TR YOU AV R EL FR GU EE ID E
city breaks EUROPEAN
ISSUE 1
DISCOVER OUR PICK OF THE BEST PLACES TO SEE, STAY AND EAT IN OUR MAGNIFICENT SEVEN EUROPEAN DESTINATIONS.
Gothenburg • Brussels • Bristol • Aberdeen • Frankfurt • Munich • Manchester IMAGE: JON LE-BON / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM
2 – EUROPEAN CITY BREAKS
Welcome... An introduction from bmi regional
Gothenburg
Welcome to bmi regional’s guide to our Top Seven Cities across Europe. We hope you’ll find this booklet useful when you’re travelling to one of our amazing European destinations. You’ll find top tips for a visit to seven of our favourite cities on our network. The majority of tips come from the real experts - our own bmi regional team! We now fly 300 flights a week to 20 destinations across the UK and seven European countries on our all-jet fleet. Remember, what other airlines call extra’s, we call standard at bmi regional. You’ll always enjoy assigned seating, a 30 minutes check-in and relax with a glass of wine or Gin & Tonic and lunch – on us of course!! Plus, your bags always fly free! We believe that flying with bmi regional from your local airport is the perfect way to start an amazing trip. Find out what to explore and discover in Manchester, Bristol, Frankfurt, Munich, Aberdeen, Gothenburg and Brussels. I look forward to seeing you onboard!
Cathal
WE NOW FLY 300 FLIGHTS A WEEK TO 20 DESTINATIONS ACROSS THE UK AND SEVEN EUROPEAN COUNTRIES
EUROPEAN CITY BREAKS – 3
Our guide to the seven best destinations in the UK and Europe – with a pick of seven of the best attractions, museums, bars and restaurants in each city. Flying bmi regional from your local airport is the best way to experience all that Europe has to offer! Brussels
Frankfurt
Aberdeen
Manchester
Bristol
Munich
pg 4-5
fly to Gothenburg...
the second largest city in Sweden and is famous for hosting some of the biggest events in Scandinavia.
pg 6-7
fly to Brussels...
a thriving tourist destination with its many cathedrals, castles and world heritage sites.
pg 8-9
fly to Bristol...
the perfect destination for those looking for a culture fix.
pg 10-11 fly to Aberdeen...
an important European energy hub and increasingly popular destination for hosting events and conferences.
pg 12-13 fly to Frankfurt...
the largest financial centre in Europe and an international hub for culture, transport, education and tourism.
pg 14-15 fly to Munich...
from castles and palaces to museums and breweries, Munich is a thriving and popular city for business and leisure travellers alike.
pg 16-17 fly to Manchester.
From sporting events and attractions to fine dining and a great night out, Manchester has everything a busy traveller or tourist could ever need.
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Gothenburg The top seven things to do...
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If setting sail is your thing but leaving the port isn’t, the city inhabits the world’s largest floating ship experience – the Maritiman Adventure Centre. Discover 20 museum vessels – all on one boat! Climb aboard and soak up the history of a long gone era, including ships from late 1900’s to contemporary ship types of today.
KJELL HOLMNER / GOTEBORG.COM
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Get a taste of the real Gothenburg in the traditional cobbled streets of the Haga neighbourhood. Walk down admire the local architecture. You’ll be spoilt for choice if you stop for a drink or bite to eat!
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KJELL HOLMNER / GOTEBORG.COM
Take the Tour of Hisingen Dinner Cruise – a perfect way to take in the sights of the city, and enjoy a delicious a la carte meal. Experience the local landmarks on this four-hour cruise along the rivers Göta, Nordre and the Björkö Fjord before finishing in the Göteborg harbour.
Say a prayer to the fish gods at Feskekörka. In this cool “fish church” you’ll find some delicious fish and seafood delicasies.
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5. Treat yourself at Sjömagasinet – the Michelin Star restaurant that’s one of our faves. KJELL HOLMNER / GOTEBORG.COM FOTOGRAF LARS ARDARVE AB / GOTEBORG.COM
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Liseberg is the most visited amusement parks in Scandinavia. The most famous attractions is the wooden roller coaster Balder!
7. Go on safari – a lobster safari: take a one-night lobster package at Handelsman Flink, starting from 3500 SEK (approximately £295). Stop off at a delightful fishing village for coffee and Swedish cinnamon buns in the archipelago – and get some fresh lobsters or crayfish directly from their pots.
Fly to Gothenburg from Birmingham, Kalmar and Stavanger.
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1. Established in 1847, the Galeries Royales St-Hubert is Europe’s very first covered shopping centre and hosts the city’s most desirable stores such as Delvaux in the most ornate surroundings. The gallery is the perfect location to buy some delicious Belgian chocolates! TUPUNGATO/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM
3. If you’ve ever wondered what actually goes on within the European Parliament, then don’t forget to visit the Parlamentarium. Interactive multimedia displays guide you through the history of Europe and allow you to further appreciate the impact parliament has on our lives.
