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travel_knowledge_base.txt

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+=== Tokyo ===
+Tokyo is Japan's capital and the world's most populous metropolitan area. Key districts include Shinjuku (nightlife, shopping), Shibuya (famous crossing, youth culture), Asakusa (Senso-ji Temple, traditional crafts), Harajuku (quirky fashion, Takeshita Street), Akihabara (electronics, anime), and Ginza (luxury shopping). Must-see attractions: Senso-ji Temple, Meiji Shrine, Tokyo Tower, teamLab Borderless, Tsukiji Outer Market, Ueno Park and Zoo, the Imperial Palace gardens. Day trips: Nikko (ornate shrines), Kamakura (Great Buddha), Hakone (Mt. Fuji views, hot springs), Kyoto (ancient temples). Best time to visit: March-May (cherry blossoms) or October-November (fall foliage). Getting around: IC card (Suica/Pasmo) for trains and subway. The JR Pass is useful for bullet train travel across Japan. Hotels range from capsule hotels (~$40/night) to luxury ryokan. Neighborhoods to stay: Shinjuku for central access, Asakusa for traditional atmosphere, Shibuya for nightlife. Top food: ramen, sushi, tempura, yakitori, conveyor belt sushi, izakaya dining. Famous food streets: Omoide Yokocho (Memory Lane), Tsukiji Outer Market stalls.
+
+=== Paris ===
+Paris, France's capital, is famous for art, fashion, gastronomy, and culture. Top attractions: Eiffel Tower (book tickets in advance), Louvre Museum (Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo), Notre-Dame Cathedral (under restoration), Musée d'Orsay (Impressionist art), Palace of Versailles (day trip), Arc de Triomphe, Sacré-Cœur Basilica in Montmartre, Centre Pompidou. Neighborhoods: Le Marais (medieval streets, art galleries, LGBTQ+ scene), Montmartre (bohemian, artists), Saint-Germain-des-Prés (literary cafés), Latin Quarter (student life, Sorbonne). Getting around: Metro is efficient and cheap. Paris Visite pass available. Best time: April-June or September-October. Avoid August (locals leave, crowds of tourists). Hotels: Arrondissements 1-8 are most central. Budget options in 10th-11th. Top food: croissants, baguettes, crêpes, steak frites, escargot, macarons (Ladurée, Pierre Hermé). Famous cafés: Café de Flore, Les Deux Magots. Food markets: Marché d'Aligre, Marché des Enfants Rouges. Seine River cruises available via Bateaux Mouches. Day trips: Versailles (30 min by RER), Mont Saint-Michel (4 hrs by TGV), Loire Valley châteaux.
+
+=== Barcelona ===
+Barcelona, Spain's second city, blends modernist architecture with beach culture. Key attractions: Sagrada Família (Gaudí's unfinished masterpiece, book ahead), Park Güell (mosaic park with city views), Casa Batlló and Casa Milà (La Pedrera) on Passeig de Gràcia, Gothic Quarter (medieval streets, Barcelona Cathedral), La Boqueria market, Picasso Museum, Camp Nou stadium. Beaches: Barceloneta is the main city beach; Sitges is a popular day-trip beach town. Neighborhoods: Eixample (modernist architecture, upscale), El Born (trendy bars, Picasso Museum), Gràcia (bohemian, local vibe), Barceloneta (beachfront). Getting around: Metro, bus, and bike rentals. TMB app for transit. Best time: May-June or September-October (avoid July-August heat and crowds). Food: tapas, patatas bravas, pan con tomate, jamón, seafood paella (try at beachfront restaurants), cava. Famous food spots: Bar Pinotxo in La Boqueria, El Xampanyet in El Born. Nightlife starts late — dinner at 9pm, clubs open at midnight. Day trips: Montserrat (mountain monastery), Sitges (beach town), Tarragona (Roman ruins).
