http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/ Welcome to Been there. Your tips on the places you know - that you love, live in or have just visited - are what make this guide. http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19622 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19622 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18641 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18641 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/17852
One of the finest beaches on Zanzibar, the best food I sampled and superlative nature trails in the mangrove forest and over best coral in east Africa. Relatively expensive but a must for any holiday, particularly a honeymoon.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/17852 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/17332
The hotel itself is like something from an old James Bond film with its lift to the private beach below built into the rock face.

The cocktails served in Vapor's bar are something quite special. The terrace is split in two with Vapor on one side and the other side being home to one of the best restaurants in Dubrovnik. The terrace has a wonderful view out over the Adriatic where you can sip your cocktail while watching a whole variety of craft from tall Pirates of The Caribbean ships to little island-hopping taxis moving in and out of Dubrovnik harbour framed by a glorious sunset.

The Adriatic's most friendly barman made us the perfect Vodka Martinis and told us tales of having to fight in the Balkan war and then finding work on a cruise ship where he learned the art of perfect mixing. My boyfriend and I spent a magical evening sipping amazing cocktails and watching the moonlight dance over the Adriatic. Bliss!]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/17332 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16974
You board at Chelsea Piers (on the Hudson near West 23rd). The two-hour cruise goes to the Statue of Liberty and returns, with champagne served by the crew.

The sunset cruise is particularly beautiful because you see the sunset to the west over New Jersey and to the east looms the skyline of lower Manhattan which is lit up brilliantly by the time you turn around and head back.

Unfortunately the cruise only runs from the end of April through the end of October. Cost is around $50, champagne included. We will never forget it!]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16974 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16456
Climb up the hill around the lake, up to the view point. Now the real secret: if you happen to be there on August 30th at about 8.20pm, you'll see the sun setting right behind the Sacre Coeur and the Montmartre hill, now that's a view that will stay with you for a while.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16456 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16420
The famous haunt of Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir has stunning internal décor and takes you back to another era. The food is delicious and if you are seeking the true Parisian experience then there is nowhere better to dine.

And, even if you end up alone there on Valentine's Day, indulging in their silky hot chocolate, at least the waiters know the way to a girl’s heart. Dessert on the house!]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16420 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16233 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16233 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16025
Enjoy some ice-skating on the main square followed by a rich Belgian hot chocolate to warm you and soothe any bruised knees/egos if you fell over.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16025 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15817
Take the lift up to the 7th floor and onto the roof terrace in the evening and watch the Tour Eiffel light up in the evening surrounded by stunning panoramic views of the Parisian skyline.

On a relaxed & warm summers evening, there's nothing better!]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15817 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15814
Everyone will make you feel like the grand-standing person you are.

And it's not very romantic with all those bloody tourists around anyway.

Plus, you'll have to queue for ages just to get down.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15814 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15744
We stayed at the modes Hotel des GrandsHommes in the Latin Quarter, exploring my student-day haunts, well off the tourist-trail: the lovely Canal St Martin to the north, with its crazy foot-bridges, "turning-bridge" and the beautiful old Hotel St Louis nearby - eating out at the Degres de Notre-Dame (steak Charolais!), with a view of the great cathedral itself - kissing on the Pont des Arts!]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15744 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15728
Climb the concrete steps from the bustling rue de Lyon, and stumble upon an enchanting winding path filled with an explosion of marigolds, pink roses and trailing vines.

Over the course of about 3km you will be able to gaze over the rooftops of Paris and discover a plethora of small gardens, ageing viaducts and strolling lovers, young and old, arm in arm.

The path finishes at the golden gate and the Vincennes park to the east of the city.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15728 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15727
This pedestrian bridge lies betweens the Louvre and the Academie Française. Go there at sunset with a bottle of wine and enjoy youselves!]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15727 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15671 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15671 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15552
It is unique in that it still has private dining rooms in the rear of the building for clandestine dinner parties.

However, the best place to eat is in the main room for the view of the river. After a superb traditional French meal, I proposed to my fiancée on New Year’s Eve just as the fireworks were starting to explode all over the city – we are to be married next year!]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15552 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15390
Any visitor must visit Le Marais which is a stones through away from the Lourve. It is a trendy district in Paris now celebrated for its nightlife.

Vins des Pyrenees is a little charming bistro nestled in a tiny street just off Saint Paul Village - A former wine warehouse with an authentic decor serving a classic but good French bistro cuisine –with very friendly casual staff and great wine.

I would recommend the Cotes de Rhone to drink. Bon appetite!]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15390 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15024
You will enjoy a new outlook on the city; passing houseboats bedecked with flowers and a good choice of cafes, while keeping your distance from the traffic.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15024 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14939
Forget Paris and the congestion, take a Friday late afternoon train to Lille and enjoy this hidden gem of a city.

Saturday morning surprise him/her and pick up a car and head two hours east to the Champagne district, but be sure to book your tour at Verve Clicquot in advance so not to disappoint or if last minute and want a cheap laugh, head to the Piper Factory for a tour on their Campaign Train, it will not let you down.

Enjoy Sunday slowing working your way back to Lille before enjoying a much earnt Champers on the last train back to London.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14939 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14753 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14753