Only-apartments' blog

ONLY BE AMSTERDAMMER

ONLY BE BUDAPESTER

ONLY BE VENETIAN

ONLY BE BARCELONIAN

ONLY BE BERLINER

ONLY BE VALENCIAN

ONLY BE ISTANBULITE

ONLY BE FLORENTINE

ONLY BE LISBOETA

ONLY BE LONDONER

ONLY BE NEW YORKER

ONLY BE MADRILENIAN

ONLY BE MALAGUEÑO

ONLY BE MILANESE

ONLY BE PARISIAN

ONLY BE PORTUENSE

ONLY BE PRAGUER

ONLY BE ROMAN

ONLY BE SEVILLIAN

ONLY BE PROXIMAMENTE

ONLY BE ATHENIAN

ONLY BE COMING SOON

Last posts

Venice without Barriers

Sara Frau Only-Be, Practical Guide to Venice, Venetian

The center of Venice seems too complex, difficult and impassable for people who suffer from a physical or sensory impairment. There are more than a hundred islands connected by over 400 bridges, and it may seem impossible to get aroung on them, as though they serve as authentic architectural barriers. (Photo: Steve A Johnson) But that’s not entirely true. Most of the monuments and bridges can be visited and frequented without much trouble by people with mobility problems. Some guides offer tips and advice to enjoy Venice, with routes recommended by Venetians themselves, who know firsthand about this sort of problem and the best solutions. Probably the most complete and highly recommended itinerary is to first visit the Mariciana Area, including St. Mark´s Square and all the buildings that are there, especially the Palazzo Ducale and the major Italian museums . One usually begins with a trip by the vaporetto no. 2, which allows you to get off at San Marco Giardinetti. But there is another route that lets you see much more, with minimal barriers to wheelchairs, that allows you to see additional notable buildings in the city. Take the bus no. 1 from the bus station (Piazzale Roma) or the train station (Ferrovia) until the stop Marco Vallaresso. When you get off, you arrive at the Campo San Moise and the church of the same name. To access it, there is only a small step. Continuing to the right and you’ll reach the Piazza San Marco, the true heart of Venice and its most famous landmark. There you’ll find the Palazzo Ducale, the Doge´s Palace, and several... read more

5 alternative places to visit in Riga

Aleix G. William Rankings, Travel Tips

It is always nice to find local places that aren’t focused on tourism in the holiday destinations where we go. Those are the places that remain in memory and are recalled immediately when we think of our travel experience. If you plan on traveling to Riga, here are some alternative places off the tourist route that will certainly remain engraved in our memory every time we hear or see something related to Riga. 1 Pulkvedis Riga is a city that has a well-deserved reputation as a great place to party. Being a popular destination for party animals, all year round, there are many groups of tourists and stag parties who gather in the largest nightclubs in the city. If you want to find a place that locals frequent in the city, go to Pulkvedim Neviens neraksta (Peldu iela 26-28), better known as Pulkvedis, which means “no one writes to the colonel” . This is where the most bohemian and alternative locals gather to celebrate. Here you’ll have the chance to enjoy varied music on its two floors, like rock. Hip-hop and electronic, surely you’ll find what you’re looking for. Also, the decor and ambiance of the place is great and certainly you’ll want to visit this place twice. 2 Central Market If you want to shop at a really typical and authentic place, the Central Market is perfect for you. Here you can buy the freshest food in the city at very low prices, as well as to observe firsthand how is the local’s day to day. Moreover, the market is located in the Russian quarter of Riga,... read more

The Metropol Parasol in Seville

Sepelaci Only-Be, Practical Guide to Seville, Sevillian

The plaza de la Encarnación (Square of the Incarnation), which is located in the heart of Seville, is one of the most emblematic spots in the city. A few years ago, it was decided that this urban space should be revitalized and the city held a competition for ideas to create a building or something similar to give it a stronger presence and identity. German architect Jürgen Mayer won the prize. He designed the curious wooden structure that now resides on the Plaza de la Encarnación. It is called the Metropol Parasol, but given its special shape the citizens of Seville have renamed it the Mushrooms of the Incarnation or the Mushrooms of Seville. The architectural complex is comprised of six umbrellas shaped like mushrooms that are linked together by a wooden structure. It is this form which earned it the popular but as of yet unofficial name. The shape of these structures is said to be based on the domes of the Cathedral of Seville and the ficus of the nearby Plaza de Burgos. It measures 150 by 70 meters, and in the interior of the two main structures you can find a tapas restaurant offering casual dining and an event space. Both are located on the upper level, 22 meters above the square. The most interesting thing about this architectural structure is not the original form, which admittedly did cause some controversy as it was being built, but the platform that runs along the top of the Mushrooms of Seville. From this elevated place, you can tour most of the building. And of course, the views from... read more