+
+=== Rome ===
+Rome, Italy's capital, is an open-air museum of ancient and Renaissance history. Top attractions: Colosseum and Roman Forum (book skip-the-line tickets), Vatican City (St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel — book months in advance), Trevi Fountain (toss a coin), Spanish Steps, Pantheon (free entry), Borghese Gallery (book ahead), Trastevere neighborhood. Getting around: Walking is best in the historic center. Metro has only 2 main lines. Taxis and buses available. Best time: April-May or September-October. Summers are hot and crowded. Neighborhoods to stay: Centro Storico (historic center), Trastevere (charming, lively), Prati (near Vatican, quieter). Food: carbonara, cacio e pepe, amatriciana, supplì (fried rice balls), gelato, pizza al taglio (by the slice). Famous spots: Pizzarium (pizza), Giolitti (gelato), Campo de' Fiori market. Day trips: Pompeii (2.5 hrs by train), Florence (1.5 hrs by high-speed train), Ostia Antica (ancient port city, 30 min).
+
+=== Bangkok ===
+Bangkok is Thailand's vibrant capital, known for ornate temples, street food, and nightlife. Key attractions: Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew (Emerald Buddha Temple), Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn), Wat Pho (Reclining Buddha, traditional massage), Chatuchak Weekend Market (largest market in Asia), Jim Thompson House, Lumphini Park, Khao San Road (backpacker hub). Getting around: BTS Skytrain and MRT subway are clean and efficient. Grab (ride-hailing) is cheaper than taxis. Tuk-tuks for short trips (negotiate fare). Chao Phraya River boats for temple-hopping. Best time: November-February (cool, dry season). Avoid April (hottest month) and July-October (rainy season). Neighborhoods: Sukhumvit (expat hub, malls, nightlife), Silom (business district, rooftop bars), Rattanakosin (old city, temples), Ari (trendy, local). Food: pad thai, tom yum, green curry, mango sticky rice, som tam (papaya salad). Street food hubs: Yaowarat (Chinatown), Silom Soi 20, Or Tor Kor Market. Day trips: Ayutthaya (ancient capital, 1.5 hrs), Floating markets (Damnoen Saduak, Amphawa), Kanchanaburi (Bridge on the River Kwai).
+
+=== Bali ===
+Bali, Indonesia's most famous island, is known for temples, rice terraces, surf, and spirituality. Key areas: Ubud (cultural heart — rice terraces, monkey forest, art galleries, yoga retreats), Seminyak (upscale beach clubs, boutiques, sunset bars), Canggu (surfer vibe, cafés, digital nomads), Kuta (budget, busy beach, nightlife), Uluwatu (clifftop temple, surf breaks, Kecak fire dance). Top attractions: Tanah Lot Temple (sea temple at sunset), Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary (Ubud), Tegallalang Rice Terraces, Uluwatu Temple, Tirta Empul (holy water temple), Mount Batur (volcano sunrise trek). Getting around: Rent a scooter (~$5/day) or hire a private driver (~$40-60/day). Grab works in some areas. Best time: April-October (dry season). November-March is wet but less crowded. Food: nasi goreng (fried rice), mie goreng (fried noodles), satay, babi guling (suckling pig, Ubud specialty), lawar, fresh smoothie bowls. Warungs (local family restaurants) are cheapest and most authentic. Nightlife: Seminyak and Kuta for clubs; Canggu for bars. Surf spots: Kuta Beach (beginner), Uluwatu (advanced), Echo Beach (intermediate).
