News.com.au Galleries: Best of travel 2010

 

TRAVEL PICTURES OF THE YEAR
From the shocking to the hilarious or the amusing, take a look at the most popular travel photo galleries of 2010. Funny signs, ugly animals, strange buildings, humiliating holiday snaps and body painting festivals are among the most clicked-on galleries.

World's strangest signs
Funny signs around the world including this one in the UK that warns people to "watch where you dump your dogs".
Picture: Flickr user GeneHunt
Click here to see more funny signs.

 

World Bodypainting Festival
Models pose at the World Bodypainting Festival in Seeboden, Austria.
Picture: AP
See more of the World Bodypainting Festival here.

 

Weird buildings
Bizarre buildings from around the world including the famous "Melting building" in Paris which uses optical illusion techniques.
Flickr user EverJean
See more twisted buildings here.

Stand Craft 122
The Strand Craft 122 boat comes with four large, double state rooms, a reception area, salon, 52in LED TVs and a customised sound systems in every room. But the biggest drawcard is the 375km/h twin turbo supercar, which can be parked in the stern of the ship.
Picture: Gray Design
See more of the Stand Craft 122 here

Ugly animals
The world's most hideous animals including the Aye-aye - a lemur native to Madagascar.
Picture: AP
Click here for shocking pictures of the world's ugliest animals.

Best of first class
Inside the world of first class, including Emirates with seats that are mini-suites with sliding doors that give passengers complete privacy as well as including individual storage, vanity desk and a personal mini-bar.
Picture: Supplied
The best of first class in pictures.

Awkward holiday snaps
Virgin America launched a competition to find the most awkward holiday photograph and received some shockers.
Picture: Virgin America
See the humiliating family holiday snaps here.

Tiny hotel rooms
The world's smallest hotel rooms, including Qbic Hotel in Amsterdam which opened in 2007 and features a cube-shaped room, television, safe and internet connection.
Picture: Supplied
Smallest hotel rooms ever, in pictures.

Airbus A350
The German government was poised to grant a 1.1 billion euro loan to develop the Airbus A350 long-haul passenger aircraft.
Picture: Supplied
Inside the Airbus A350.

Best nude beaches and events
The world's best nude beaches and events where you can get your kit off have been revealed by travel website TripAdvisor. The selection includes the Running of the Nudes, Nude Beach Olympics and World Naked Bike Ride.Among the best nude beaches is Florida's Haulover Beach, Greece's Paradise Beach and Canada's Wreck beach.
Picture: Supplied
See the world's best nude events and beaches here.

Airline food
The good, bad and ugly of plane foods revealed, including this strange-looking meal.
"The dessert was truly innovative. A small gulab-jamun going stale was then wrapped in a besan ka laddoo kind of thingie and when that started going stale they dunked the whole lot in custard. Carrying your own food on board no-frills with brand new A-320s has never looked more attractive," a traveller said of Jet Airways' food.
Picture: Flickr user vm2827
Click here to see the best and worst of plane food.

Plane porn
A Southwest Airlines Boeing 737-700 was emblazoned with Sports Illustrated cover girl Bar Refaeli.
Picture: AFP
See more plane porn pics.

2010 Australian Body Art Festival
The Australian Body Art Carnivale takes place in Eumundi in Queensland and features cutting-edge full body painting using airbrush and sponge and brush, as well as special effects.
Picture: Getty
See more of the Aussie body art festival here.
 source:news.com.au

News.com.au Galleries: The 20th annual International Tattoo Convention

 

The 20th International Tattoo Convention at the Tempelhof Airport building in Berlin. Tattoo artists from around the world present the newest techniques, designs and colour creations.

Picture: AFP

 

The convention saw tattoo artists and enthusiasts from around the world get inked. The first written reference to the word tattoo appears in the journal of Joseph Banks. Banks was a naturalist aboard Captain Cook's ship "The Endeavour", in 1769: "I shall now mention the way they mark themselves indelibly, each of them is so marked by their humour or disposition".

