Parque del Retiro In 1767, Carlos III broke with tradition by allowing members of the public into the Retiro, providing they were “washed and suitably dressed”. However it was not until the 1860s and the advent of the First Republic that the partitions separating the royal enclosure from the public area were finally torn down … Read more
Carnegie Hall This historic concert hall opened in 1891 with Tchaikovsky making his U.S. debut on the podium. A campaign led by violinist Isaac Stern saved the hall from demolition after Lincoln Center was completed in 1969, and it entered its second century with old-world style intact after an extensive, lavish renovation . Carnegie Hall … Read more
South Cathedral Also known as St. Mary’s Church, this was Beijing’s first Catholic house of worship. It remains the largest functioning church, and has regular services in a variety of languages including Chinese, English, and Latin. Service times are posted on the noticeboard . South Cathedral Cow Street Mosque There are currently about 200,000 Muslims … Read more
Peter Minuit Sent from the Netherlands in 1626 to govern New Amsterdam, Peter Minuit (1580–1638) was so disliked by his subjects that they welcomed British occupation. Alexander Hamilton Revolutionary leader and first Secretary of the Treasury, Hamilton’s (1755–1804) business-friendly policies were instrumental in New York’s emergence as the financial center of the U.S. He lost … Read more
Arthur Sackler Museum Part of the Beijing University archeology department, this museum has a collection that spans 280,000 years, from the Paleolithic era to the Qing dynasty. As well as fossils and bones, it includes beautiful bronzes and fine ceramics. Beijing University campus, Haidian district 6275 1667 Open 9am–4:30pm daily ¥20 (foreign visitors must bring … Read more
Arrival of the Parisii Although the remains of Neolithic settlements have been found dating back to 4500 BC, the first inhabitants are considered to be a Celtic tribe called the Parisii, who settled on the Ile de la Cité in the 3rd century BC. Hunters and fishermen, they named their village Lutetia, meaning “boatyard on … Read more
Civic Opera House This imposing Art Deco building is largely devoted to performances by the Lyric Opera. Each year (September through March), the company stages work by everyone from Wagner to Gilbert and Sullivan. Touring classical dance troops and musicals fill the off-season bill. 20 N. Wacker Dr www.civicoperahouse.com Symphony Center While visiting orchestras, lecturers, … Read more
Hôtel des Invalides Versailles Louis XIV turned his father’s old hunting lodge into the largest palace in Europe and moved his court here in 1678. It was the royal residence for more than a century until Louis XVI and his queen Marie-Antoinette fled during the Revolution . Conciergerie Originally home to the caretaker and guards … Read more
Unless otherwise stated all venues are open daily, charge admission, and have DA. Kingston Mines The largest of Chicago’s blues joints, Kingston Mines packs its Lincoln Park locale with students, young professionals, and a broader spectrum of tourists. Two stages provide non-stop musical entertainment from 8pm to near 4am (5am on Saturdays). Acts range from … Read more
Hofbräuhaus Anyone visiting Munich should make the pilgrimage to this venerable beer hall – symbolic of all Bavarian pubs and the most famous pub in the world. Locals, too, simply can’t stay away. Brass bands play daily at noon and again after 6pm. Am Platzl 9 089 22 16 76 www.hofbraeuhaus.de Hofbräuhaus Augustinerbräu Here in … Read more
National Theater Bibliophiles can forage for reading material at the Münchner Bücherschau at the Gasteig in November/December. Munich Biennale This music theatre festival was founded in 1988 by composer Hans Werner Henze. The city of Munich commissions young composers to write their first full work for the festival. Now a bi-annual event, the festival has … Read more
Climbing Rock Walls The most popular indoor location for rock climbers is Recreational Equipment Incorporated (REI, which has a huge practice wall in the atrium of their flagship store on Eastlake Avenue. Stone Gardens also offers classes and practice walls for members and walk-ins. Stone Gardens 2839 NW Market 206 781 9828 Adult $14; student … Read more
Coffee Town Seattle’s signature beverage comes in myriad forms. The rampant availability of whole bean, latte, espresso, and basic drip created a coffee craze even before Starbucks went global. Though Seattelites love their streetside espresso carts and neighborhood cafés, the city is also home to Starbucks and its major competitors, Tully’s and Seattle’s Best Coffee. … Read more
Wall tile advertising Barcelona restaurant All food and drink names are given in Catalan, but in many cases the Castilian variant is used just as commonly. Cal Pep The line-up at this traditional, boisterous tapas bar includes top-notch cured hams and sausages, truita de patates (potato omelette), fresh mariscs (shellfish) and an array of daily … Read more
Waterside dining, Port Vell All food and drink names are given in Catalan, but in many cases the Castilian variant is used just as commonly. Cafè Bliss Hidden down a tiny side street, in one of the loveliest Gothic squares in the old city, is this delightful café. There is a bright terrace, comfy sofas … Read more
Piazza Navona The elongated oval of Rome’s loveliest square hints that it is built atop Domitian’s ancient stadium . This pedestrian paradise is filled with cafés, street performers and artists, milling tourists, kids playing football, and splashing fountains. Bernini designed the central Fountain of Four Rivers, and added the Moor figure to the most southerly … Read more
Canadian National Exhibition The “Ex” is an 18-day extravaganza with 65 rides on a frenetic midway, themed pavilions, performers of all kinds – from musicians to dancers to jugglers – nightly fireworks, and a dazzling international airshow starring the world-renowned Canadian Air Force Snowbirds. Exhibition Pl mid-Aug–Labour Day Airshow, Canadian National Exhibition Canada Day This … Read more
St Peter’s Basilica Should the opportunity arise, don’t miss seeing the basilica’s cavernous interior when all the lights are on – only then can you fully appreciate this giant jewel-box of colour . Santa Maria del Popolo Legend recounts that on this spot, where a magnificent oak grew, Nero died and was buried. The site … Read more
Symphony Hall Opened in 1900, Symphony Hall is one of the world’s most acoustically perfect concert venues (it is a National Historic Landmark) and is the home of the internationally renowned Boston Symphony Orchestra. The BSO commissions many new works, performs US and world premieres, and also frequently welcomes sought-after guest conductors and soloists. 301 … Read more
Cape D’Aguilar It may be only 7 miles (11 km) directly south of Hong Kong’s busy Central district, but Cape D’Aguilar feels like another world. The wild coastline has wave-lashed rock formations and a marine life so rich that researchers have discovered 20 species “new to science” in these waters. Hoi Ha Wan The long … Read more