+
+=== New York City ===
+New York City is the United States' most iconic city, spread across five boroughs. Manhattan is the main tourist destination. Top attractions: Times Square, Central Park, Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island (ferry from Battery Park), Metropolitan Museum of Art (pay-what-you-wish), MoMA, Brooklyn Bridge (walk across), High Line (elevated park), One World Observatory, Broadway shows, 9/11 Memorial and Museum. Neighborhoods: Midtown (Times Square, Empire State Building), Lower Manhattan (Wall Street, Financial District), Greenwich Village (bohemian, NYU), SoHo (shopping, art galleries), Williamsburg Brooklyn (hipster, great food), Harlem (jazz, soul food), Astoria Queens (diverse food scene). Getting around: Subway is the fastest way around — get an OMNY card. Yellow taxis and Uber/Lyft widely available. Best time: September-November (fall foliage, mild weather) or March-May. Summers are hot and humid; December is festive but cold. Food: New York-style pizza (Joe's Pizza, Di Fara), bagels (Ess-a-Bagel), pastrami at Katz's Deli, food halls (Chelsea Market, Smorgasburg in Brooklyn). Hotels: Midtown is most convenient; Lower East Side and Brooklyn are trendier and often cheaper. Day trips: The Hamptons, Hudson Valley, Philadelphia (1.5 hrs by Amtrak).
+
+=== London ===
+London, the UK capital, is one of the world's most visited cities. Top attractions: Tower of London, Buckingham Palace (Changing of the Guard), Westminster Abbey, Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, British Museum (free), National Gallery (free), Tate Modern (free), Borough Market, Hyde Park, Greenwich (Royal Observatory, Prime Meridian). Neighborhoods: Covent Garden (street performers, shopping), Notting Hill (Portobello Road Market, colorful houses), Shoreditch (street art, nightlife, tech scene), South Bank (Tate Modern, Shakespeare's Globe), Mayfair (luxury), Camden (alternative, market). Getting around: Oyster card or contactless payment for the Tube (Underground), buses, and Overground. Black cabs and Uber available. Best time: June-August for weather; December for Christmas markets (but crowded). Food: fish and chips, full English breakfast, afternoon tea, pie and mash, Sunday roast. Borough Market for gourmet food. Indian food in Brick Lane. Pubs are central to social life — try a traditional pub in the City. Day trips: Oxford (1 hr by train), Cambridge (1 hr), Stonehenge (2 hrs), Bath (1.5 hrs), Windsor Castle (40 min).
+
+=== Lisbon ===
+Lisbon, Portugal's hilly coastal capital, is one of Europe's most charming and affordable cities. Top attractions: Belém Tower, Jerónimos Monastery, São Jorge Castle, Alfama neighborhood (oldest district, Fado music, viewpoints/miradouros), LX Factory (creative market), Time Out Market, Oceanarium, MAAT museum. Neighborhoods: Alfama (historic, Fado bars), Baixa (downtown, shopping), Chiado (literary cafés, boutiques), Bairro Alto (nightlife), Príncipe Real (antiques, upscale), Mouraria (multicultural, great food). Getting around: Tram 28 is iconic but crowded (watch for pickpockets). Metro covers most tourist areas. Tuk-tuks available. Renting a bike or scooter is popular. Best time: March-May or September-October. Summers are hot and crowded. Food: pastel de nata (custard tart — best at Pastéis de Belém), bacalhau (salt cod, 365 ways to cook it), piri piri chicken, bifanas (pork sandwiches), petiscos (Portuguese tapas). Wine: vinho verde (young wine), ginjinha (cherry liqueur). Day trips: Sintra (fairy-tale palaces, 40 min by train), Cascais (beach town, 40 min), Setúbal (natural park, beaches).
+
+=== Cape Town ===
+Cape Town, South Africa, is set between mountains and ocean with dramatic scenery. Top attractions: Table Mountain (cable car or hike — go on a clear day), Cape of Good Hope and Cape Point (day trip), Boulders Beach (African penguin colony), Robben Island (Nelson Mandela's prison — ferry from V&A Waterfront), Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, Bo-Kaap neighborhood (colorful houses, Cape Malay culture), V&A Waterfront. Wine regions: Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Constantia — all within 45 minutes. Getting around: Rental car recommended for day trips. Uber works well in the city. Best time: November-March (Southern Hemisphere summer, dry and warm). June-August is cool and rainy but fewer crowds. Neighborhoods: City Bowl (central), Sea Point (beachfront promenade), Green Point (near stadium), Camps Bay (beach, upscale restaurants). Food: braai (South African BBQ), bobotie (spiced minced meat), bunny chow, Cape Malay curry, fresh seafood. Long Street is the main nightlife strip. Safety: Stay aware of surroundings; avoid walking alone at night in certain areas. Day trips: Hermanus (whale watching, June-December), Winelands, Chapman's Peak Drive.