Picture: Getty

 

How many piercings can you count?

Picture: AP

This certainly looks like fun. Artists draw on the artwork before getting the needles out. Tattoos have served as rites of passage, marks of status and rank, symbols of religious and spiritual devotion, decorations for bravery, sexual lures and marks of fertility, pledges of love, punishment, amulets and talismans, protection, and as the marks of outcasts, slaves and convicts.

Picture: Getty

  A close up of one patron getting a tattoo coloured. The growth in tattoo culture has seen an influx of new artists into the industry, many of whom have technical and fine arts training. Coupled with advancements in tattoo pigments and the ongoing refinement of the equipment used for tattooing, this has led to an improvement in the quality of tattoos being produced.

Picture: Getty

  Tattoos have experienced a resurgence in popularity in many parts of the world, particularly in North and South America, Japan, and Europe.

Picture: AP

  The most common method of tattooing in modern times is the electric tattoo machine, which inserts ink into the skin via a group of needles that are soldered onto a bar, which is attached to an oscillating unit. The unit rapidly and repeatedly drives the needles in and out of the skin, usually 80 to 150 times a second.

Picture: Getty

  Tattooing involves the placement of pigment into the skin's dermis, the layer of dermal tissue underlying the epidermis. After initial injection, pigment is dispersed throughout a homogenized damaged layer down through the epidermis and upper dermis, in both of which the presence of foreign material activates the immune system's phagocytes to engulf the pigment particles.

Picture: Getty

  Tattoos have served as rites of passage, marks of status and rank, symbols of religious and spiritual devotion, decorations for bravery, sexual lures and marks of fertility, pledges of love, punishment, amulets and talismans, protection, and as the marks of outcasts, slaves and convicts.

Picture: AP

  Early tattoo inks were obtained directly from nature and were extremely limited in pigment variety. Today, an almost unlimited number of colours and shades of tattoo ink are mass-produced and sold to parlours worldwide.

Picture: Getty

  source:news.com.au

 

News.com.au Galleries: Top 10 Aussie deals

 

Melbourne Secret Hotels deal
Saving: 73 per cent

Snap up a four-star bargain with this Melbourne Secret Hotels deal, located in the heart of the CBD and a stones throw from Melbourne's sporting precinct. Priced from $109, a saving of 73 per cent, the deal is for two adults staying one night.

As soon as the booking has been made you are sent an email confirming all of your booking details including the name and the address of the hotel that you have reserved. Subject to availability. Blackout dates may apply.

More: Visit www.lastminute.com.au

Picture: Flickr user AdamSelwood

 

Broome: Pinctada Cable Beach Resort & Spa
Saving: 47 per cent

Indulge in a festive season special at Pinctada Cable Beach Resort & Spa for $298, including overnight accommodation in a modern Shinju Studio Room, full breakfast daily, return airport transfers, welcome drinks on arrival, a five-course Christmas Day Lunch in Selene Brasserie and tickets to a NYE pool party. 

This deal is valid for travel from December 20 until January 1. Subject to availability.

More: Visit www.quickbeds.com

Picture: Hotel

 

Cairns: Il Centro Apartment Suites
Saving: 35 per cent

An oasis in the heart of the city awaits guests at the 3.5-star Il Centro Apartment Suites. The oversized self-contained one bedroom apartments feature balconies with views of the city of Cairns. Some overlook the landscaped Mediterranean pool and spa. For a relaxed dining atmosphere, guests will have access to the gazebo with BBQ as well as a roof top garden with city views, a perfect hideaway.

Expedia.com.au is offering a saving of 35 per cent when you stay for three nights with rooms starting from $135 per room per night. This deal is available to book and travel by March 31, 2011. Terms and conditions apply. Subject to availability. 