Belgium is renowned for its chocolate, and no other chocolatier produces the stuff like Pierre Marcolini. The World Champion pastry chef opened his first boutique on Avenue Louise in Brussels in 1995, and his business has since grown to chocolate shops all over the world including London and Japan. Some of his signature treats include handmade ‘tablets’ of chocolate made from very rare cacao beans.
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For a slice of history in a modern Brussels, don’t miss the Horta Museum on Rue Americaine. Originally designed and built by Victor Horta, one of the founders of Art Nouveau, the museum is now one of the only places in the city where you can see his signature design style in all its stunning glory.
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PE3K / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM
Visit the Atomium – probably one of Europe’s most bizarre buildings located just north of Brussels. The iconic 335ft tall landmark consists of stainless steel tubes connected to spheres forming the shape of a “unit cell of an iron crystal”. The top sphere has stunning views overlooking the city. At night the spheres sparkle and the restaurant opens for business!
The Magritte Museum, located in the heart of Brussels at the Place Royale, displays more than 200 works of the surrealist Belgian Rene Magritte. The collection consists of oil canvasses, gouaches, drawings, sculptures and painted objects as well as advertising posters, musical scores, vintage photographs and films produced by the surrealist artist.
Fly to Brussels from Newcastle and East Midlands.
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EUROPEAN CITY BREAKS – 7
Brussels The top seven things to do... 7.
Whether you’re visiting Brussels on business or pleasure, you can’t really miss the Grand Place or Grote Markt – the central square of Brussels. Surrounded by guildhalls, the city’s Town Hall and the Breadhouse, the square provides an everchanging calendar of entertainment throughout the year and is one of Belgium’s most memorable landmarks.
SKYFISH / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM
8 – EUROPEAN CITY BREAKS
Bristol The top seven things to do...
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Walk along the Clifton Suspension Bridge and experience the world famous bridge that was designed by Brunel in 1831. Set on the Avon Gorge, the Clifton Suspension Bridge has become an iconic landmark in Bristol.
DESTINATIONBRISTOL / DAVE PRATT
EUROPEAN CITY BREAKS – 9
2. Visit the Bristol Zoo Gardens and see over 400 species of animals from all over the world. The zoo is set within 12 acres of gardens and is a great family day out. There is also an aquarium, Butterfly Forest and monkey jungle to explore. Step onboard the ss Great Britain, the award winning attraction, and find out more about the world’s first great ocean liner. Test your skills with interactive displays suitable for the whole family.
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Take a day trip to Bath, with its grand Georgian terraces, the magnificent Royal Cres and one of the world’s finest Roman spas. The whole city has been named a World Heritage Site by Unesco, and it’s blessed with a wealth of architectural wonders. A must see!
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VISITBATH.CO.UK
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Take a Bristol Ferry Boat around the harbour and discover Bristol’s unique central waterways. Simply check out the nearest stop to your hotel, and hop on to visit the ss Great Britain, shop in Cabot Circus or admire Bristol Temple Meads train station. Or stay on the boat and take in the many sights Bristol has got to offer!
6. Visit one of the UK’s most leading science centres, At-Bristol, and bring science to live like you’ve never done before! At-Bristol has hands-on exhibitions, the latest technology, live shows and an amazing planetarium. Simply an educational fun day out for young and old! Spot some of Banksy’s work around the streets of Bristol. Banksy, the famous Graffiti artist was born in Bristol, and has worked in major cities around the world, however his most famous pieces of art can be found in Bristol. Graffiti Thekla, The Well Hung Lover, the Mild Mild West are just some of the must see works dotted around the city.
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Fly to Bristol from Aberdeen, Frankfurt, Hamburg and Munich.
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Visit one of the whisky distilleries in Aberdeen to see how malt whisky is produced and be guided through the process.
2. Dip your feet in the water at Balmedie Beach and enjoy the beautiful sandy beach. Explore miles of this flat sandy beach and relax in the sand dunes to the rear of the beach.
VISITSCOTLAND.COM / SCOTTISHVIEWPOINT.COM
Learn about the history of Aberdeen at the awardwinning Aberdeen Maritime Museum. Find out about the city’s long standing relationship with the sea and view the displays of the North Sea oil and gas industry.
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VISITSCOTLAND.COM
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Play golf in one of Aberdeen’s 70 golf courses! The city has three municipal courses – Hazlehead, Balnagask, and The Links and many of the golf courses can be reached within a 15 minute drive.