+
+=== Kyoto ===
+Kyoto was Japan's imperial capital for over a millennium and preserves its traditional culture. Top attractions: Fushimi Inari Shrine (thousands of torii gates — go early morning), Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and Tenryu-ji Garden, Gion district (geisha quarter, traditional machiya townhouses), Nijo Castle, Philosopher's Path (canal walk lined with cherry trees), Nishiki Market (Kyoto's kitchen). Day trips from Kyoto: Nara (deer park, Todai-ji Temple — 45 min), Osaka (30 min by shinkansen — food, nightlife, Dotonbori), Hiroshima and Miyajima (2 hrs — Peace Memorial, floating torii). Getting around: Buses and subway cover most sights. Bicycle rentals popular. IC card works. Best time: March-May (cherry blossoms) or November (fall foliage) — book accommodation months in advance. October is ideal for fewer crowds. Accommodation: Traditional ryokan for the full experience (include kaiseki dinner and breakfast). Food: kaiseki (multi-course haute cuisine), tofu cuisine, yudofu (tofu hot pot), matcha desserts, obanzai (Kyoto-style home cooking). Nishiki Market for street food.
+
+=== Dubai ===
+Dubai, UAE, is a city of superlatives — tallest buildings, largest malls, and desert adventures. Top attractions: Burj Khalifa (observation deck — book ahead), Dubai Mall (largest mall, indoor ski slope next door at Mall of the Emirates), Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Creek and Gold Souk, Spice Souk, Dubai Frame, Museum of the Future, desert safari (dune bashing, camel riding, stargazing). Neighborhoods: Downtown Dubai (Burj Khalifa, Dubai Fountain), Dubai Marina (waterfront, brunch spots), Jumeirah (beach, upscale), Deira (old city, souks), Business Bay. Getting around: Dubai Metro is clean and efficient. Taxis and Uber are cheap. Best time: November-March (cool, 20-30°C). April-October is extremely hot (40°C+). Dress modestly in traditional areas and malls. Food: shawarma, hummus, falafel, Al Harees, Emirati machboos (spiced rice with meat). International cuisine everywhere. Brunch culture is huge — Friday/Saturday brunches at hotels are legendary. Alcohol available in licensed hotels and restaurants. Day trips: Abu Dhabi (Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque — 1.5 hrs), Hatta (mountain town), Oman border.
+
+=== Amsterdam ===
+Amsterdam, the Netherlands' capital, is famous for its canal rings, cycling culture, and world-class museums. Top attractions: Rijksmuseum (Rembrandt, Vermeer), Van Gogh Museum (book well in advance), Anne Frank House (book months ahead online), Heineken Experience, Jordaan neighborhood (galleries, boutiques, markets), Albert Cuyp Market, Keukenhof Gardens (tulips, March-May only), Vondelpark. Getting around: Cycling is the primary mode of transport — rent a bike on day one. Trams and metro also available. GVB public transit card for trams. Best time: April-May (tulip season, mild weather) or June-August (warm, long days). December is festive but cold. Neighborhoods: Jordaan (charming, canals, boutiques), De Pijp (multicultural, Albert Cuyp Market, nightlife), Oud-West (local, quieter), Centrum (central, tourists). Food: stroopwafels, raw herring (haring) with onions, Dutch pancakes (pannenkoeken), bitterballen (fried snacks), aged Gouda cheese. Jenever (Dutch gin) at traditional brown cafés (bruine kroegen). Day trips: Haarlem (20 min — tulip fields, Frans Hals Museum), Delft (pottery, Vermeer), The Hague (political capital, Mauritshuis museum), Zaanse Schans (windmills).