More: Call 13 38 10 or visit www.expedia.com.au

Picture: Flickr user Jorge Lascar

 

Barton: Hotel Realm
Saving: 42 per cent

Spend New Year's Eve in style in the ACT with a set dinner for two in Konoba restaurant, buffet breakfast and late checkout included when staying at the five-star Hotel Realm.

Book the "Celebrate New Year's Eve" and pay from $370 per night for two people, available to book now and stay on 31 December only.

More: Call 1300 88 7979 or visit www.wotif.com

Picture: Hotel

Launceston: 96 on Arthur Serviced Apartments
Saving: 56 per cent

Take your time to wander through the architecture in Launceston with this fantastic deal. Stay in a spacious one bedroom apartment with free movies, phone calls, and parking when staying at the four-star 96 on Arthur Serviced Apartments.

Book the "Super Save East Side" and pay from $105 per night for one person, available to book now and stay until 4 March.

More: Call 1300 88 7979 or visit www.wotif.com

Picture: Flickr user mugley

 

Sydney: Castlereagh Boutique Hotel
Saving: 30 per cent

The heritage-listed four-star Castlereagh Boutique Hotel features luxurious furnishings and is located in the heart of the CBD. Close to some of the best retail and entertainment options that Sydney has to offer, the Castlereagh is perfect for a city getaway. The hotel offers a selection of rooms including deluxe rooms and suites. Families also have the option of staying in adjoining family rooms.

Expedia.com.au is offering a saving of 30 per cent when you stay for three nights with rooms starting from $149 per room per night. This deal is available to book and travel by January 31, 2011. Terms and conditions apply. Subject to availability. 

More: Call 13 38 10 or visit www.expedia.com.au

Picture: Flickr user photohome_uk

 

Terrigal: Crowne Plaza
Saving: 50 per cent

Spoil yourself with a little midweek TLC and enjoy a full buffet breakfast for two, $200 day spa credit and complimentary parking when staying at the 4.5 star Crowne Plaza Terrigal.

Book the "TLC Midweek Package" and pay from AU$320 per night for two people, available to book now until 23 December.

More: Call 1300 88 7979 or visit www.wotif.com

Picture: Hotel

 

Melbourne: Causeway 353
Saving: 58 per cent

Enjoy overnight accommodation in a Deluxe King Room at Causeway 353 for $155, including a daily newspaper, breakfast and one AAT Kings Morning City Sights tour.

This deal is valid for travel from December 8 until December 23. Subject to availability.

More: Visit www.quickbeds.com

Picture: Hotel

  Port Douglas: Sheraton Mirage
Saving: 40 per cent

Luxury awaits at the 4.5-star Sheraton Mirage Port Douglas. The resort is surrounded by five acres of swimmable saltwater lagoons and is located on the foreshore of Four Mile Beach. Also located on the grounds are nine tennis courts, an 18-hole championship golf course as well as rentable bicycles to explore the grounds and keep even the most active guest occupied.

Expedia.com.au is offering a saving of 40 per cent with rooms starting from $185 per room per night. This deal is available to book by January 31, 2011, for travel between January 15, 2011 and March 31, 2011. Terms and conditions apply. Subject to availability.

More: Call 13 38 10 or visit www.expedia.com.au

Picture: Hotel

  Perth:  Somerset St Georges Terrace
Saving: 50 per cent

Located close to the famous Swan River, the Somerset St Georges Terrace is a perfect inner city retreat. Guests will have a selection of rooms to choose from including spa studios (pictured) and one-bedroom residences. The hotel offers a cosmopolitan lifestyle with a number of restaurants, cafes and art galleries located close to the hotel.

Expedia.com.au is offering a saving of 50 per cent when you stay for two nights with rooms starting from $165 per room per night. This deal is available to book by January 30, 2011 for travel between December 21, 2010 and January 31, 2011. Terms and conditions apply. Subject to availability. 

