodations, including single, double, and triple rooms with en suite bathrooms. Each room has a tea and coffee station and a desk. There are only eight rooms total, so you’ll get to know your hosts quite well. The onsite Sheraz Bangla Lounge serves cheap curry and is a local neighborhood favorite, so be sure to eat here at least once!

LUXURY: The Curtain – Every nook of this hotel has some sort of quirky design touch, whether it’s contemporary artwork or a wall-mounted stag. The rooms are spacious and come with exposed brick walls, nice seating areas, and rainfall showers. There’s a small rooftop pool, and the fitness center has daily yoga and cycling classes.

King’s Cross/Camden

These two neighboring areas are especially popular with backpackers and young Londoners. King’s Cross has a lot of hostels, and the canal banks are full of warehouses that have been transformed into restaurants and bars. Camden has always been a hot spot for the alternative crowd. Like Shoreditch, it has a lot of vintage and unusual shops (like Cyberdog, the futuristic glow-in-the-dark shop that’s also part rave). The waterside Camden Lock Market is quite famous, and you’ll definitely find some treasures here.

Best Places to Stay in King’s Cross/Camden

BUDGET: Generator – This is Generator’s first hostel (it’s now a huge chain spread all over Europe), and it’s housed in an old police station. You can’t go wrong with this chain. Like most of their hostels, Generator London has lots of modern, upscale fixtures, a huge common area, a bar, and a restaurant (no common kitchen though). The beds are plush, but there are not many charging outlets, so you’ll have to fight for space. It’s a short walk from Regents Park, Covent Garden, and the British Museum.

MID-RANGE: Ambassadors Bloomsbury – The rooms here are simple here. The hotel makes really good use of its space. The beds are excellent, there are blackout curtains, and the showers have strong water pressure. The hotel does a simple afternoon tea too.

LUXURY: Great Northern Hotel – This luxury boutique hotel has been around since the 1850s. Each floor also has a pantry where you can get free snacks and treats, like home-cooked cakes, and plenty of tea and coffee. The rooms have high ceilings, walnut furniture, giant walk-in showers, and beds you’ll never want to leave.

Chelsea

Chelsea has a reputation as London’s most fashionable neighborhood. There are also some very picturesque hidden squares you can find with a little exploration, and the colorful buildings make for great photography. It’s located on the Thames, and Albert Bridge (reputably one of the “most romantic bridges in the world”) has beautiful views over London. Chelsea is pretty residential, but there are lots of galleries and shopping options!

Best Places to Stay in Chelsea

BUDGET: Acacia Hostel – The rooms are small and they don’t have much character, but there are no more than six beds in each dorm. There’s a well-equipped communal kitchen but you’ll get free continental breakfast. It’s quiet, clean, and the Chelsea Football Stadium is a short walk away.

MID-RANGE: Chelsea House Hotel – This 150-year-old Victorian hotel has maintained a lot of its original charm and makes for a relaxed stay right near Earl’s Court. The rooms are pretty dull, without any kind of artwork or design touches, but they’re comfortable and tidy. There’s also a free continental breakfast buffet.

LUXURY: Blakes Hotel – Each room is different: some have four-poster beds, or enormous chandeliers, or antique furniture. The bathrooms have heated floors and soaker bathtubs. It can be a little dark for some people — there are a lot of blacks and grays — but overall it has a romantic vibe. If the weather is nice you have to get a cocktail in The Courtyard garden – there’s a ton of graffiti art and even an installation of a giant zebra.

Southwark

This historic district on the south bank of the Thames has a lot going for it. Tourists flock to the neighborhood, as it is home to the Tate Modern and Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. There are several food markets, but Borough Market is the best, especially for foodies. You can’t miss London’s tallest, most modern building, the Shard. Make sure to take a walk along the river, as it’s a scenic route that affords great views of the city skyline. You can cross back and forth the Thames via the Tower, Millennium, or London Bridges.

Best Places to Stay in Southwark

BUDGET: St. Christopher’s Inn at the Village – This hostel chain has eight London locations, but I like the Village venue the best — especially for being so near the Borough Market (an absolute haven for foodies). It’s also a short walk to the London Eye and Tower Bridge. This is a pretty big party place, with an outdoor terrace and a ton of social events to get you well acquainted with your fellow travelers, like regular beer pong nights and musical performances. It’s the first hostel in London to have cozy pod-style beds. They are actually super comfortable and provided one of the best sleeps I had in the city!