+
+=== Machu Picchu ===
+Machu Picchu is the 15th-century Inca citadel set high in the Andes of Peru, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. The site sits at 2,430 meters (7,970 ft) above sea level in the Cusco region. Key areas within the site: Agricultural Terraces, Temple of the Sun, Intihuatana stone (ritual stone), Room of the Three Windows, and the Sun Gate (Inti Punku). Access: From Cusco, take a train to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo), then bus to the site (25 min). The Inca Trail is the classic 4-day trek; must be booked months in advance with a licensed operator. Alternative treks: Salkantay Trek (5 days, no permit lottery), Lares Trek, Inca Jungle Trail. Entry: Timed tickets required — book on the official government website well ahead. Circuit 1 or 2 most popular. Best time: May-September (dry season). Rainy season (November-March) has fewer crowds but slippery paths. Altitude acclimatization: Spend 1-2 days in Cusco (3,400m) before visiting. Coca tea and acetazolamide help with altitude sickness. Nearby: Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca), Sacred Valley, Ollantaytambo fortress.
+
+=== Santorini ===
+Santorini is a Greek island in the Cyclades, famous for its volcanic caldera, blue-domed churches, and dramatic sunsets. Key villages: Oia (iconic blue domes, sunset viewpoint — extremely crowded at sunset), Fira (capital, caldera views, nightlife), Imerovigli (quietest caldera village, best views), Akrotiri (ancient Minoan ruins, red beach nearby), Perissa and Perivolos (black sand beaches). Getting around: ATV/quad rental or car rental recommended. Public buses connect main villages. Santorini is very hilly — wear comfortable shoes. Best time: May-June or September-October (warm, fewer crowds, lower prices). July-August is peak season — extremely crowded and expensive. Sunsets: Oia's sunset is world-famous. Arrive 2 hours early for a spot. Alternatively, watch from a caldera-view restaurant. Food: fresh seafood, fava (split pea purée), tomatokeftedes (tomato fritters), white eggplant, local wines (Assyrtiko grape — dry, mineral). Wineries: Santo Wines, Estate Argyros. Caldera boat tours popular — visit hot springs, swim at volcanic beaches. Day trips: Nea Kameni (volcanic island), Thirassia (quieter sister island). Flights or ferry from Athens (8 hours ferry, 45 min flight).
+
+=== Peru ===
+Peru offers diverse experiences from Machu Picchu to the Amazon and Lima's food scene. Lima: Miraflores and Barranco neighborhoods (clifftop parks, bohemian arts scene, excellent restaurants). Central Lima: Plaza Mayor, Larco Museum (pre-Columbian gold and ceramics), Huaca Pucllana (ancient pyramid). Lima is the gastronomic capital of Latin America — try ceviche, lomo saltado, causa, anticuchos. Cusco: The gateway to Machu Picchu, former Inca capital. Plaza de Armas, Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun), San Pedro Market, San Blas neighborhood (artisan workshops). Sacred Valley: Pisac ruins and market, Ollantaytambo fortress (still inhabited), Moray (agricultural terraces), Maras salt mines. Amazon: Iquitos (only accessible by air or boat) or Puerto Maldonado for jungle lodges and wildlife (macaws, pink dolphins, giant otters, caimans). Lake Titicaca: Puno is the base — visit floating Uros Islands (reed islands), Taquile Island. Colca Canyon: One of the world's deepest canyons — condor spotting at Cruz del Condor. Best time: May-September (dry season). Getting around: Domestic flights connect Lima, Cusco, Iquitos, and Arequipa. Bus is cheap for overland travel.
