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Travel Guides

Explore the best of cities with Streetwise travel guides. Use our maps to find the trendy shopping areas, the nicest bar streets, the historical centre and much more!

View over the canals of Amsterdam. Amsterdam
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View from Park Guell in Barcelona during sunset. Barcelona
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Brandenburger Tor in Berlin. Berlin
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View on Breda during dusk Breda
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The Liberty Statue in Budapest Budapest
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View on Dublin Castle in Dublin Dublin
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The Iset Tower in Ekaterinburg Ekaterinburg
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The Landungsbrucken in Hamburg Hamburg
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The Fish Village in Kaliningrad Kaliningrad
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The Qol Sharif Mosque in Kazan Kazan
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The Big Ben in London. London
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The St Basil Cathedral on the Red Square in Moscow Moscow
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The Church of St John the Baptist in Nizhny Novgorod Nizhny Novgorod
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View on the Louvre Pyramid in Paris Paris
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Forum Romanum in Rome Rome
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Cathedral of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Rostov on Don Rostov on Don
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The new Market Hall in Rotterdam Rotterdam
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An old tram in Samara, Russia Samara
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The Ushakov Cathedral in Saransk, Russia Saransk
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The Rosa Khutor Town Hall near Sochi Sochi
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View from St Isaac Square in Saint Petersburg St Petersburg
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View over the Hofvijver in The Hague The Hague
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View from the Maartensbrug in Utrecht Utrecht
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View at Mamaev Kurgan in Volgograd Volgograd
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Basilica di Santa Maria in Trastevere, Rome

Streetwise Maps

Streetwise Maps show you the very best cities have to offer. Knowing about the top sights, the best bar streets, the trendiest shopping areas, or the most beautiful parks, makes sure you can make the right choice at the right moment. Just like in your hometown.

The Streetwise Maps are different by offering unique layers, like a layer with the nicest shopping areas or the best bar streets. Combining those layers will provide a deeper understanding of the city. See if there are any nice green spaces around a shopping area, or check if the bar you wanted to visit is located in an unsafe part of the city.

If you want to learn more about the things you see on the Streetwise Map, don't forget to click on anything. By clicking items on the map, important details will show up.

Find our Maps in the Travel Guide of your choice.

Unique

Find unique information on our Streetwise Maps. Trendy shopping areas, the nicest bar streets or dangerous parts of cities. Information that used to be known by locals only, but Streetwise makes it available for you.

Local

Our information comes from local experts who are able to share their knowledge independently. All they want is showing you the best their cities have to offer.

Streetwise

By focusing on the most important information, our maps make you streetwise in no time. When you are streetwise, there is no need to follow strict travel plans, as you'll be able to move around a city like it's your hometown.

Streetwise Stories

In Streetwise Stories you're able to get in touch with the wonderful cities of our guide. The stories accompany the Streetwise Maps by offering a deeper look into the character of the city and its people.

Laocoon and His Sons at the Vatican Museums in Rome.
  • 26 October 2020

The highlights of the Vatican Museums

The Vatican Museums make up one of the greatest monuments of world culture. What began with a small collection of sculptures, has eventually grown into a large museum complex boasting one of the finest art collections covering all stages of human civilization. The art is displayed in the Vatican palaces amidst an incredible interior of stuccos, frescoes, paintings and decorations from the hands of the greatest masters.


In healthy times, the Vatican Museums welcome up to six million people per year, making it one of those places that you need to visit at least once in your life. With our article, you'll be sure to get to see the best of the Vatican Museums, without being overwhelmed. Read more

#Rome   #Stories   #Streetwise
Spectacular view from the dome of the St. Peter's Basilica on the central square of Vatican City.
  • 23 October 2020

The highlights of the St. Peter's Cathedral

As the heart of the Vatican and the entire Catholic world, the St. Peter's Basilica is one of the main attractions in Rome. Here you can view ancient Rome from the dome, get blown away by the gorgeous interior, attend masses and even receive a blessing from the pontiff. Some of the most outstanding masters of Italy had their hands in creating this wonder, which is saturated with history and legends... Read more