MID-RANGE: The Bridge Hotel – Near London South Bank University and the Tate Modern, the Bridge Hotel has a ton of value for money. The beds are big, the linens are soft, and the shower pressure is super strong. During the week, you can access the Fitness First gym. The hotel’s classic English pub is a really nice spot to hang out, especially when there are small musical acts.

LUXURY: H10 London Waterloo – The rooms here are bright and airy, with floor-to-ceiling windows and tons of natural light. There’s a lot of extra space, and the beds are really comfortable. Watching the sun go down from the rooftop Waterloo Sky Bar is a must-do, especially with a drink in hand. From here you can look out over the skyline and see the London Eye turning lazily in the distance.

Notting Hill

This is a really unique neighborhood, with cobblestone streets, Victorian townhouses, and plenty of quaint charm. You’ll find shop after shop with walls lined with antiques, as well as street food vendors, mom-and-pop shops, and small cafés and pubs that serve up some delicious grub. Notting Hill is really stylish! Each Saturday, it hosts the country’s largest antiques market, Portobello Road Market.

Best Places to Stay in Notting Hill

BUDGET: Hostel One Notting Hill – This hostel is awesome. Guests get a free homemade dinner each night and can join in on organized activities (including drinking games). It’s a very social hostel with friendly staff and a good vibe. The rooms are a bit cramped and pillows a bit flat, but the vibe more than makes up for the beds! There are two locations (the other one is in Camden).

MID-RANGE: Notting Hill Hotel – Located on a calm, tree-lined street right by the Pembridge Square garden, this is a nice boutique retreat from the city. The rooms are clean and come with your usual hotel amenities, but they’re a little colorless. The staff here are also super friendly and helpful. There is a common room and a library, and you can rent bicycles from reception.

LUXURY: Portobello Hotel – You’ll wake up to the best breakfast ever: tea, coffee, cereal, pastries, meats, cheeses, fresh fruit…you name it! Some rooms have extra character, like round beds with feather toppers, or mattresses so high you need a set of stairs to climb in. Plus the staff brings a flask of hot chocolate to your room every night.

Clapham

For a long time, Clapham was a rundown suburb of London but, in recent years, Clapham has turned into one of those up-and-coming districts with a constantly improving list of restaurants, nightclubs, music venues, specialty shops, and more. It’s now one of the hip places to live in the city, thanks in part to the cheap rent there! And, when the sun is out, head to the Clapham Common and join the other Londoners hanging out or picnicking on the grass.

Best Places to Stay in Clapham

BUDGET: PubLove The Crown – The main part of this hostel is actually its popular local pub that draws people from all over the neighborhood. The entire building was refurbished in 2018, so it’s a clean, fresh accommodation to lay your head after you have a few drinks at the bar. Each bed comes with individual sockets and security screens. You get discounts for food and drink as a guest.

MID-RANGE: The Gateway Hotel – Located two minutes from the South Clapham metro spot (and also near the Clapham Common), The Gateway Hotel offers basic accommodations in all its en suite rooms. Desks and coffee/tea are provided in your room. It’s a small hotel with just 20 rooms.

LUXURY: The Windmill on the Common – The Windmill is awesome. It’s housed in a 500-year-old British pub, with 42 individually designed boutique rooms. It’s also right on the Clapham Common. There’s a super cozy lounge with large sofas, a roaring fireplace, and even a friendly Bernese Mountain dog named Max. If you’re here on a Sunday, try their famous roast.

Paddington

Paddington is a hub for independent markets and boutique shops, and there’s a café on every corner. Spend an afternoon strolling along Praed Street and you’ll have your souvenir shopping done in no time. There are also unlimited sidewalk menu boards advertising meal specials day and night. Plus, you can wander the streets and take in the classic Georgian architecture.