More: Call 13 38 10 or visit www.expedia.com.au

Picture: Hotel

 source:news.com.au

News.com.au Galleries: LEGO ON THE LOOSE

A man looks up at the 6.4m long model of the shark by Stephen Gerling weighing over 600kg.
The LEGO On The Loose exhibition at the Sydney Wildlife World and Sydney Aquarium opened today and runs for a year.
The exhibition has been two years in the making, features 25 giant LEGO models made up from over 1.5 million LEGO bricks.
Picture: Charles Brewer

Boxing Kangaroo
The exhibition started December 22. From January 15, visitors can participate in the Mega Mural - the biggest interactive LEGO event the world has seen to help raise money for Autism Spectrum Australia (ASPECT). Participants can build their own tile to contribute to the giant LEGO mystery picture.
Picture: Charles Brewer

 

Model of Burke & Wills and Camel by Erik Varszegi comprising of 80,000 bricks.
Fun Fact: Laid end to end, the number of LEGO bricks sold yearly would reach more than 5 times round the world.
Picture: Charles Brewer

A little boy sticks his LEGO Minifigure to the Kraken mural by Stephen Gerling, measuring 6.1m long by 3.5m high and made out of 331,776 bricks.
Fun Fact: LEGO is the world's largest tyre manufacturer.
Picture: Charles Brewer

Mark Gosbell reaches over his 6 years old daughter Ruby to help her build a model in the LEGO play room.
Fun Fact: Approx. seven LEGO sets are sold every second.
Picture: Charles Brewer
source:news.com.au

The best summer beaches

This could be you: tourists snorkelling at Club Med in the Maldives. Picture: Escape Source: Supplied

Dolphins at Monkey Mia in Western Australia. Picture: Escape Source: Supplied

THE Escape team have sought out five of the best deals available this summer, sure to have you lazing around - or out jet skiing - in no time.

Go on, dive in
If you're talking beaches - and if you're not, let's - you're surely talking the Maldives, in the Indian Ocean. The 26 coral-and-sand atolls are pretty much all beach, when you think about it, rising to just 2.3m above sea level. With summer temperatures of about 30C and the humidity kept down by the cooling sea breezes, it's the perfect place to catch a little sun.
Club Med Kani is the ultimate carefree base, with its new lagoon suites built on stilts over the water offering a panoramic view of the little island of Kani and the vast ocean stretching away beyond. Each private suite has a terrace and you can go snorkelling right from your doorstep.
Escape Travel has six nights at Club Med Kani in a lagoon suite - with travel insurance, airport transfer, three gourmet meals daily, bar and snacking, sports and activities and nightly entertainment all thrown in - for $3105 a person twin share, for sale until December 19. Valid for travel until December 24 and from January 22 to February 1 next year.More: 1300 799 783 or www.escapetravel.com.au

Say 'hi' to Bali
If you're in search of an exotic beach on a foreign shore but don't want to travel too far afield, then the sandy expanses of Bali should be on your list. Why not plump for a stay at the 4-star Grand Istana Rama Hotel, right on Kuta beach, with some of the best surfing in the world a few steps from your room?
It's a laid-back place to spend a few days, with the shops of Kuta Square a short walk away and the vibrant nightlife of party street Jalan Legian also close by. For music-lovers who want to kick on into the night, there's the Double Six club and Hard Rock Cafe Bali within staggering distance.

Student Flights has four nights at the Grand Istana Rama Hotel in a superior room, with breakfast and return economy class airfares to Denpasar with Pacific Blue, from just $995 from Sydney. The offer's available until the end of this year, valid for travel from February 1 to March 31 next year.
More: 1300 019 130 or see www.studentflights.com.au

Malaysian around
The beaches of the Langkawi archipelago in Malaysia will have sunseekers spoilt for choice. There are so many you won't have enough time to catch some rays or splash around on all of them - but Burau Bay, fringed by rocky outcrops, is a common haunt of migratory birds.
Pantai Cenang, rimmed with towering coconuts and casuarinas, is as pretty as a picture and neighbouring Pantai Tengah, around a tiny headland, is home to the Federal Villas Beach resort.

