St Paul’s Monuments Crypt Floorplan Tomb of Christopher Wren St Paul’s architect, Sir Christopher Wren (1632–1723), has a plain tomb in the OBE chapel. Its inscription reads, “Lector, si monumentum requiris, circumspice – Reader, if you seek a monument, look around you”. Wellington’s Tomb Britain’s great military leader and prime minister, Arthur Wellesly, 1st Duke … Read more
Jardin du Luxembourg Parisians love this centrally located park, set around the Palais du Luxembourg. The sweeping terrace is a great place for people-watching, while locals sunbathe around the Octagonal Lake or sail toy boats in the water. Statues are dotted throughout the grounds, and there is a café . Jardin du Luxembourg Jardin des … Read more
Notre-Dame Notre-Dame Sacré-Coeur Sacré-Coeur Sainte-Chapelle Although the chapel is no longer used for worship, the soaring stained-glass windows encourage reverence . Sainte-Chapelle Eglise du Dôme The final resting place of Napoleon Bonaparte is the beautiful Dôme Church in the Hôtel des Invalides complex – an elaborate monument to French Classical style. Built as the chapel … Read more
Empire State Building The Empire State Building (1930–31) is the tallest structure in New York. For 28 years its dominance was eclipsed by the World Trade Center, which was destroyed in the September 2001 terrorist attack. With an 86th-floor observatory, the building receives some 3.5 million visitors each year . G.E. Building Soaring 70 stories … Read more
St. Paul’s Chapel Completed in 1766, this church has a glorious Georgian interior lit by Waterford chandeliers. The pew where George Washington prayed after his inauguration as president has been preserved . City Hall Built in 1803–12, this Georgian building with French Renaissance influences is one of New York’s finest. The interior features a rotunda … Read more
Even restaurants that are booked weeks ahead will often have seats available for diners willing to eat at 6pm or earlier Harvest For 40 years, this relaxed restaurant has been a leader in setting the direction of American cuisine. Chef Mary Dumont reinterprets New England classics, matching monkfish with artichokes and cockles, or filling ricotta … Read more
At 6:30am on weekdays, the catch from Boston-based boats is auctioned in 1,000-lb (453-kilo) lots from Fish Pier Barking Crab This colorful fish shack is most congenial in the summer, when diners sit outdoors at picnic tables. Most of the local fish – cod, haddock, tuna, halibut, clams and crab – are so fresh that … Read more
Toronto’s smaller downtown Chinatown is at Broadview Avenue and Gerrard Street, on the city’s east side The Beach A charming enclave east of Woodbine Ave full of fun for the outdoor enthusiast, including those who consider shopping a sport. Browse the eclectic shops or relax in one of the many cozy restaurants or pubs . … Read more
Enjoy a Shakespeare play under the stars on the grassy slopes of High Park’s amphitheater (Jul–Aug); call CanStage at 416 367 8243 Leslie Street Spit Also known as Tommy Thompson Park – after Toronto’s first commissioner of parks and the official who peppered them with welcoming “Please Walk on the Grass” signs – this secluded … Read more
Barcelona Cathedral Barcelona’s magnificent Gothic cathedral boasts an eye-catching façade and a peaceful cloister. Església de Santa Maria del Mar The elegant church of Santa Maria del Mar (1329–83) is one of the finest examples of Catalan Gothic, a style characterized by measured simplicity. A spectacular stained-glass rose window illuminates the lofty interior. Capella de … Read more
Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya Discover Catalonia’s rich Romanesque and Gothic heritage at this impressive museum, housed in the 1929 Palau Nacional. Striking medieval frescoes – many culled from ancient Pyrenean churches – are the highlight. Fundació Joan Miró The airy, high-ceilinged galleries of this splendid museum are a fitting resting place for the bold, … Read more
Benaroya Hall This bastion of culture is the city’s first venue designed exclusively for music performances. It is also home to the Seattle Symphony. The 2,500-seat Mark Taper auditorium is known for its superior acoustics. Another 540-seat hall is used for smaller concerts. 200 University St 206 215 4747 www.seattlesymphony.org Benaroya Hall McCaw Hall In … Read more
Children’s Museum In the heart of Seattle Center, this museum contains imaginative galleries and hands-on studio spaces that endlessly stimulate children’s imaginations. The walk-through Global Village reveals lifestyles of Japan and Ghana, and a wonderful stage invites young performers to dress up and act out scripts provided by the museum. 305 Harrison St 260 441 … Read more
Tickets for performances at the state theatres can be booked online at www.staatstheater-tickets.bayern.de Most theatres close at the start of the summer holidays (end of July). The new season usually begins at the end of September. Bayerische Staatsoper Built in 1811, the neo-Classical national theatre was reconstructed (1823–5) after a fire. It grew into one … Read more
Tickets for many theatre and music performances are available from München Ticket. Visit www.muenchenticket.de Up-to-date performance programmes are posted on all advertising pillars and are also found in daily newspapers. Pasinger Fabrik Theatre Much Noise About Nothing is the name of the largest stage of this alternative cultural centre, located next to the U-Bahn station … Read more
Unless stated, all restaurants accept credit cards, recommend reservations, and are open for lunch and dinner. Arun’s Distinct from other Thai restaurants in the city, Arun’s serves a gourmet version of the spice-and-vegetable driven Asian fare with high quality ingredients and careful presentation. Multi-course fixed-price menus change nightly, and dietary restrictions can be taken into … Read more
Unless otherwise stated, bars and clubs are open daily, have a cover charge after 9/10pm, and have DA. La Pomme Rouge La Pomme boasts two salons: Paradis (paradise) features elegant couches, fireplaces, and a Victorian sideboard; Enfer (hell) has fabric-covered walls, dozens of pillows, and the design decadence of an opium den. In the curtained … Read more
Beijing Opera cast Colors The colors of the performers’ painted faces symbolize the individual characters’ qualities. Red, for example, represents loyalty and courage. Purple stands for solemnity and a sense of justice, green for bravery and irascibility. Painted face Acrobatics Beijing Opera is a form of “total theater” with singing, speech, mime, and acrobatics that … Read more
National Olympic Stadium (Bird’s Nest) Of all the buildings under construction in preparation for the Olympics, the most striking is the new headquarters of China Central Television. Designed by Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas, it is a gravity-defying loop of horizontal and vertical sections. When completed it’s likely to become one of the world’s most recognizable … Read more
Palacio Real The Royal Palace marks a decisive break with the austere tastes of Spain’s Habsburg rulers. Felipe V had been brought up at Versailles where the International Baroque style was in vogue. Architect Filippo Juvara died two years into the project, but his successor, Gian Battista Sacchetti retained the Baroque spirit . Palacio Real … Read more