Best Places to Stay in Paddington

BUDGET: The Pride of Paddington – The Pride of Paddington has both private rooms and dorms with up to eight beds, including female-only dorms. The rooms and bathrooms are clean and tidy, but they lack a lot of personality, and there is no communal kitchen. You get a free English breakfast with your stay, and discounted deals on other food and drinks.

MID-RANGE: Europa House Hotel – This is a family-run bed-and-breakfast that has been around since the ’70s. For a budget hotel, the beds are incredibly comfortable and luxurious. There’s not much decoration in these rooms, but they’re clean, and tea and coffee are provided.

LUXURY: Royal Lancaster London – Every room in this luxury hotel overlooks the London skyline or Hyde Park. The most “basic” rooms have smart TVs, USB hubs, sofas, and a work area. You also get all the fun free stuff, like plush slippers and bathrobes, vanity kits, and mineral water.

***

This is by no means an exhaustive list of London neighborhoods. These are just my favorites. No matter where you stay, you’re sure to find the city an excellent destination. There’s so much — including lots of free museums and attractions — that you’ll never run out of things to do. Take it easy, pace yourself, and make sure you get to know each neighborhood.

Book Your Trip to London: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner or Momondo. They are my two favorite search engines, because they search websites and airlines around the globe, so you always know no stone is being left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com, as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. I use it all the time.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it, as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. I’ve been using World Nomads for ten years. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

World Nomads (for everyone below 70)

Insure My Trip (for those over 70)

Looking for the best companies to save money with? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel! I list all the ones I use — and I think they will help you too!

Looking for more information on visiting London? Check out my in-depth destination guide to London with more tips on what to see and do, costs, ways to save, and much, much more!

Photo credits: 4, 5, 8, 11, 12

The post The Best Neighborhoods in London: Where to Stay When You Visit appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

from Traveling News https://www.nomadicmatt.com/travel-blogs/where-to-stay-london/

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The Best Neighborhoods in London: Where to Stay When You Visit

Posted: 2/25/2019 | February 25th, 2019

I’ve always liked London, but when I visited last year something in me just clicked—and poof! I finally saw the light and came to love it.

London has a million things to do to keep you busy a lifetime over. With its amazing architecture, world-class art museums, tons of historical sites, and unique shopping experiences, what’s not to love?

What’s not to love about a city where the pubs are so small everyone just stands on the street with their pint glass?!

And from its beautiful gardens to the excitement of Piccadilly Circus, there’s just an energy that can’t be beat.

But London is huge, containing more than 8 million people and 48 neighborhoods stretching over 607 square miles.

I mean it’s HUGE.

Any city that warrants a “I survived the subway” T-shirt usually is. Stay in the wrong neighborhood and you’ll spend hours on “the tube.”

So which are the best neighborhoods and places to stay when you visit London?

That depends on a lot of things (especially what your idea of fun is).

Each neighborhood has its own charm.

So I’ll break down the best neighborhoods and accommodations in London (for travelers, according to me):

The City of London

This is technically the center of London (sometimes called “The Square Mile”), and it’s where the Romans set up a small military outpost named Londinium in 43 CE. You can still see evidence of the Romans here, including the crumbling wall on Tower Hill. Now, the area a financial district. There are several good markets here like Whitecross Street, with its large number of international food vendors; the Sunday Upmarket in the Old Truman Brewery for handmade crafts and clothing; and Leather Lane for a more traditional mix of everything from leather to tropical flowers. I like the history, quiet, and central location of this neighborhood.

Best Places to Stay in The City

BUDGET: YHA London St Paul’s – Opposite St. Paul’s Cathedral, this was once the school for the cathedral’s choirboys (you can actually still see some of their graffiti on the walls). There’s no kitchen on-site, but there is a small restaurant and bar. It’s not a party hostel, as families often stay here. So it’s ideal for a good night’s sleep.

MID-RANGE: Citadines Barbican London – Renovated in 2017, this hotel is comfortable, affordable, and close to the Barbican tube stop.. There are some really great restaurants nearby, like Tinseltown and Workshop Coffee, but there is also a small Sourced Market in the hotel for when you need to grab something to eat on the run.

LUXURY: Counting House – The Counting House is actually an iconic English pub with 15 large luxury rooms above it with the most comfortable beds you’ll ever sleep in (Egyptian cotton sheets!). Some rooms come with living rooms. A free hearty breakfast is included. This is a very traditional, posh British hotel!