ALLAN WRIGHT / SCOTTISHVIEWPOINT.COM
VISITSCOTLAND.COM / SCOTTISHVIEWPOINT.COM
5. Enjoy the high street retailers and designer boutiques and visit one of the many shopping centres in Aberdeen! Visit Union Square in the centre of Aberdeen as well as other centres including Trinity Shopping Centre and Galleria Shopping Centre. See Balmoral Castle for yourself on Royal Deeside and visit the grounds, gardens and exhibitions.
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Fly to Aberdeen from Bristol, Esbjerg, Norwich, Manchester and Oslo.
EUROPEAN CITY BREAKS – 11
Aberdeen The top seven things to do...
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Go dolphin watching in the Scottish Dolphin Centre and see the lovely Spey Bay on the Moray Firth. There are free tours and an interactive visitors centre and the chance to experience land-based dolphin watching.
VISITSCOTLAND.COM / SCOTTISHVIEWPOINT.COM
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Frankfurt The top seven things to do...
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Get a stunning aerial view of Frankfurt and beyond from the Main Tower. Take the lift to the 56th floor and get a feel of “Mainhattan” 200 meters above street level. The entrance to the tower requires you to go through airport-style security, but once you’re on the top floor, you’ll find it was well worth it! TOURISMUS+CONGRESS GMBH FRANKFURT AM MAIN / HOLGER ULLMANN
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Have a drink on the 4. Roemerberg, right in the heart of the city. This beautiful square features magnificient half-timbered houses, completely re-build in the 80’s to their original plan. The third and final phase is planned to be completed in the next two years.
Go on a Main River cruise. The cruise (you can choose from a 50 minute or 1h 40 minutes trip) offers you the chance to see the Frankfurt skyline and surroundings from an entirely different perspective. Plus, it’s a great way to take pictures of the embankment! Prices start at €8.70 per person.
Frankfurt Zoo opened in 1858 and is one of Europe’s most visited zoos. More than 4,500 animals from over 400 species bring the zoo’s animal houses to life. Make sure you drop in at the nocturnal animal house, where day is artificially turned into night – perfect to check out nocturnal animal’s activities!
TOURISMUS+CONGRESS GMBH FRANKFURT AM MAIN / HOLGER ULLMANN
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6. Step in Goethe’s footsteps with a visit to the Goethe House. Find out more about the life of the great poet and author, who wrote the famous works such as “The Sorrows of Young Werther” and the beginnings of “Faust”.
TOURISMUS+CONGRESS GMBH FRANKFURT AM MAIN / HOLGER ULLMANN
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One of Frankfurt’s most popular attractions is the famous Ebbelwei-Express (the Apple wine Express). A historical street-car/tram takes you on a tour of downtown Frankfurt and includes complimentary pretzels and a bottle of Apple Wine. A ticket sets you back €7 and let’s you hop on/off as and when you like.
The Dialog Museum offers a museum with a difference! In absolute darkness a blind guide will lead you in a small group through several rooms. The rooms consist of different common daily situations, but without your eyesight, the smallest things in life become a whole new experience! Tours start every 15 minutes, but we strongly advise you to book an appointment in advance.
Fly to Frankfurt from Bristol and Karlstad.
14 – EUROPEAN CITY BREAKS
1. Go beer guzzling and pretzel snapping at the Hofbräuhaus, the world’s most celebrated beer hall. All food and drinks are served by waitresses in traditional costumes and the beers come in the typical halters (which can be pretty heavy). Soak up the atmosphere while you enjoy some typical Bavarian music.
Get a beer at the annual Oktoberfest. Simply sign along to “oom pah pah” music, dress up in lederhosen, “fraulein” oufits and dance on the tables! The festival is a great way to enjoy Munich’s cuisine and culture and Bavarian hospitality. Prost!
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S MUELLER / MÜNCHEN TOURISMUS
Visit BMW Welt, located next to the Olympiapark, the ultimate car museum in the world! Explore all to do with cars, motorbikes and technology. On the Junior Campus, kids learn about mobility, become a car engineer and even get to design their own vehicle in workshops. In addition, there’s always some daredevil stunts involving cars or motorbikes going on around the museum.
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Explore the Olympiapark north of the city, build for the 1972 Olympic Games and now a complex holding concerts, festivals and off course sporting events. Book yourself on a 90-minute guided tour and find out more about the Olympiastadion (former home to Bayern Munich FC) and the eye catching 291 meter high Olympiaturm, which has a brilliant observation platform and a “Rock Museum”.
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Admire the masterpieces of Rubens, Rembrandt, Poussin, Botticelli and other great Dutch Masters in the Pinakothek. Open daily from 10am until 6pm, it is one of the oldest galleries in the world and has a fantastic collection of Old Master paintings.
