Fun’s a relative thing and the barometer for fun is different for different people. It’s the old one-man’s-meat-is-another-man’s-poison syndrome; walking barefoot in the park could be your idea of ecstasy but may spell agony for another, while downing a beer in a downtown pub on a balmy summer night may be yet another’s idea of pleasure. In short, fun could be anything— so choose from some of the best fun destinations in the world…
Munich, Germany
Munich and fun go hand in hand, and if you think drinking beer here is just an urban legend, then think again. Or else, take the Munich Tourism Board’s word for it. “Beer is regarded as a basic part of nutrition in Bavaria, (it’s) not actually alcohol.” Welcome to Munich.
Munich, Germany’s cultural metropolis and college town, has many landmarks, chief amongst them being Glockenspiel—a mechanical structure with a clock that has tourists flocking around it at all times during the day. There’s also the large Marinplatz, with its shops and restaurants. Then, there are the amazing parks. Don’t miss the biergarten, or outdoor beer garden, a staple of Bavaria.
You just have to stop at Glockenspeil for the fun of it. This world-famous rotating landmark is located in Munich’s main town square. Three times during the day—at 11 am, noon and 5 pm—the clock “performs”, with 18 figures dancing around the two central figures of the Hofbrau brewery and his bride. At a lower level is located Cooper’s Dance, the barrel-makers who revelled after the end of the plague epidemic. You just have to wait and hear the rooster crow.
Walk down (Munich’s a great place for walking) to the Marinplatz for Bavarian souvenirs and other shopping. There are side streets everywhere, and just a block away is the main train station. Right on the edge of this metropolitan city is, perhaps, the largest city park, ever. Take a boat ride, swim, rent a carriage, or just relax in the fabulous garden.
Have more fun at the Olympic Park, just north of the city centre. It’s a metamorphosis of the olympic stadia to a mammoth park, with lakes, walkways, an Olympic Stadium and Tower. The Tower has a revolving restaurant and lookout platform for everyone to enjoy. Famous bands like Aerosmith, Pearl Jam and Police have performed here.
And now, Oktoberfest. Every September, for two weeks running, Munich plays host to countless Germans, other Europeans and Australians—all of whom arrive in droves to celebrate the world’s biggest beer festival. It’s Munich’s signature festival, and make no mistake, also Europe’s biggest event.
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
It has a history, which is, perhaps, a little hedonistic, but great fun. But first, the facts. Amsterdam is one of the oldest cities in the world and is made up of a network of canals, that makes it visually outstanding. The buildings are naturally historic, considering that the city dates back to the 13th century. Amsterdam’s nightlife is prolific, and partying includes local as well as outside revellers.
For the bar-hopper, there are a staggering number of pubs all lined up, next to one another. Amsterdam is a pub-clubber’s dream come true. Over here, cafes start serving drinks at lunch, while the after-hours parties carry on till noon. Try out Blender at Van der Palmkade 16, which is located a little away from the city, but well worth the visit. This is a lounge-type restaurant, which blends fine dining with music. The cuisine is French and the restaurant is circular, centering around a kitchen and a bar, with a nightclub ambience. DJs perform during the weekends and there’s a fine terrace, which is great in the summer.
Kingsclub is an intimate lounge bar that’s relaxing, with home-made appetisers. Every weekend, the tables are also cleared for dancing. NL is an old-fashioned nightclub, with plush decor and red, velvet drapes. There’s soft lighting and DJs on the weekends. You get Thai snacks on order, served to you as you lounge in style. Nomads is a hip club restaurant that looks like something out of Arabian Nights. It’s known more for its fancy clientele than its food, not to mention, the occasional belly-dancer.
If you’re done with the party-hopping scene, take time out for a canal cruise that spells fun. And you cannot leave Amsterdam without a day’s trip into the Dutch countryside to see the famous Dutch windmills.
London, UK
London’s calling all you people out there who relish history, great parks, good pubbing and amazing theatres. It has true-blue royalty as well as an energy that’s electric, even though the sun may not shine most days of the year. That’s what makes London so unique—tradition being such a big part of the present and finding its way unobtrusively into all parts of the city, be it Soho or Westminister, Chelsea or Kensington. London’s fun quotient lies in these areas, which also happen to be most popular amongst tourists.
Take a short walk from Piccadilly Circus, London’s famed theatre district, and you’re in Soho. Close by, you’ll find Covent Garden, an enchanting place, with its colourful street performers. A good place to spend an afternoon over the weekend. Take in some shopping at Mayfair, at the famous Harrods Department Store. The best of English pubs are located here, and nearby, you will find the historic Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens. In London’s south-east corner, in Chelsea and Fulham, are some of Britain’s swish clubs and bars.
The good ol’ London pub, the watershed of many a literary genre (remember Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales?) is going through a slight makeover. Pubs and clubs in England can now stay open longer and that means more fun and more lucre. Life in London revolves around the neighbourhood pub, of which there are countless. But London’s nightlife is truly remarkable. It is home to some of Europe’s hippest dance clubs and some classy modern bars. Clubs in London don’t open till midnight and stay open till early next morning. They are sophisticated and a rewarding experience. The dress code is stylishly creative.
Indulge in the other Brit occupation that’s truly classic—the afternoon tea, also known as High Tea. It’s a daily ritual and there are many places in London where you can partake of this very English custom, along with the famous paper-thin cucumber sandwiches and buttered scones.
With about 200 galleries, more than 300 museums and more than 150 events happening daily, London’s a city that never stops.