Kensington/South Kensington

If you have come to London to soak up British history or to indulge your love for all things royal, this is the neighborhood to be. Kensington is where London’s Museum Quarter is, including the Victoria & Albert Museum, the Science Museum, and the Natural History Museum. It’s really close to Hyde Park and the regal Kensington Gardens. I love to stroll the neighborhood and gaze at the mansion-lined streets. It’s quiet, quant, and classically British.

Best Places to Stay in Kensington/South Kensington

BUDGET: Astor Hyde Park – This hostel is in a quiet neighborhood right off Hyde Park, and within walking distance to the Natural History and the Victoria & Albert Museums. There’s a great social vibe, and the friendly hotel staff will help you arrange tours and activities. Plus the £1 breakfast can’t be beat! I love the old wooden décor — you feel more like you’re in a home than a hostel. The dorms are huge and there’s plenty of room to sprawl out. Try to avoid the rooms on the upper floors, though, as the hostel has no elevator.

MID-RANGE: London Lodge Hotel – You can book single rooms in this bright Victorian townhouse, while the executive rooms have more floor space and larger bathrooms. The rooms are each uniquely decorated to make them feel more like a home with colorful patterned wallpaper and carpeting, and vintage furniture.

LUXURY: The Ampersand Hotel – The Ampersand is a luxury boutique hotel next to the South Kensington station. Each beautiful room has a different theme, like music or astronomy, and if you’re staying on the top floor, you get a great view over London. They do a posh afternoon tea in the drawing rooms and you can play ping-pong in the games room.

Mayfair

Mayfair is one of the wealthiest neighborhoods in London. Located between Hyde Park and the West End, it’s home to numerous five-star hotels, classy art galleries, and ultra-expensive shops but quiet at night. If you’re looking to stay in one of the city’s fancier and more beautiful neighborhoods, this is it!

Best Places to Stay in Mayfair

BUDGET: Mermaid Suite Hotel – There are no hostels in this neighborhood, but the Mermaid Suite Hotel on Oxford Street is one of the best affordable options. You’ll get a private room with an en suite bathroom, satellite TV, and tea and coffee. There’s also a free continental breakfast.

MID-RANGE: Mayfair Guesthouse – Although all the rooms in this guesthouse are private and spacious (some have balconies), most of them come with shared bathrooms. It’s a really good value property for this part of town.

LUXURY: The Beaumont Hotel – Walking into the lobby is like stepping back into time. The walnut-paneled walls are covered in original classic paintings and photography, and all the rooms are art deco style with king-sized beds. The marble bathroom floors are heated. Take advantage of the sauna, steam room, fitness center, and hammam. If you’re going to treat yourself to dinner, try the fresh lobster at the Colony Grill. Or you can pretend it’s the 1920s and order a strong whiskey cocktail in the low light of Jimmy’s Bar.

Soho

Soho is one of London’s most vibrant neighborhoods. The former red-light district, Soho is home to hundreds of restaurants, pubs, stores, all-night coffee shops, and theaters. It’s eclectic and exciting, and London’s artistic community thrives here. I love Soho at night when the pubs here spill onto the street with folks having a pint after work. You’re a twenty minute walk from a lot of the main attractions (especially the theaters of the West End). This is one of my favorite neighborhoods in the city.

Best Places to Stay in Soho

BUDGET: SoHostel – This large hostel (I kept getting lost in the hallways) has a rooftop “tiki”-style bar, nightly drink specials, quiz nights, live music, and karaoke. It also has a big common space with a restaurant with cheap food (like £5 pizzas) and beer. The beds are comfy, and the showers super clean. It’s one of the best hostels in London. If you book directly with them, they often have special rates.

MID-RANGE: Mimi’s Hotel Soho – Mimi’s is a newer hotel, and its affordability is based on its tiny rooms. They come in “tiny,” “mini,” cozy,” and “lux,” but even the lux rooms are pretty small. On the other hand, there’s floor heating, specially filtered water, and really nice marble bathrooms. The hotel’s on-street bar, Henson’s, gets really busy at night.