+
+=== Morocco ===
+Morocco is a North African kingdom with imperial cities, Sahara desert, and Atlantic/Mediterranean coastline. Major cities: Marrakesh (Djemaa el-Fna square, souks, Majorelle Garden, Bahia Palace), Fez (world's largest medieval medina, Al-Qarawiyyin University — oldest in the world, tanneries), Chefchaouen (blue-painted mountain town), Casablanca (Hassan II Mosque — largest in Africa, business hub), Rabat (capital, Mohammad V Mausoleum). Desert: Merzouga and Erg Chebbi dunes for camel treks and overnight desert camps. Atlas Mountains: Toubkal National Park (highest peak in North Africa), Aït Benhaddou (UNESCO kasbah, used in Game of Thrones). Essaouira: Atlantic coast, windsurfing, Portuguese ramparts, artisan woodwork. Getting around: Trains connect major cities (Rabat, Casablanca, Fez, Marrakesh). CTM buses for other routes. Petit taxis in cities. Best time: March-May or September-November. Summers are very hot inland; Essaouira stays cool year-round. Food: tagine (slow-cooked stew), couscous (traditionally on Fridays), harira (soup), bastilla (sweet-savory pie), fresh mint tea (poured from height). Riads (traditional courtyard guesthouses) for accommodation.
+
+=== Istanbul ===
+Istanbul straddles Europe and Asia across the Bosphorus Strait, blending Ottoman grandeur with modern urban life. Top attractions: Hagia Sophia (UNESCO — former church, mosque, now museum converted back to mosque in 2020), Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque — free entry, mosque visits restricted during prayer), Topkapi Palace (Ottoman sultans' court), Grand Bazaar (one of world's oldest covered markets — 4,000+ shops), Spice Bazaar, Galata Tower, Dolmabahçe Palace, Bosphorus cruise. Neighborhoods: Sultanahmet (historic peninsula, most monuments), Beyoglu/Istiklal (modern, nightlife, Istiklal Avenue pedestrian street), Karaköy (hip, waterfront cafés), Kadıköy (Asian side, local market, great food scene), Balat (colorful old Jewish and Greek quarter). Getting around: Istanbulkart for metro, tram, ferries, and buses. Ferries across the Bosphorus are scenic and cheap. Best time: April-May or September-October. Summers are hot; winters mild but rainy. Food: kebabs (döner, şiş, Adana), meze, börek (pastry), simit (sesame bread ring), baklava, Turkish breakfast (kahvaltı — extensive spread). Karaköy for modern cafés; Kadıköy for local restaurants. Tea (çay) culture is everywhere.
+
+=== Mexico City ===
+Mexico City (CDMX) is one of the world's largest cities and a cultural powerhouse with great food, art, and history. Top attractions: Zócalo (main plaza, Metropolitan Cathedral, Templo Mayor Aztec ruins), Chapultepec Park and Castle, Palacio de Bellas Artes, Frida Kahlo Museum (La Casa Azul — book weeks ahead), Museo Nacional de Antropología (world-class pre-Columbian collection), Teotihuacan pyramids (day trip — Sun, Moon, Quetzalcoatl), Xochimilco (floating gardens, colorful trajineras boats). Neighborhoods: Roma Norte and Condesa (tree-lined streets, cafés, restaurants, nightlife), Polanco (upscale, luxury restaurants), Coyoacán (Frida Kahlo's neighborhood, cobblestone streets, market), Centro Histórico (monuments, murals by Diego Rivera), San Ángel (weekend art market). Getting around: Metro is cheap and extensive. Uber is safe and affordable. Best time: March-May (dry, warm). Avoid rainy season July-September. Food: tacos al pastor, tamales, tlayudas, chiles en nogada (seasonal), elotes, churros. Street food is excellent and safe in busy areas. Markets: Mercado de la Merced, Mercado Roma. Mezcal bars in Roma Norte.
