InterContinental Hotels & Resorts

We love Paris when it’s New Year’s! Paris, although normally a vibrant and romantic city, becomes magically even more alive when the fireworks light up the sky. Here’s where to catch the show.

Champs-Élysées
For a bustling way to ring in the new year, grab a bottle of champagne and join the revelers along the sidewalks of the Champs-Élysées. Before the party, stop in at one of the many restaurants for a quick bite, a cup of coffee. This famous street also boasts a beautiful view of the Eiffel Tower, which provides the perfect complement to the fireworks exploding around it.

The Sacre Coeur Cathedral Plaza
Because of its vantage point a little higher up from the rest of the city, the Sacre Coeur provides a stunning view of the Eiffel Tower and the big show. It’s also a tad calmer than other viewing spots around the city. Grab a blanket, give your significant other a few good luck bises and wish everyone a bonne annee!

Istanbul has an interesting way of dealing with modernity. Being an ancient capital of the world there is a regal beauty in the architecture and monuments. On the other hand, having become an independent republic less than 100 years ago, it is a very young nation.

Because of this, most of Istanbul’s traditions pre-date the country itself. Here are a few tips on how to enjoy these traditions.

Food
The food is delicious though not varied. You’ll find a diet composed of mainly tomatoes, peppers and rice, seafood, chicken and lamb. The best way to try the local cuisine is to stay out of the more touristy, yet beautiful, Sultanahmet district and try a few of the eateries near the Galata Bridge.

Shopping
The Grand Bazaar is a must. It is bazaar-style shopping, so the vendors tend to carry a lot of the same merchandise. You’ll find spices, jewelry, pottery, carpet shops and the like. Don’t be afraid to haggle!

People
The people are extraordinarily friendly. They will go out of their way to help you. As most places, there are those who prey on tourist’s dollars. But as you stray further from the tourist attractions, the less you’ll find this happens.