LUXURY: The Soho Hotel – No two guestrooms are the same at the Soho Hotel; they’re also enormous and most have floor-to-ceiling windows. There’s a well-equipped gym and even a personal trainer on-site, but if you’d rather take a book to the cozy library and read, you can do that too. There are tons of restaurants, bars, cafés, and theaters surrounding the hotel, and Oxford and Regent Streets are both just a quick walk away.

Covent Garden

Covent Garden is just east of Soho. This is the theater district and is also known for its historic indoor market and throngs of tourists. There are plenty of street performers and lots of shopping opportunities. But it’s also a quirky neighborhood with cobblestone streets, cool shops, restaurants, and a historic square. It’s also very central.

Best Places to Stay in Covent Garden

BUDGET: Astor Museum Inn – Like the Astor Hyde Park, the dorms rooms here are pretty basic, but they aren’t overpriced, are clean, and there’s a cozy lounge and kitchen. Free dinners are also offered frequently. It’s not as quaint as the Hyde Park branch, but it is a better location.

MID-RANGE: Strand Palace Hotel – This hotel has been around since the early 1900s, and all its rooms are built around six inner courtyards. If you want a quiet space, ask for a room overlooking the interior. There are single-room options too, if you’re traveling solo and don’t mind a small space.

LUXURY: Fielding Hotel – The Fielding Hotel is named for author Henry Fielding, and in keeping with the period, the building has a lot of 19th-century charm. The rooms are tiny, but they come equipped with large TVs and tea and coffee facilities, and some even have claw-foot bathtubs. The hotel is located across from the Royal Opera House and just five minutes from the famous Covent Garden Market.

Shoreditch/Spitalfields

This artsy, hip neighborhood in East London is an up and coming neighborhood filled with outdoor markets, vintage clothing stores, bars, and restaurants, and it’s one of the best nightlife districts in town. The abundance of street art contrasts old industrial warehouses and dimly lit streets. Thanks to the immigrant influence here, you’re never too far from a döner kebab or a plate of Peruvian ceviche.

Best Places to Stay in Shoreditch/Spitalfields

BUDGET: The Dictionary – The hostel itself has a great rooftop terrace, a bar for drinks, and free breakfast. There’s a big kitchen in case you want to cook too. The rooms are bare, but they’re spacious, and kept clean, and the beds are fairly comfortable.

MID-RANGE: Brick Lane Hotel – This offers basic but very clean accommodations, including single, double, and triple rooms with en suite bathrooms. Each room has a tea and coffee station and a desk. There are only eight rooms total, so you’ll get to know your hosts quite well. The onsite Sheraz Bangla Lounge serves cheap curry and is a local neighborhood favorite, so be sure to eat here at least once!

LUXURY: The Curtain – Every nook of this hotel has some sort of quirky design touch, whether it’s contemporary artwork or a wall-mounted stag. The rooms are spacious and come with exposed brick walls, nice seating areas, and rainfall showers. There’s a small rooftop pool, and the fitness center has daily yoga and cycling classes.

King’s Cross/Camden

These two neighboring areas are especially popular with backpackers and young Londoners. King’s Cross has a lot of hostels, and the canal banks are full of warehouses that have been transformed into restaurants and bars. Camden has always been a hot spot for the alternative crowd. Like Shoreditch, it has a lot of vintage and unusual shops (like Cyberdog, the futuristic glow-in-the-dark shop that’s also part rave). The waterside Camden Lock Market is quite famous, and you’ll definitely find some treasures here.

Best Places to Stay in King’s Cross/Camden

BUDGET: Generator – This is Generator’s first hostel (it’s now a huge chain spread all over Europe), and it’s housed in an old police station. You can’t go wrong with this chain. Like most of their hostels, Generator London has lots of modern, upscale fixtures, a huge common area, a bar, and a restaurant (no common kitchen though). The beds are plush, but there are not many charging outlets, so you’ll have to fight for space. It’s a short walk from Regents Park, Covent Garden, and the British Museum.

MID-RANGE: Ambassadors Bloomsbury – The rooms here are simple here. The hotel makes really good use of its space. The beds are excellent, there are blackout curtains, and the showers have strong water pressure. The hotel does a simple afternoon tea too.

