The heart of Boston is sandwiched between Boston Common and the harbor. Unlike many US cities, Boston has held tenaciously to its past and there are reminders of nearly four centuries of history embedded in the center of this modern metropolis. The 18th-century grace of historic buildings like the Old State House still shines within … Read more
A Shopping Spree Morning The “T” will deposit you at Downtown Crossings, where you can peruse the fashions and accessories at Macy’s. Then check out H&M (350 Washington St) for the latest Euro styles and DSW Shoe Warehouse (385 Washington St) for fashion shoes at discount prices. The route to Quincy Market down Franklin Street … Read more
The area surrounding the city proper has expanded rapidly in the last few decades, with suburban bedroom communities popping up around the urban fringe, engulfing fertile farmland. While highway development ensures convenient access to the many sites outside the city, roads can be extremely crowded at rush hour, and it is a good idea to … Read more
A Day at the Beach Morning Begin at Sunset Grill, 2006 Queen St E, for breakfast. (The waffles are a local favorite.) Fortified, cross the street and meander toward the lake through Kew Gardens, noting the unusual circular path and rounded windows of Kew Williams Cottage, built in 1902, at the park’s south end. If … Read more
The heady allure of the Mediterranean permeates Barcelona, and a dip into its azure waters is only a few metro stops (or a brisk walk) away. Barcelona’s beaches were once hidden behind an industrial wasteland, but things changed radically in preparation for the 1992 Olympics. The rallying cry was to create a new Barcelona oberta … Read more
Exploring the Port Morning Begin your port passeig (stroll) with a visit to the Museu Marítim , where you can see Barcelona’s status as one of the most active ports in the Mediterranean. From here, head towards the Monument a Colom, and stroll the Moll de la Fusta to admire the Pailebot Santa Eulàlia, which … Read more
A stretch of Elliott Bay separates central Seattle from the peninsula of West Seattle, the city’s oldest and largest district. Connected by a high freeway bridge and a lower span, West Seattle’s proximity to both downtown and the Industrial District has always made it a popular residential area. More than 53,000 people reside here, for … Read more
A Morning at Alki Beach Experience scenic Alki Avenue via an easy bike ride along a waterfront bike trail (about 3.5 flat miles each way). Begin at Danny’s Leather & Bikes (3422 Harbor Ave SW) where you can rent beach bikes. Facing Danny’s, head left. Near the 1100 block of Harbor Avenue, you’ll notice Don … Read more
When you name a product rang ‘The World’s best river cruises’, there’s a lot to live up to. An exclusive partnership between Titan and Uniworld does just that… Voted ‘World’s Best Cruise Line’ by our sister magazine in the US and a regular feature on its Gold List, Uniworld put river cruising back on the … Read more
South Germany will fill your heart with wonder and your mug with some of the best brew. Germany is not just a country of extremely organised people and extremely advanced technology; it is also a place of extreme natural beauty. Its southern reaches have some of the richest vistas in Europe, a region where autumn … Read more
Galicia is one if the rare places where even the most everyday activity is a luxury experience. This is an area where people live very well indeed, which is one reason why the Spanish flock to its coastline in summer. The hot-but-not-stifling climate is perfect for days spent relaxing on the beach – and Galicia … Read more
South and west of the centre, Munich has a suburban and exclusive residential character, with the exception of the Westend and Neuhausen districts. The latter, which lies to the north, includes Rotkreuzplatz – a square surrounded by beautiful tree-lined streets and bordered by late-19th-century buildings. In recent years, a vibrant bar and restaurant scene has … Read more
A Day in Westend Morning Begin at the Bavaria. Climb up to the statue’s head and enjoy the glorious view across Theresienwiese. Behind the Ruhmeshalle is the attractive Bavariapark. Walk through to its northern end and visit the impressive collection of the Verkehrszentrum , a branch museum of the Deutsches Museum, housed in three historic … Read more
Cafés & Bars Stragula A mixed crowd frequents this down-to-earth pub, a popular night-time destination for a beer. Bavarian-Italian food is served at reasonable prices, and there are a few patio tables in summer. Bergmannstr. 66 Café Westend Part café, part bar with food menu. Bowling lanes and pool tables are in the basement. Ganghoferstr. … Read more
With magnificent architecture, interesting ethnic enclaves, and stand-out museums, Chicago’s Far South encompasses districts such as Hyde Park and Kenwood that merit a journey off the beaten tourist track – despite being bordered to the south by some less-than-welcoming neighborhoods. Hyde Park and Kenwood began life as suburbs for the wealthy escaping the dirty city; … Read more
Exploring Far South Morning Mingle with University of Chicago students over good coffee and great pancakes at the Original Pancake House , where the sweet, baked Apple Dutch Baby is a must-try. From there, walk about a mile (1.6 km) south or hop on the no. 28 bus at the corner of Hyde Park Boulevard … Read more
In Rome: nearly every restaurant has a story, and the one I like best involves Trattoria al Moro, in the centro storico. I first heard about this popular spot from an Italian diplomat when I asked him to name his favourite restaurant. (He then, diplomatically, asked to remain anonymous) I did some homework and learned … Read more
My dinner with Purgatorio was a perfect example of this process. He greeted the Settimio waiters and many of the patrons by name. After a brief conversation about the day’s catch, he settled on a whole fish, backed in salt to indescridable succulence, with stuffed squas blossoms just coming into season. For wine, he requested … Read more
Monti is a small global village between the main train station and the colosseum, and from its labyrinth of small streets and stairways you catch glimpses of the surrounding city like pictures in a frame. The dome of Santa Maria Maggiore looms at the top of the via Panisperna, where a curtain of ivy, trained … Read more
Tutto II Giorrno, Southampton The new Southampton outpost of Gabby Karan’s Sag Harbor restaurant is bigger and more comfortable than its predecessor, with a cos yet indusstrail harmhouse look (lots of iron and rough wood). The simple Itelian suisine is excellent: homemade spaghetti with cherry tomatoes and basil; sea bream in white wine. Gabby Karan’s … Read more