#Rome   #Stories   #Streetwise
Evening view on the Pregolya River in central Kaliningrad.
  • 22 October 2020

Everything you wanted to know about Kaliningrad

The Kaliningrad region is the westernmost part of the endless Russia. It could have been an ordinary city, like many others, only it is not. This region finds itself on the Baltic sea coast, sandwiched between Lithuania and Poland. Its history tells us that it has never been ordinary for Kaliningrad, as the region changed hands multiple times, most recently after WWII when the German Königsberg was eventually transformed into the Russian Kaliningrad.


So, what else than a quirky history can Kaliningrad offer you? That's exactly what you'll find in this article, as we will guide you past the seven coolest things to do in Kaliningrad. For the ones of you still wondering how it all went in the past, we will start with a short history of the region. Read more

#Kaliningrad   #Stories   #Streetwise
Trabant by Birgit Kinder in the East Side Gallery of Berlin.
  • 12 October 2020

Traveling back to East and West Berlin: what to visit?

The Berlin Wall memorial is installed on the site where most people attempted to illegally cross the Berlin Wall. Visiting the memorial reminds of the times of a highly divided Berlin. Let's go back to what happened... Read more

#Berlin   #Stories   #Streetwise
The Pink Serpent egg by Fabergé.
  • 11 October 2020

The hunt for Fabergé

As objects of extreme desire, Fabergé eggs have literally been hunted for. Originally the wealthiest families desperately wanted to own such a piece of luxury. Then the Soviets came into power, meaning the end of the House of Fabergé. But the hunts continued, most tellingly in movies like James Bond's Octopussy or Ocean's Twelve. And also you can hunt for the famous Fabergé eggs, as there are still some missing...


So don't think twice when you encounter a beautiful jeweled egg somewhere far away on a flea market – but beware of Fauxbergé! Read more

#StPetersburg   #Stories   #Streetwise
Facade of the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.
  • 4 October 2020

Best 10 free museums of London

London is a magnificent metropolis, where life is in full swing among its almost 9 million people. The capital of Britain has a long history, starting as a Roman colony and growing into one of the most exciting metropolises in the world. One but. It is still very expensive here.


Among all the magnificent skyscrapers and buzzing taxis, you might think that it is almost impossible to afford entertainment here – but free museums come to the rescue!


In London there's museums for every taste, from modern to historical. And the good news is that a large number of eminent museums is state-owned, which means that entry is absolutely free of charge, regardless of citizenship or age... Read more

#London   #Stories   #Streetwise
Exploring Art Nouveau in Budapest.
  • 19 September 2020

Exploring Art Nouveau in Budapest

What is Budapest? It is the picturesque embankments of Pest and the alluring hills of Buda, thermal baths and bars, buzzing from night to morning. Everyone who has been here recalls the yellow trams connecting the two parts of the city, the aroma of a local bakery with the typical cinnamon called kürtőskalács, or the revitalizing treatment of its thermal baths. But it is also the architecture that makes Budapest such a compelling place. Besides ancient ruins and medieval castles, it is the Hungarian Secession architecture that richly decorates the historical streets of Budapest...Read more

#Budapest   #Stories   #Streetwise
The facade of Casa Batllo in Barcelona.
  • 12 September 2020

What is Catalan Modernism? The fairytale of Barcelona.

How sophisticated does the phrase 'Catalan Modernism' sound? So flowery and attractive. This exuberant style in painting, architecture, applied art and literature emerged in the vivid and colorful Catalonia of the late 19th century, and turned out to be a perfect fit.


But what if you don’t know about the history of architecture or art, how can you get the most of it on your visit to Barcelona? Read more

#Barcelona   #Stories   #Streetwise
The modern architecture that gave Rotterdam a boost.
  • 25 April 2020

The modern architecture that gave Rotterdam a boost

Rotterdam is a real amusement park for fans of architecture and urbanism. Here you can find constructions of all possible shapes some of which seem to come from the future. And this is not for some kind of design exhibition. All these buildings are suitable for living, entertainment and work. It is amazing how it all looks so harmoniously in one place.