Escape Travel has seven nights at the 3-star resort in a run-ofhouse room backed up by one night at the 4.5-star Pan Pacific KLIA Airport Hotel for $949 a person twin share out of Sydney, including Malaysia Airlines flights. The resort has a recreation centre with a spa, and two huge swimming pools - although you won't need to be using them. This offer is on sale until December 4 and valid for travel from February 1 to March 31 next year.
More: 1300 799 783 or www.escapetravel.com.au

Monkey's the business
Monkey Mia, in Western Australia's Shark Bay, is one of the few places in the world where you can play with wild dolphins. A recognised natural beauty and World Heritage landmark, Monkey Mia has attracted schools of dolphins to its peaceful shore almost every day for more than 40 years - it's a rare day indeed when the friendly mammals don't turn up.
But while they're the main attraction, the remote Monkey Mia is surrounded by kilometre upon kilometre of unspoilt beach. If you can't find a quiet bit of beach here to claim as your own, you're simply not trying. When you get sick of the beach there's plenty to jump into - snorkelling, sailing or bush-bashing in a 4WD. There's even a camel ride, if you're bold enough.

The 3.5-star Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort is right on the beach and just a few steps will take you to the water's edge to see if any finned friends want to say hello. Flight Centre has four nights in a beachside dolphin unit from $335 a person twin share, valid for travel until the end of March next year.
More: 1300 939 414 or www.flightcentre.com.au

Pack the sunscreen
Of course, you don't have to go hotfooting huge distances in search of the perfect beach. Australia's a sun-kissed paradise in its own right, and where better to hit the beach than the Sunshine State? Queensland's beach climate is ideal for summer and there are kilometres of beach from which to choose.

The Sunshine Coast is a popular destination and Escape Travel has four nights in a bungalow-style apartment at the 4.5-star BreakFree South Pacific at Noosaville for $215 a person twin share between January 23 and March 31 next year. The tropical-colonial resort reclines against 2ha of lush, landscaped gardens and is just five minutes' drive from Hastings St, the beating heart of Noosa's cafe culture. Of course, if that sounds like too much work, the resort is also home to the relaxing Noosa Health Spa. It's just a short trip away from Noosa's Main Beach and Sunshine and Peregian beaches - ace spots for a bit of surfing.
More: 1300 799 783 or www.escapetravel.com.au

Top Tips: Exclusive holiday bargains

Travel Advice: Get the best holiday deals

source:nzherald.co.nz

Shop like a true fashion icon in Paris

The Eiffel Suite 361 living room at the Hotel Plaza Athenee in Paris. Source: Supplied

Restaurant Alain Ducasse at the Plaza Athenee hotel in Paris. Source: Supplied

YOU know you're in Paris when the hotel's spa menu offers a beauty treatment aimed solely at easing leg fatigue a condition caused by too much shopping, I'm told.

But my pins are going to have to suffer in silence because, if you've seen The Devil Wears Prada or Sex and the City's final episode, you'll understand the urgency of getting to my room at the Hotel Plaza Athenee, one of the most chic and most recognisable Parisian hotels, so I can throw open the shutters to a sea of cascading red geraniums and scarlet awnings. The view to my right seals the deal on my French fantasy as the world's most famous landmark presents itself.
Colour and colourful guests have been constants at this hotel since it opened in 1911. Mata Hari was arrested in her room as a spy for Germany in 1917. Grace Kelly, Josephine Baker and Marlene Dietrich have also called the hotel home, while Christian Dior marked the area as a haute couture hot spot when he opened his first boutique on the same avenue in 1946, using the hotel as his second home.