LUXURY: Great Northern Hotel – This luxury boutique hotel has been around since the 1850s. Each floor also has a pantry where you can get free snacks and treats, like home-cooked cakes, and plenty of tea and coffee. The rooms have high ceilings, walnut furniture, giant walk-in showers, and beds you’ll never want to leave.

Chelsea

Chelsea has a reputation as London’s most fashionable neighborhood. There are also some very picturesque hidden squares you can find with a little exploration, and the colorful buildings make for great photography. It’s located on the Thames, and Albert Bridge (reputably one of the “most romantic bridges in the world”) has beautiful views over London. Chelsea is pretty residential, but there are lots of galleries and shopping options!

Best Places to Stay in Chelsea

BUDGET: Acacia Hostel – The rooms are small and they don’t have much character, but there are no more than six beds in each dorm. There’s a well-equipped communal kitchen but you’ll get free continental breakfast. It’s quiet, clean, and the Chelsea Football Stadium is a short walk away.

MID-RANGE: Chelsea House Hotel – This 150-year-old Victorian hotel has maintained a lot of its original charm and makes for a relaxed stay right near Earl’s Court. The rooms are pretty dull, without any kind of artwork or design touches, but they’re comfortable and tidy. There’s also a free continental breakfast buffet.

LUXURY: Blakes Hotel – Each room is different: some have four-poster beds, or enormous chandeliers, or antique furniture. The bathrooms have heated floors and soaker bathtubs. It can be a little dark for some people — there are a lot of blacks and grays — but overall it has a romantic vibe. If the weather is nice you have to get a cocktail in The Courtyard garden – there’s a ton of graffiti art and even an installation of a giant zebra.

Southwark

This historic district on the south bank of the Thames has a lot going for it. Tourists flock to the neighborhood, as it is home to the Tate Modern and Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. There are several food markets, but Borough Market is the best, especially for foodies. You can’t miss London’s tallest, most modern building, the Shard. Make sure to take a walk along the river, as it’s a scenic route that affords great views of the city skyline. You can cross back and forth the Thames via the Tower, Millennium, or London Bridges.

Best Places to Stay in Southwark

BUDGET: St. Christopher’s Inn at the Village – This hostel chain has eight London locations, but I like the Village venue the best — especially for being so near the Borough Market (an absolute haven for foodies). It’s also a short walk to the London Eye and Tower Bridge. This is a pretty big party place, with an outdoor terrace and a ton of social events to get you well acquainted with your fellow travelers, like regular beer pong nights and musical performances. It’s the first hostel in London to have cozy pod-style beds. They are actually super comfortable and provided one of the best sleeps I had in the city!

MID-RANGE: The Bridge Hotel – Near London South Bank University and the Tate Modern, the Bridge Hotel has a ton of value for money. The beds are big, the linens are soft, and the shower pressure is super strong. During the week, you can access the Fitness First gym. The hotel’s classic English pub is a really nice spot to hang out, especially when there are small musical acts.

LUXURY: H10 London Waterloo – The rooms here are bright and airy, with floor-to-ceiling windows and tons of natural light. There’s a lot of extra space, and the beds are really comfortable. Watching the sun go down from the rooftop Waterloo Sky Bar is a must-do, especially with a drink in hand. From here you can look out over the skyline and see the London Eye turning lazily in the distance.

Notting Hill

This is a really unique neighborhood, with cobblestone streets, Victorian townhouses, and plenty of quaint charm. You’ll find shop after shop with walls lined with antiques, as well as street food vendors, mom-and-pop shops, and small cafés and pubs that serve up some delicious grub. Notting Hill is really stylish! Each Saturday, it hosts the country’s largest antiques market, Portobello Road Market.

Best Places to Stay in Notting Hill

BUDGET: Hostel One Notting Hill – This hostel is awesome. Guests get a free homemade dinner each night and can join in on organized activities (including drinking games). It’s a very social hostel with friendly staff and a good vibe. The rooms are a bit cramped and pillows a bit flat, but the vibe more than makes up for the beds! There are two locations (the other one is in Camden).