It is worth saying that this has not always been the case. In the past, Rotterdam looked like a typical Dutch city, with picturesque little houses along the waterways. It was 13 minutes during the Second World War that forever changed the face of the city.


In this article we will talk about the faith of the port city of Rotterdam, its development in the 20th century, and we'll zoom in on the four most spectacular architectural projects in the city...Read more

#Rotterdam   #Stories   #Streetwise
The emblem of La Boqueria market in Barcelona.
  • 21 March 2020

La Boqueria market: Barcelona on a plate

The breathtaking market of La Boqueria is a place where you can feel how Spaniards love to eat well. If a market ever existed in heaven, perhaps it would look like this. The multi-tiered counters bursting with the freshest food, a rich assortment of products from all over the country, noise, din and the anticipation of a generous meal. La Boqueria is worth visiting not only for the sake of its products – the authentic atmosphere of Catalonia is what distinguishes it from other markets. Read more

#Barcelona   #Stories   #Streetwise
High-speed from Moscow to Saint Petersburg with the Sapsan.
  • 29 February 2020

High-speed from Moscow to Saint Petersburg with the Sapsan

If you have always dreamed of seeing the best of Russia, but you have only limited time, do not get upset! Travelling between Moscow and Saint Petersburg is possible at nearly the speed of light, with the Sapsan!


Well, the speed of light is not entirely true, as the Sapsan high-speed trains reach speeds of up to 240 km/h. However, this does mean that you can move from the centre of Moscow to the centre of Saint Petersburg in less than four hours! Read more

#Moscow   #St Petersburg   #Stories   #Streetwise
The charming neighborhood of Montmartre in Paris.
  • 14 February 2020

A walk through the charming Montmartre

Who hasn’t seen Montmartre, hasn’t seen Paris. This is one of the few places in the city that has retained the charm of the past. The curved narrow streets running up Montmartre still remind of the times when prominent people like Van Gogh, Picasso, Renoir, Toulouse-Lautrec, Zola and Modigliani used to wander around them.


Montmartre is a place of picturesque green corners and lovely small houses decorated with flowers, cosy cafés and restaurants, rows of souvenir shops and cute boutiques, and of course the famous staircases, some wide and crowded others secluded and narrow. Perhaps it is even the most romantic quarter of the city of love, a place just perfect for walks with your soulmate... Read more

#Paris   #Stories   #Streetwise
The Saint Isaac's Cathedral in the evening.
  • 29 January 2020

The majestic city on the Neva in a 3-hour walking tour

For those visiting this majestic city for the first time, and who have only little time to explore it, we want to share a small route that will help you getting acquainted with the most colorful, gorgeous and unforgettable places in the heart of the city. Get Streetwise in Saint Petersburg and follow Olga's unique walking tour that introduces you to this great city... Read more

#St Petersburg   #Stories   #Streetwise
Inside one of the Papal Basilicas in Rome.
  • 26 January 2020

The Papal Basilicas in Rome, what makes them so unique?

Whereas the basilicas of Rome are generally known to be stunning, four of them stand out. They are the most revered, and distinguished as the "Papal Basilicas". Why are these four basilicas so special?


Continue reading to learn more about these extraordinary basilicas, their magnificent treasures and how to make the most of your visit. Read more

#Rome   #Stories   #Streetwise
The lower chapel of the Saint-Chapelle in Paris.
  • 19 December 2019

The Holy Chapel, a gothic pearl in Paris

The gorgeous Holy Chapel, or as it is known in French La Saint-Chapelle, was built in the Middle Ages, following the orders of Louis IX. The chapel was built in the middle of the Cité Island, in the courtyard of the royal castle. It was conceived not only as a place of conversion with God, but also as a repository of relics. Its decoration strikes with sophistication and richness, as can be seen in old frescoes and its beautiful stained-glass windows... Read more

#Paris   #Stories   #Streetwise
Moscow's most beautiful metro stations in a 2-hour tour.
  • 17 November 2019

Moscow's most beautiful metro stations in a 2-hour tour

Moscow boasts many magnificent museums, including the Kremlin and palaces. For some of them, the queues are simply endless. However, what if we tell you that the city has a museum with no queues and a price cheaper than € 1? Can you believe it?


