Paris is known as the most romantic city in the world. But Paris is also a very large city, so if you bought the plane tickets then you may still be wondering where you should stay. The Eiffel Tower is not a hotel, so you probably need to do some more research to learn where you should stay in this beautiful city.

We talked to our colleagues and, of course, if you’re a traveler like we are then you should know this beautiful city. This is one city that is quickly crossed off any European traveler’s list. We have visited Paris countless times and so we know the best neighborhoods for you to stay in to make the most of your amazing Paris vacation.

MONTMARTRE 

Montmartre is one of the most special neighborhoods Paris has to offer. Tons of tourists flock here daily, but thankfully they have had no effect on the wonderful charm this neighborhood has to offer. Montmartre is hilly and the locals love this place of residence.

You will be charmed by the beautiful streets, shops, and restaurants around here and you can learn about the amazing history Montmartre has in the art world. Staying in Montmartre is a great way to fall in love with beautiful Paris.

SOUTH PIGALLE

Paris has a wild nightlife and South Pigalle is a neighborhood that proves it. You will find tons of trendy bars and it seems like new ones are added each and every day. But there aren’t just bars here, there are also plenty of wonderful restaurants too.

French food is some of the best food on the planet and you can happily pig out at the many delectable dining options that South Pigalle has to offer. If you are tired of eating heavy foods and need something fresh to clean your system then head to the organic market that takes place every Friday at Place Anvers.

BELLEVILLE-MENILMONTANT

Belleville-Menilmontant is home to a bunch of hip new art galleries. Check this place out if you want to see the emerging art scene that Paris has to offer. There are a lot of bars too because artists love to drink, so don’t worry, you can still get a taste of Paris’s thriving nightlife as well.

This is a great neighborhood if you want to experience just how multicultural Paris really is. You can find Brazilian food, Sicilian food, and even Rwandan food in this wonderful neighborhood.

OBERKAMPF

Oberkampf is right next to Menilmontant and is where West-African food reigns supreme. Once you’re done eating some tasty treats, then you can go check out some live music at the many live music venues around here. Then hop into a cocktail bar and drink some delicious cocktails and then get some more late night eats.

This is one more neighborhood in Paris that has tons of bars and clubs, they seem to flood every neighborhood all over Paris, which is a good thing. But partying shouldn’t be your top priority in Paris, eating should.

Barcelona is an absolutely incredible city and should be on the top of everyone’s travel list. There are breathtaking beaches, delectable dining, and a non-stop nightlife. No matter how you have fun, Barcelona offers it in spades. But where should you stay?

We talked to our worldly staff, and when we brought up that we were writing an article about Barcelona, they’re eyes lit up.They were practically frothing at the mouth and shoving each other out of the way just to chime in with their favorite neighborhoods and why.

After strenuous research, here are some of our absolute favorite neighborhoods to stay when visiting beautiful Barcelona.

El Born

El Born is located right in the center of the old city. This makes it very convenient to get around to the many other neighborhoods, so you can walk to the beach or the Gothic Quarter or even the metro stops.

But it’s not just the location that makes El Born the top of our list. This neighborhood is known for its amazing artisan shops and hip restaurants. Prepare to blow up your Instagram if you stay here because there are tons of alleyways covered in graffiti and street art that are perfect for some cool photos so that you can brag to your friends and make them all super jealous.

Oh, also, did we mention the Picasso Museum? Yeah, that Picasso. You can see some of his most famous paintings along with his early work. Now that’s a neighborhood.

Barceloneta

If beach vibes are totally what you’re feeling, shaka bro, then Barceloneta is for you. You can walk along the beach and see all the different ways the Barcelonians enjoy the sunshine from rollerblading and biking to swimming or just relaxing.

There really isn’t too much to say as to why this neighborhood is great, I mean you’re in the Mediterranean on a beach. Do we really need to give you much more info than that?

El Raval

If you’re a Hemingway fan then you’ve probably heard of this neighborhood. In Hemingway’s days it was a pretty rough neighborhood, but not anymore. Now El Raval is delightful for everyone to stay.

You will see more diversity here than in any other neighborhood in Barcelona. People from all over the world seem to flock to this neighborhood when looking for a place to live which creates a very diverse scene.

That means there’s a lot of great food and of course, great bars. But don’t blame us if you find yourself awake at four AM dancing in the streets. You won’t stick out if you’re doing that, by the way, you’ll fit right in.

Poble See

If staying out until the wee hours of the morning isn’t your thing, but eating is your thing then Poble See is for you. This place isn’t known for its nightlife but it is known for its tapas bars.

You might not be too close to major tourist attractions in this district, but you will be close to the metro system which can get you there quickly and efficiently.

One thing is for sure, no matter where you stay, you will love Barcelona.

We’re still a ways away from the next Olympic Games, but that doesn’t mean we can’t talk about Olympics past! In fact, this is as good a time as any to revisit some of the amazing cities that have hosted the historic games over the years.

It turns out many of them are still absolutely gorgeous and very much worth a visit. We went through all of them and here are our top 5 you definitely have to see.

LILLEHAMMER, NORWAY

Lillehammer hosted the Winter Games in 1994 and it provided some unforgettable moments. Like American Bonnie Blair winning her third straight gold in the 500-meter speed skating race, and Norway’s own Johann Olav Koss setting world records in three different speed skating events. Many of the courses and tracks used during those games are still open to the public. You can explore all 211 miles of the cross-country trails, ride the luge and bobsled tracks, or check out the ski jump arena.

LAKE PLACID, NEW YORK

I didn’t know this; Lake Place actually hosted the Olympic Games twice! First in 1932, and then again in 1980. The 1980 games were the setting for one of the most famous moments in American Olympic history: The Miracle On Ice. When the men’s hockey team miraculously defeated the seemingly unbeatable Soviet team. Many of the Olympic facilities are still open for use by the public, but the big draw for Lake Placid is the beautiful scenery. Surrounded by rolling mountains and the beautiful blue water of the lake itself, it’s easy to see why Lake Placid is a two-time host of the Olympic Games. 

ST. MORITZ, SWITZERLAND

St. Moritz also hosted the Olympic Games twice. First in 1928, and then again in 1948. The 1928 games are famous for introducing the skeleton event, one of the most exciting and dangerous sports in the winter games. One attraction you have to catch when you visit is the Olympic Ice Pavillion that was built in 1905 and used in both Olympic Games that were held here. It’s also right by the beautiful Kulm golf course if you’d like to get in a quick 18 while you’re there.

HELSINKI, FINLAND

Helsinki was the proud home of the 1952 summer games. This was the first Olympic Games that saw athletes from Israel an the Soviet Union. The Soviet Union wasted no time getting down to business, as their women’s gymnastics team dominated their field. 

Helsinki is especially famous for its beautiful architecture. Most notably Helsinki Central Station, and Hotel Kamp, which features an incredible hall of mirrors. And don’t forget to stop by the Design District to take in some art, pick up a few mementos, and grab a bite of the local fare. 

MONTREAL, QUEBEC

The 1976 Olympic games took place in the one and only Montreal. A very important Olympics, as women’s handball, rowing, and basketball were included for the very first time. But beyond that, most people remember Romanian gymnast Nadia Comaneci the most. She famously earned the first-ever perfect 10 at the age of 14. 

The legend of these games lives on in the old Olympic Park through ‘Since 1976,’ a beautiful exhibit celebrating all that took place that year. Definitely worth a look if you ever make it to this beautiful city.