MID-RANGE: Notting Hill Hotel – Located on a calm, tree-lined street right by the Pembridge Square garden, this is a nice boutique retreat from the city. The rooms are clean and come with your usual hotel amenities, but they’re a little colorless. The staff here are also super friendly and helpful. There is a common room and a library, and you can rent bicycles from reception.

LUXURY: Portobello Hotel – You’ll wake up to the best breakfast ever: tea, coffee, cereal, pastries, meats, cheeses, fresh fruit…you name it! Some rooms have extra character, like round beds with feather toppers, or mattresses so high you need a set of stairs to climb in. Plus the staff brings a flask of hot chocolate to your room every night.

Clapham

For a long time, Clapham was a rundown suburb of London but, in recent years, Clapham has turned into one of those up-and-coming districts with a constantly improving list of restaurants, nightclubs, music venues, specialty shops, and more. It’s now one of the hip places to live in the city, thanks in part to the cheap rent there! And, when the sun is out, head to the Clapham Common and join the other Londoners hanging out or picnicking on the grass.

Best Places to Stay in Clapham

BUDGET: PubLove The Crown – The main part of this hostel is actually its popular local pub that draws people from all over the neighborhood. The entire building was refurbished in 2018, so it’s a clean, fresh accommodation to lay your head after you have a few drinks at the bar. Each bed comes with individual sockets and security screens. You get discounts for food and drink as a guest.

MID-RANGE: The Gateway Hotel – Located two minutes from the South Clapham metro spot (and also near the Clapham Common), The Gateway Hotel offers basic accommodations in all its en suite rooms. Desks and coffee/tea are provided in your room. It’s a small hotel with just 20 rooms.

LUXURY: The Windmill on the Common – The Windmill is awesome. It’s housed in a 500-year-old British pub, with 42 individually designed boutique rooms. It’s also right on the Clapham Common. There’s a super cozy lounge with large sofas, a roaring fireplace, and even a friendly Bernese Mountain dog named Max. If you’re here on a Sunday, try their famous roast.

Paddington

Paddington is a hub for independent markets and boutique shops, and there’s a café on every corner. Spend an afternoon strolling along Praed Street and you’ll have your souvenir shopping done in no time. There are also unlimited sidewalk menu boards advertising meal specials day and night. Plus, you can wander the streets and take in the classic Georgian architecture.

Best Places to Stay in Paddington

BUDGET: The Pride of Paddington – The Pride of Paddington has both private rooms and dorms with up to eight beds, including female-only dorms. The rooms and bathrooms are clean and tidy, but they lack a lot of personality, and there is no communal kitchen. You get a free English breakfast with your stay, and discounted deals on other food and drinks.

MID-RANGE: Europa House Hotel – This is a family-run bed-and-breakfast that has been around since the ’70s. For a budget hotel, the beds are incredibly comfortable and luxurious. There’s not much decoration in these rooms, but they’re clean, and tea and coffee are provided.

LUXURY: Royal Lancaster London – Every room in this luxury hotel overlooks the London skyline or Hyde Park. The most “basic” rooms have smart TVs, USB hubs, sofas, and a work area. You also get all the fun free stuff, like plush slippers and bathrobes, vanity kits, and mineral water.

***

This is by no means an exhaustive list of London neighborhoods. These are just my favorites. No matter where you stay, you’re sure to find the city an excellent destination. There’s so much — including lots of free museums and attractions — that you’ll never run out of things to do. Take it easy, pace yourself, and make sure you get to know each neighborhood.

Book Your Trip to London: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner or Momondo. They are my two favorite search engines, because they search websites and airlines around the globe, so you always know no stone is being left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com, as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. I use it all the time.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it, as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. I’ve been using World Nomads for ten years. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

World Nomads (for everyone below 70)

Insure My Trip (for those over 70)

Looking for the best companies to save money with? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel! I list all the ones I use — and I think they will help you too!

Looking for more information on visiting London? Check out my in-depth destination guide to London with more tips on what to see and do, costs, ways to save, and much, much more!

Photo credits: 4, 5, 8, 11, 12

The post The Best Neighborhoods in London: Where to Stay When You Visit appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

source https://www.nomadicmatt.com/travel-blogs/where-to-stay-london/