In 1991, a group of civic planners from New York City, Boston, and Washington DC came together with a concept for a hard-surface trail system connecting their three cities. The trail they envisioned would be open to all muscle-powered travel and offer a traffic-free experience, connecting users to a natural environment along the populous Eastern … 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
Vatican Museums Occupying papal palaces dating from the 13th century onwards, these galleries include the Graeco-Roman antiquities, the Etruscan Museum, four Raphael Rooms, the Collection of Modern Religious Art, the Sistine Chapel and the Picture Gallery . Sala dei Misteri, Vatican Museums Museo Nazionale Romano Founded in 1889, this museum’s holdings include archaeological finds and … 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
Roman Forum In the centre of the Forum stands a humble ruined structure where fresh flowers are placed year-round. This is the foundation of the Temple to Julius Caesar, built by Augustus in the 1st century BC. The flowers indicate the exact spot of Caesar’s cremation . Roman Forum and Colosseum Pantheon Originally worshippers approached … 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
The Escalator The series of escalators in the steep Mid-Levels district of northwest Hong Kong Island is designed for commuters, but most appreciated by sightseers who can rest their legs and enjoy the fascinating sights. Take a stately (and free) ascent past busy street scenes, traditional shops and apartment windows. . Mid-Level escalator Trams Hong … 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
Temple Street This atmospheric market comes alive at night. Hundreds of stalls are jam-packed by 9pm, offering pirated goods and all manner of, well, junk. It used to be known as Men’s Street, and many stalls still stock less-than-fashionable attire. Venture past the market and you’ll stumble onto a lamplit coterie of fortune-tellers and possibly … 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
Patrimonio Comunal Olivarero Spain is the largest producer of olive oil in the world and this representative of a grower’s cooperative knows his business. Like wines, you can distinguish different varieties by their colour, flavour and smell, and tastings here are part of the fun . Seseña This firm near Sol has been making traditional … 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
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
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
Westminster Abbey St Paul’s Cathedral St Martin-in-the-Fields Known for its royal connections, St Martin’s is the only church to have a royal box. There has been a church on the site since the 13th century, but the handsome present building was designed by James Gibbs in 1726. Coffee shop in the crypt. Trafalgar Square WC2 … 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
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
AD 43: Roman Invasion When the Romans arrived in Britain, they built a bridge across the Thames from Southwark and encircled Londinium with a wall, part of which is still visible in the City. Their forum was in Cornhill and their amphitheatre lies beneath the Guildhall. 1066: Norman Conquest The next successful invasion of Britain … 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
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