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5. Take a stroll in the English Garden, Munich’s largest park. The Park even has a nudist area where the locals work on their “overall tan”. It’s all perfectly legal and accepted, so don’t be shy!
Fly to Munich from Bristol.
EUROPEAN CITY BREAKS – 15
Munich The top seven things to do...
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Enjoy the Glockenspiel at the Rathaus (Town Hall). The architecture of the Rathaus is simply fascinating with gargoyles, statues and a dragon scaling the turrets. Insiders tip – climb to the top of the tower to get a stunning view of the city! Inside the Rathaus you’ll find six courtyards, hosting concerts and exhibitions all year round.
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Manchester The top seven things to do...
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Go for a drink at Deansgate Locks – the converted railway arches at Deansgate Locks have now become some of the most popular bars in the city. If you want to experience the nightlife of Manchester, then Deansgate is a great area to come to. Nearby, you also have the famous Cloud 23 Bar based at the Hilton Manchester Deansgate Hotel. Enjoy floor to ceiling views of the Manchester skyline which are spectacular at night.
MARKETING MANCHESTER
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Go shopping in the Trafford Centre – The famous Trafford Centre is a must see when in Manchester. Enjoy a choice of over 200 stores along three miles of marble boulevards. The design and architecture of the Trafford Centre is something to admire with the stunning décor and statues that are located on the outside of the building.
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Manchester Town Hall – this is home to Manchester City Council but is also a magnificent building designed in Victorian Gothic style by Alfred Waterhouse and opened in 1877. Visitors can take a guided tour of the town hall to view all the impressive rooms and then take a break in the café.
6. Visit the People’s History Museum which is the UK’s national centre for material relating to the history of working people in the UK. It’s free of charge to enter the museum and is great if you want to learn more about the history of Manchester and the UK’s working people.
Experience Tatton Park in Cheshire for a stunning landscape and historic estate. Enjoy the Tudor Old Hall, Neo-Classical Mansion, 50 acres of landscaped gardens, a rare-breed farm and 1000 acres of deer park.
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4. Shop, eat, drink in the Northern Quarter – The Northern Quarter is a creative, urban and unique area of Manchester. With many independent shops and boutiques, it is ideal if you would like to try something different, from independent music shops to vintage clothes stores.
If football is your passion, then Manchester is the place to be, with two world-class football teams inhabiting the city. Visit Manchester United at Old Trafford or call in to the Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium. If you prefer to stay impartial, why not visit the world’s biggest and best football museum at Urbis?
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CARL HODGSON / MARKETING MANCHESTER
Fly to Manchester from Aberdeen.
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What’s in store for Summer 2015 with bmi regional? Discover Brussels Our summer schedule sees the introduction of three daily weekday departures from East Midlands and Newcastle to Brussels. The additional midday service, offers you a total of 16 weekly flights from each destination to choose from. Plus, our codeshare with Brussels Airlines offers you the chance to travel from your local airport to destinations in Europe, North America and Africa. Spring in Frankfurt We’ll be introducing an additional midday flight every weekday plus a brand new early morning departure on Saturday mornings from Bristol to Frankfurt. These new flights mean you’ll be able to fly every day of the week between these two cities, offering you greater flexibility. Our codeshare agreement with Lufthansa offers you the opportunity to continue your journeys to destinations across Europe, Asia, Africa and America. More flights from Aberdeen From 30 March 2015, you’ll be able to fly three times a day, Monday to Friday, between Aberdeen and Bristol. Our Sunday service will operate as per usual. Fly to Munich, gateway to Bavaria An additional Saturday morning service between Bristol and Munich will commence on 4 April 2015, offering you the chance to travel seven days a week to the Bavarian capital. This new Saturday morning flight gives you more flexibility on weekend trips away as well as increased possibilities of connections with Lufthansa to travel onwards to worldwide destinations. So why wait any longer? Treat yourself to a trip today! Remember, when you travel with bmi regional you’ll travel on an all jet fleet, a 30 minute check-in, direct flights, bags fly free and the drinks and food onboard are on us! Book today at bmiregional.com
EUROPEAN CITY BREAKS – 19
OSLO
K A R L S TA D S TAVA N G E R
GOTHENBURG
ABERDEEN
KALMAR
ESBJERG
NEWCASTLE
MANCHESTER
HAMBURG BREMEN
EAST MIDLANDS BIRMINGHAM
BERLIN
NORWICH
BRISTOL BRUSSELS FRANKFURT
MUNICH
TOULOUSE
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reasons to fly bmi regional. 1. Bags fly free. 2. 30 minute check-in. 3. Complimentary food & drink. 4. Schedule tailored for leisure and business travellers. 5. Direct flights. 6. UK’s most punctual airline. 7. All jet fleet.
Book at bmiregional.com