Golden Gate Bridge
The Golden Gate Bridge, completed after more than four years of construction at a cost of $35 million. The Golden Gate Bridge’s 4,200 foot long main suspension span was a world record that stood for 27 years. The bridge’s two towers rise 746 feet making them 191 feet taller than the Washington Monument. This landmark defines San Francisco. The gateway where the Bay meets the Pacific Ocean, the Golden Gate Bridge has established the boundary to riches for people throughout history. At the time it was the largest suspension bridge on the globe. It connects Santa Rosa with the Presidio Park and is an almost spooky sight when shrouded in the mist. The best chance to seen the bridge covered in clouds is in the early morning.
You can walk across the bridge, this takes a little (lot) more time than the bicycle but is an experience you will never forget. It can be very windy to walk across so dress warmly with a good jacket.
The bridge is about 4 km long, so think twice before you cross it on foot to have a view on downtown San Francisco from the other side of the bridge. A lot of people turn back after they cross the first pillar because the usually strong wind makes the bridge tremble significantly.
This flexibility makes the bridge less vulnarable for earthquakes, as is proven with the big eartquakes in San Francisco. If you cross it by car, remember you’ll have to pay toll. The best way to go to the Golden Gate Bridge from downtown is by walking through the Presidio Park along the Bay. It is a pleasant trip along cliffs with a nice panorama. You will find the Golden Gate Bridge at the northern end of the Park. Actually, you can’t miss it as you will see the bridge a long time before you reach it
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The Chain Bridge
The Chain Bridge – In 1832, count István Széchenyi, “the greatest Hungarian” began to organize the construction of the bridge. While travelling in England, Széchenyi became personally acquainted with William Thierney Clark, who was commissioned to draft the plans for the bridge, and his namesake Adam Clark was asked to direct the construction , which was finished in 1849. The retreating German troops blew up the Chain Bridge in January 1945. This vital element of Budapest’s cityscape was restored on the 100 th anniversary of its inauguration. The Chain Bridge is worth to see!
The first connection between Pest
Chinatown
San Francisco's Chinatown is the largest Chinatown in North-America, but it is also the most commercial. Unlike the Chinatowns in Vancouver or New York, San Francisco's Chinatown is in some areas filled with tourist shops. Still, it has a lot of charm and atmosphere.
Besides the well known Chinatown Gate, the approx.
24-block area contains a lot of pagoda-roofed buildings, as well as nicely decorated lamp posts and phone booths in Chinese style. Chinatown also has several temples; three of them are located in the Waverly Place, which is also known as the 'street of painted balconies'. This street is certainly
Alcatraz Island
Known by many as The Rock, Alcatraz Island is located just north of San Francisco in San Francisco Bay. The United States Department of Justice used the island as a military prison from 1868 to 1933, and then as a federal prison for dangerous criminals from 1933 until 1963. In 1972 Alcatraz became part of the Golden Gate National Recreational Area. It is a beautiful island in itself, home to one of the largest western gull colonies on the northern California coast, the first lighthouse built on the Pacific Coast (1854), and spectacular views of San Francisco and
South Street Seaport
On the East River in downtown Manhattan, this is a fun place to shop. You can explore the decks and cabins of six historic ships, see exhibitions of maritime art and artifacts, and learn about New York's archaeological heritage. If you journey through the area's stone-paved streets, you can stop at any of the 120 shops in the area including Ann Taylor, Talbots, Brookstone, The Body Shop, Coach and J. Crew. Finish off your visit by sailing around New York Harbor on a graceful twin-masted schooner. The South Street Seaport features spectacular views of the Brooklyn Bridge, the
Castello Sant'Angelo
When you cross the Tiber River on the imposing Angel's Bridge which was built together with the Castle S. Angelo in 130 A.D. by the emperor Hadrian, who wanted to erect the most beautiful emperor grave. After Hadrian all the following emperors and princes have been burried in this mausoleum.
In 403 it has been strongly fortified and connected with the town wall, so that it became a real fortress. The transformation into a castle was in the 10th century and it has been connected with the Vatican by the Passetto in 1277. Since that time on it has always