+
+=== Sydney ===
+Sydney, Australia's largest city, combines stunning harbour, beaches, and cosmopolitan culture. Top attractions: Sydney Opera House (tours available, catch a performance), Sydney Harbour Bridge (BridgeClimb for views, or walk across for free), Bondi Beach (iconic — 20 min from city), Taronga Zoo (harbour views), Royal Botanic Garden, The Rocks (historic district), Manly Beach (ferry from Circular Quay — scenic ride), Blue Mountains (day trip — Three Sisters rock formation, Scenic Railway). Neighborhoods: CBD/The Rocks (historic, harbour), Surry Hills (restaurants, cafés, nightlife), Newtown (bohemian, King Street), Paddington (galleries, boutiques, weekend market), Bondi (beach lifestyle). Getting around: Opal card for trains, buses, ferries, and light rail. Ferry across the harbour is iconic. Best time: September-November (spring) or March-May (autumn) — warm but not scorching. December-February is beach season but hot and busy. Food: fresh seafood (Sydney rock oysters, barramundi), meat pies, Tim Tams, flat white coffee (Australians take coffee seriously), multicultural cuisine (strong Asian food scene in Chinatown and Haymarket). Brunch culture is strong — long waits at popular Bondi and Surry Hills spots. Day trips: Blue Mountains (2 hrs), Hunter Valley (wine region, 2.5 hrs), Royal National Park.
+
+=== Buenos Aires ===
+Buenos Aires, Argentina's capital, is a vibrant South American metropolis known for tango, steak, and European-influenced architecture. Top attractions: Plaza de Mayo (historic centre, Casa Rosada — the pink government house), La Boca neighborhood (colourful Caminito street, tango performances, La Bombonera stadium), San Telmo (cobblestone streets, antiques market on Sundays, tango milongas), Palermo (parks, boutiques, restaurants, nightlife), Recoleta Cemetery (elaborate mausoleums including Evita Perón's tomb), MALBA museum (Latin American art), Teatro Colón (one of world's finest opera houses). Neighborhoods: Palermo Soho and Hollywood (trendy, restaurants, bars), San Telmo (historic, bohemian), Puerto Madero (waterfront, upscale), Recoleta (elegant, Parisian feel), Villa Crespo (local, emerging food scene). Getting around: Subte (metro) for main areas. Remises (radio taxis) or Uber for other trips. Best time: September-November (spring) or March-May (autumn). Summers (December-February) are very hot. Food: asado (Argentine BBQ — a cultural institution), empanadas, milanesa, choripán, dulce de leche (on everything), medialunas (croissants). Steak: La Cabrera, Don Julio, El Preferido. Tango: watch at a milonga or take a lesson in San Telmo. Nightlife starts very late — dinner at 10pm, clubs at 2am.
+
+=== Prague ===
+Prague, the Czech Republic's capital, is one of Europe's best-preserved medieval cities. Top attractions: Prague Castle (largest ancient castle complex in the world — St. Vitus Cathedral, Old Royal Palace), Charles Bridge (30 statues, best at dawn), Old Town Square (Astronomical Clock — hourly show, Týn Church), Josefov (Jewish Quarter — six synagogues and old cemetery), Wenceslas Square, Vinohrady neighborhood, Prague Zoo. Getting around: Tram is the best way to get around. Metro covers key areas. Bikes and scooters available. Best time: April-May or September-October. Christmas markets in December are magical. Summers are crowded and hot. Neighborhoods: Staré Město (Old Town), Malá Strana (Lesser Town — below the castle), Vinohrady (local, restaurants), Žižkov (bohemian, TV Tower with crawling babies sculptures). Food: svíčková (beef sirloin with cream sauce and dumplings), goulash, trdelník (chimney cake — tourist staple), chlebíčky (open-faced sandwiches). Beer culture is central: Czech lager (Pilsner Urquell, Kozel, Budvar) is some of the world's best. Beer gardens and historic pubs everywhere. Day trips: Český Krumlov (medieval town, 3 hrs), Karlovy Vary (spa town, 2 hrs), Kutná Hora (bone church, 1 hr).
+