Probably not, but you still have to. We are talking about one of the most modernized underground transport networks – the Moscow metro. In many cities, the metro looks rather untidy and sometimes frankly dirty. But not here.


Here you might feel as if visiting a historical museum, art gallery or even a palace. Of course, not all metro stations are equally magnificent – some of them, alas, don't bathe in luxury. That is why we decided to draw up a detailed route for you during which you will see only the finest stations. Welcome to the Moscow metro! Read more

#Moscow   #Stories   #Streetwise
The green setting of the Kreuzboerg Flowmarkt in Berlin.
  • 23 October 2019

The nicest markets on a weekend in Berlin

Germany is world famous for its markets, and Berlin is no exception. Markets in Germany are always colorful and breathe a special kind of atmosphere, which can be felt even more at the Christmas markets, which pop up already by the end of November.


But before that, it is still the flea and food markets that color the bustling German capital! Where to go for the coolest markets? Read more

#Berlin   #Stories   #Streetwise
The striking Imperial interior of the Winter Palace.
  • 6 October 2019

A guide to the Hermitage

A real maze in St. Petersburg filled with a collection of art that could only be surpassed by the Louvre in Paris. The Hermitage is overwhelming, one room even more beautiful than the one before, and there seems to be no end. It will take years to see the entire collection (no joke), so for visiting the Hermitage, you certainly need a plan!


How to visit this magnificent museum with maximum comfort? Continue reading and find out its secrets and life hacks! Read more

#StPetersburg   #Stories   #Streetwise
People sitting on the terrace of café Les Deux Magots in Paris.
  • 8 September 2019

Bohemian Paris

Early 20th century Paris had developed into a European hub for intellectuals, with its cosy cafés being the usual place to meet and share ideas. Life raged in those cafés. For days on end, it was where some of the greatest artists and writers kept coming back to discuss their future works – at times they nearly seemed to be living there!


We will cover seven of such places here, tell their stories, mention famous visitors and – of course – reveal what delicious food awaits you behind their doors... Read more

#Paris   #Stories   #Streetwise
El Pont del Bisbe in Barcelona.
  • 26 August 2019

The great Gothic Quarter of Barcelona

Barcelona can be hot and steamy in summer, pushing many towards its unique beachline. But even on a hot day, some parts of the city remain excellent for exploring.


The alleys that lead you through the magnificent Gothic Quarter, have long been known as one of the coolest places of Barcelona. Its medieval buildings make up a maze that offers not only shade but also plenty of treasures and secrets. Do you know what the narrow streets of El Gòtic hide? Read more

#Barcelona   #Stories   #Streetwise
Au Marche de la Butte in Paris.
  • 4 August 2019

Paris as an adorable film

Paris, such an attractive and wonderful city, with its small streets and the smell of fresh pastry in the morning. The city of the Eiffel Tower and, albeit victim of a fire, the majestic Notre-Dame. Ever since ancient times, the city has been an inspiration for many great minds, like writers, artists, poets and architects. Hemingway called Paris a “moveable feast”, something that stays with you wherever you go, in the form of a magnificent memory. With the advances in technology of nowadays, Paris can be really taken with you – on your phone or tablet – or you can plunge into the atmosphere of this magical city again and again, thanks to some great films created by the masters of cinema...Read more

#Paris   #Stories   #Streetwise
A sign on one of the houses on Piazza Navona in Rome, mentioning the old name of the stadium.
  • 7 July 2019