Now the avenue is bursting with big-label boutiques and fashion houses including Chanel, Valentino and Dolce & Gabbana, while the hotel's stunning renovation in 2000 brought a new breed of hip young fashionistas - and Hollywood elite.
The location
You'd be hard-pressed to pick a more fashionable spot in Paris. Sandwiched between the River Seine and the Avenue des Champs Elysees, the area known as the Golden Triangle becomes a veritable catwalk during Fashion Week. The 40-minute cab ride from Roissy-Charles de Gaulle will cost you €60 ($A81), or €267 (A$360) in the hotel's Mercedes E-class limo.
What we like
A slightly bemused look from concierge staff suggests that not many guests take the hotel's complimentary red bicycles out for a spin. Shame because it's the perfect way to see Paris. You also have to love a hotel that has won a second world championship in pastry making. In France there are pastry collections for the seasons and here, they are served by the lip-smacking metre.
What we don't
Don't dive into the hotel's deliciously decadent Christian Dior Institute without backing up your credit card. At €190 ($256) for an anti-jet lag treatment or to have retail ache massaged away, you'd want them to carry your bags around all day, too.
A cheeseburger on the room service menu will sting at €32 ($43) compared with €13 ($17.50) at a nearby cafe, while cannelloni with lobster sauce will set you back €84 ($113).
The room
The hotel has 191 rooms six floors of classic French Louis XVIth style and two Art Deco-inspired.
Our room has views of the chestnut trees that line Avenue Montaigne (and of course the Eiffel Tower) but you'll be spoilt for choice overlooking the charming courtyard garden or blessed with a panoramic view of the Eiffel Tower, Montmartre and classic Parisian rooftops.
The Louis XVI and Regency-styled suite has all the state-of-the-art technology you could want, along with a luxurious bedroom and heavenly bathroom.
Food and drink
If you treat yourself to one lavish lunch in Paris, step into the hotel's La Cour Jardin, an open-air courtyard with walls of scarlet awnings and intertwining vine. This little oasis is Michelin-starred chef Alain Ducasse's seasonal Riviera-style restaurant, where the plump red tomatoes, deep purple beetroot and strongly scented herbs growing next to you will end up on your plate. The catch, apart from the price (roughly $155 without drinks), is that the restaurant is only open from mid-May to mid-September, with the courtyard turning into a mini ice-skating rink in the cooler months.
Those in fashion, politics and power appear to frequent all five of the dining venues Ducasse supervises at the hotel. Guests including Leonardo DiCaprio, Johnny Depp and Sarah Jessica Parker are regulars.
The Hotel Plaza Athenee is part of the Dorchester Collection group and a member of The Leading Hotels of the World. Single rooms start from $815 a night, superior rooms from $970 and deluxe rooms from $1175. Suites start at $2210.
More: Call +33 (0) 1 53 67 66 67 or visit www.plaza-athenee-paris.com
Travel Tips: France Destination Guide

Holiday Ideas: Spa and indulgence getaways

source:news.com.au

Budapest shines as the city of light

The mighty Danube splits Buda from the Pest. Source: AFP

The royal caste and Szechenyi chain bridge in Budapest

THE captain of the Scenic Diamond is taking us out for an unexpected evening jaunt.

Earlier in the day we had docked in Budapest, the Hungarian capital, having completed our 15-day journey from Amsterdam, and it was our last night on board.
Budapest is a city that is at its best after dark. When the sun goes down and the lights go on, Budapest comes to life. And there is no better place to see that happen than on the water.
It was never part of the itinerary but tonight we are in for a treat as the captain manoeuvres the vessel away from the dock.
Now I don't know how much that would cost, but I'm sure a 30-minute sojourn on a ship like this runs into the thousands of dollars in fuel.
The mighty Danube splits Buda from Pest. They were separate cities until 1849 when the first permanent bridge was built over the Danube, although they didn't officially become one until 1873.

