Ah, the Big Apple, on the travel bucket-lists of so many people around the globe. When you visit for the first time, you will definitely want experience highlights such as seeing the Statue of Liberty and Empire State Building; taking a stroll throu
Read more…
Where would you go if you had an extra day during your Vienna vacation? Most travellers head for more city sightseeing to nearby cities after they visit Vienna. While right outside Wien, a few top class attractions hide from the mainstream. Here I'm
Read more…
Mysore is the most popular and the second largest city in Karnataka state. Often referred as the City of Palaces, the royal city still retains its old world charm with its heritage buildings, traditions, temples - and of course palaces, foremost am
Read more…
“That Staten Island Ferry is our front door,” a disappointed Staten Islander told me. "But too many people take it right back to Manhattan. We want them to stay here and see what we’ve got." And though "what we've got" is far more than most visitor
Read more…
In addition to being the core of the Philippines' second metro area (pop.923,000, metro 2.8 million), Cebu City is the hub of the Visayas, the grouping of islands around the middle of the vast archipelago that makes up this country (it's a flight o
The name of Montreal's Golden Square Mile (aka Le Mille Carré), a square mile of signature historic blocks at the heart of downtown at the foot of Mount Royal, traces its origins back to 1950s real estate developers promoting the area's prosperity.
Read more…
The city most popular with visitors to Spain (and one of the most popular in the world, in fact) holds that status for very good reason. The capital of Catalonia is a truly terrific trove of history, culture, architecture, dining that's unique in
Read more…
Morocco's best known city has long been known as a destination that's exotic yet not too exotic, with a wonderful balance between traditional Maghrebi culture and Western influences - often but not always driven by expats. Sure, there ar
Read more…
Most of us deal with escalators all the time - at work, shopping, going out for fun - and while they're a tremendous convenience, don't really think twice about them. But in one major city of South America, they have changed countless li
Read more…
Singapore (nicknamed "the Lion City") is Asia’s favorite holiday destination. Polished and pampered, for the visitor it packs quite a punch in a small package. Full of character and surprisingly accommodating, this city is alive throughout the night
When I visit Madrid, I always make a point of stopping at least once for a drink or a feed in one of the focal points at the heart of the historic downtown – aka Madrid de los Austrias, Habsburg Madrid. The cobblestone Plaza Mayor (which means simp
Read more…
Quick, what’s the capital of the Rainbow Nation? It’s certainly understandable if you immediately thought Johannesburg. And if Cape Town came to mind, you’re partly right – it is, after all, the seat of parliament. But the country’s president and t
Read more…
Barcelona is awash with fantastic museums and galleries. So, if you find yourself in the Catalan capital, then be sure them out. Here's a high-powered half dozen to get you started.
read post
Especially as the weather starts warming up again, I find I have a soft spot for northern Germany’s most vibrant city. As a European looking for a stimulating city break, I consider Hamburg a sweet spot for quenching the thirst not just for some tas
Old Africa hands consider Dakar one of the continent’s most hospitable and entertaining cities. Surprised? Senegal’s capital and its environs, where African meets French meets international, is full of cool attractions natural, historic, and modern,
Shōgatsu (New Year's) in Tokyo used to be a time just for quiet reflection, but now celebrants have many more choices – from visiting a temple or shrine for the Hatsumode spiritual pilgrimage to partying at midnight with a countdown at Shibuya Crossi
Melbourne is heralded as the cultural capital of Australia, and for good reason. The city plays host to a variety of events ranging from sports to music and cultural festivals, along with a great number of sights and attractions, perfect for both th
London's world famous New Year's Eve fireworks were spectacular. The moment Big Ben struck midnight, 12,000 fireworks were set off from the London Eye on the south bank of the Thames to create a breathtaking display of gold, silver and coloured showe
The many immigrants who’ve made the City of Light home over the years (many from onetime French colonies and current departments) have left an exotic mark tasty enough to justify a visit by itself — especially if you’re curious about unusual cuisines
Kawagoe is a traditional and lively Koedo (“Little Edo”) city just 30 minutes north of Tokyo along the Tobu Tojo Line. Its spring festival, held from late March through early May, is an annual cultural highlight
Read more…