Treasures of Piazza Navona

The Roman Empire has brought an unparalleled development all across Europe, and later also to the rest of the world. It will not come as a surprise that Rome is still the city with the largest number of architectural monuments in the world. At nearly every step we take in the Italian capital, we can encounter a work of art. One of the places for which this certainly holds is Piazza Navona, a square that belongs to the most beautiful of the city... Read more

#Rome   #Stories   #Streetwise
The futuristic interior of Mayakovskaya metro station in Moscow, opened in 1938.
  • 23 June 2019

When Soviets build a metro

The Moscow Metro is one of the busiest metro systems in the world, carrying over 8 million people daily. It owes its existence to the Soviet government, which, by the middle of the 1920s, was determined to solve the problem of traffic jams in Moscow.


It was calculated in those days, that in order to cope with the entire flow of passengers, a new tram needed to pass every 12 seconds in summer, and every 20 seconds in winter. Of course, there was simply no such number of trams available in the city. And besides that, it would have required an efficiency and speed which cannot even be met with the technology we have today. The Soviets realized that they needed an alternative plan to deal with these massive amounts of passengers...Read more

#Moscow   #Stories   #Streetwise
The Oude Haven with the White House in Rotterdam at dusk.
  • 9 June 2019

Fall in love with Rotterdam in 2 hours

The Netherlands has plenty of cities with beautiful historical architecture, most notably Amsterdam or Utrecht. Cities with a historical core, made up of lovely canals and historical Dutch houses. Those are the sights easy to fall in love with.


But there's another star on the horizon, a star that has been rising since the devastating bombing of WWII. Once also this city from 1340 had a typical Dutch historical core. But history had different plans with Rotterdam, which centre needed to be rebuilt after the war, paving the way for new projects and innovative architecture...Read more

#Rotterdam   #Stories   #Streetwise
Thermal bath of 40 degrees Celsius inside Gellert Baths in Budapest.
  • 26 May 2019

Budapest Baths: what to bring and which bath to pick?

Budapest is a city of thermal springs, and its baths are famous all over Europe. The Celts and Romans, who lived here in ancient times, actively used them to maintain health.


The amazing thing about the thermal baths in Budapest, is that they are located all around the city centre, some in the most beautiful bathing houses! With all those nice baths, which one should you choose? And what should you bring to a bath...Read more

#Budapest   #Stories   #Streetwise
Chandelier of Quartiere Coppede in Rome.
  • 27 April 2019

Quartiere Coppedè: a unique touch of Art Nouveau in Rome

From an early age, most of us are taught that Rome is above all the mighty ruins of any ancient city, with its incredible Colosseum and the Forums. That it is the city of the Pope and the Cathedral of St. Peter, the home of masterpieces of the great Michelangelo, Bernini, Caravaggio and Raphael. But don't get blinded only by the most prominent treasures, as Rome is fraught with many more gems.


The area of Quartiere Coppedè can rightly be considered as one of those wonders... Read more

#Rome   #Stories   #Streetwise
The Saint Patrick's Cathedral seen from Saint Patrick's Park in Dublin.
  • 5 March 2019

Explore the Medieval Dublin in a 2-hour walk

When we talk about the Middle Ages, we most likely imagine fortresses, stone walls, huge castles and all this surrounded by a mystical and gloomy atmosphere. Perhaps Dublin was once like that, but, like most European cities, it has changed. The good news is that Dublin remained low-rise, and that the Medieval traces can still be seen. Some can be hard to find, but we will take you by the hand in a walk around Medieval Dublin... Read more

#Dublin   #Stories   #Streetwise
Monument to the Heroic Defenders of Leningrad.
  • 27 January 2019

75th anniversary of the Blockade of Leningrad breakthrough

January 27 marks a big day in St Petersburg, the former Leningrad. It has exactly been 75 years since the complete breakthrough of the Blockade. A day on which its people could finally see the light again, after three years of hell... Read more

#St Petersburg   #Stories   #Streetwise

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