SAN FRANCISCO
This charming American city is like a real-life film set, with so many having featured the Painted Ladies, a row of painted Victorian houses (Mrs Doubtfire, Invasion Of The Body Snatchers). The steep streets have lent themselves to some sensational car chases on film too, including Bullitt and What’s Up, Doc?
Of course, offshore lies the imposing penitentiary Alcatraz, which you can visit today and relive scenes from Escape From Alcatraz.
In Downtown, relax in Union Square, which featured in Hitchcock’s Vertigo and The Birds.
Ride the cable cars that clatter down the vertiginous streets to the bay.
Make sure you stand on the running board for the full experience.
Catch one to Fisherman’s Wharf, home to dozens of sea lions, and dine at one of the many seafood restaurants. Don’t miss a trip over the Golden Gate Bridge. Do it on two wheels for views that will take your breath away.
Bogota is the historic centre of
Colombia – and the grand Bolivar Square is at its heart.
Dating back to the pre-Columbian era, the site was first used as a meeting point for indigenous Muisca rulers from the Andean highlands.
When Spain conquered the land, Bogota was founded as a capital city by Spanish explorer and conquistador Gonzalo Jimenez de Quesada in 1539.
That year, Bolivar Square’s first building was constructed – the cathedral, now known as the National Cathedral.
The square takes its name from Simon Bolivar, who was nicknamed The Liberator and led Latin America to independence from the Spanish Empire in the early 1800s.
Dominating the square’s centre, his 1846 bronze statue was one of the first public monuments in the city, and provides an ideal vantage point to appreciate the surrounding architectural styles of the Palace of Justice, Lievano Palace and the National Capitol.
For hundreds of years, the 149,650 sq ft public space was the centre stage for circus acts, public markets, bullfights, civic events, religious processions and patriotic celebrations.
Today it remains a must-visit for travellers wishing to soak up the rich history and admire the impressive buildings set against the backdrop of the cityscape and Andes mountain range.
At Christmas the square is decorated with large festive trees and lights.
Crowds gather for free events, including sound and light shows, carol singing, dance performances and recitals by the Bogota Philharmonic Orchestra.
Visitors venturing out into the wider city of Bogota will experience a vivid melting pot of many facets of Colombian culture, from music and salsa beats, to cuisine, entertainment and traditions.
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