From the crowded upper deck, the ship's 180 guests are given a light show that rivals Sydney's New Year's Eve celebrations for sheer beauty and there is no doubt that Budapest deserves its tag as the Paris of the East.
These are some of Europe's most beautiful buildings which, thankfully, after careful and inspired restoration, have survived the pounding they took during World War II.
Ironically, we get to enjoy at least half of this view for the next three nights that we stay in Budapest as well. Our hotel, the Lanchid 19, is no more than 200m from where the ship is docked, on the Buda side of the city.
The Lanchid 19 is a small hotel with 48 rooms. It is not centrally located, but is an easy walk over the Chain Bridge into the main part of the city and is not far from Buda Royal Castle.
The hotel is fast becoming a haven for visiting musicians who seem to enjoy the modern foyer and open-plan suites. It also has an amazing moving glass facade that changes the lighting effects on the outside of the building. This means when you leave for a night out, the hotel will be one colour and when you return it may well be a completely different colour.
During the day there is also much colour and movement to take in. From the UNESCO World Heritage site of Castle Hill to St Stephen's Basilica and the Parliament Buildings built between 1885 and 1902 you won't have trouble spending three days here.

The House of Terror
Take a stroll down the Andrassy ut to Heroes' Square to see the massive Millennium Monument. Along the way you will pass the Opera House and the House of Terror.
Although it doesn't sound too inviting, visitors to Budapest should spend some time in the House of Terror. Today it is a sombre museum surrounded by some of the city's best restaurants and chic shopping spots.
In 1944, during the reign of the Hungarian Arrow Cross Party, it was known as the House of Loyalty. As the headquarters of the Hungarian Nazis, this was the scene of many deaths and atrocities. From 1945 to 1956, it was the home of communist terror organisations and as such 60 Andrassy Blvd became the house of terror.
The films and pictures on the walls do not celebrate terror, but rather remind us of how far we have come in a very short time. To stand in the cells and see the gallows is to understand how cruel and intolerant we can be.
Not all tourist attractions are fun. And this one certainly isn't. But it does pinch our humanity and serves as a confronting reminder of a past that shouldn't be forgotten.
After that, it is time for something completely different so we visit the Market Hall on Vambaz krt and grab some bread and the best sausage you will ever eat.
Hungary offers great value for Australian visitors. Our strong dollar goes further here than in any other European country, making it the perfect place to do some shopping.
For outlet bargains try Alessandro & Co or GL Outlet. The Westend City Centre is Budapest's largest mall and you will find everything from designer brands to local high-end products.
In March, Budapest gained its first Michelin-star restaurant when Costes, on the front end of Raday utca's restaurant row, was given the award. Although Costes is expensive, it's worth the price.
For cheaper options, try Flores Bistro, Remiz or Cafe Erte, named after the man considered the father of Art Deco, Roman Petrovich Tyrtov.
FAST FACTS

Staying there
Lanchid 19, Lanchid Utca 191 013 Budapest. Rates start at 83euro nte ($A109) a night.
See www.designhotels.com/lanchid 19
Doing there
House of Terror, Andrassy ut 60. Open Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 6pm.
The hop-on, hop-off bus is the best way to understand the layout of the city. The 4500 Huf ($A21.50) ticket is valid for 24 hours and the 14 stops cover all the key tourist spots.
Cruise
Black Sea to Amsterdam
River Cruise
Cruise aboard a magnificent Scenic Space-Ship for 21 luxury nights with all on-board entertainment as well as superb guided sightseeing tours included.

Discover the home of Dracula on a full-day excursion to Transylvania and see the sights of Bucharest on a guided city tour. Cruise through the spectacular Iron Gate dividing Serbia from Romania.

Visit the Serbian capital, Belgrade, and explore Novi Sad. Enjoy an exclusive private Viennese concert at the magnificent Palais Liechtenstein, cruise through the spectacular Rhine Gorge and visit Marksburg Castle for a medieval dinner and night of entertainment before arriving in the vibrant city of Amsterdam.

The 24-day cruise/tour costs from $12,670 a person, twin share.
Fly free, return, including taxes (conditions apply).
Price based on D cat cabin (no balcony) for a June 13 departure.
Offer valid until sold out.

source:news.com.au