Beehive The nightly music mix here might sometimes veer to cabaret or even burlesque, but local jazz musicians are the mainstay for a usually well-dressed, mature crowd at least a decade past their schooldays. Convivial bar scene and some excellent comfort food, such as paella or polenta with ratatouille, round out the multi-faceted appeal of … Read more
Bank of China, Cheung Kong Centre and HSBC HSBC Building Sir Norman Foster’s striking, Bladerunner-esque edifice cost a whopping HK$5.2bn, making it the world’s priciest pile when it opened in 1985. The headquarters of the Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation are reputed to have some of the best feng shui around – the building … Read more
King Cole Bar and Lounge Maxfield Parrish’s famous mural of Old King Cole, rich mahogany paneling, and sumptuous seating set the stage for New York’s most famous hotel bar, which has only been admitting women since 1950. Lush, luxurious, and very expensive, the soft piano music sets a mood that makes it easy to clinch … Read more
Zoo–Aquarium Madrid zoo is currently rated one of the best in Europe – within its confines you’ll find more than 2,000 animals representing 500 species, including endangered ones such as the white tiger. Young children, in particular, will enjoy the koalas. Free-flying birds of prey are the main draw of the aviary while sharks and … Read more
Beacon Theatre Name the stars and they’ve probably been on stage at the Beacon, where the likes of Bob Dylan, Sting, and B.B. King have performed. Shows range from pop music and light rock to gospel and world music. Broadway at West 74th St Open 1 hour before show Admission charge Beacon Theatre Village Vanguard … Read more
Eiffel Tower Although the top of the Eiffel Tower can be seen above rooftops across the city, one of the best views of this Paris landmark is from the Seine. The Pont d’Iéna lies at the foot of the tower, bridging the river to link it to the Trocadéro Gardens. The tower, illuminated at night, … Read more
Les Misérables The 1862 novel by Victor Hugo (1802–85) is an all-too-vivid portrayal of the poor and the dispossessed in early 19th-century Paris. At its centre is the tale of nobleman Jean Valjean, unfairly victimized by an unjust system. The younger character of Marius is based around Hugo’s own experiences as an impoverished student. Plaque … Read more
The National Gallery and National Portrait Gallery Located adjacent to each other at the top of Trafalgar Square, these comprehensive galleries make up the core of Britain’s art collection . The National Gallery Tate Modern Housed in a huge converted power station on the south bank of the Thames, this exciting new gallery covers modern … Read more
British Museum The oldest museum in the world, and one of London’s most fascinating, contains treasures and artifacts from all over the world . Natural History Museum Life on Earth and the Earth itself are vividly explained here using hundreds of traditional and interactive exhibits . Science Museum This exciting museum traces centuries of scientific … Read more
Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra: www.berlin-philharmonic.com Deutsches Theater: www.deutsches-theater.berlin.net Staatsoper Unter den Linden Both the theatre troupe and the orchestra of the venerable Berlin Opera enjoy top reputations. No where else can you see so many top stars of classical music. During refurbishment from mid-2010 to 2013, performances will take place at Schillertheater, Bismarckstr. 110. 030 20 … Read more
Ice-cold Mojito cocktail Tresor Club Berlin’s first techno club, Tresor Club opened in 1991 in the basement vault-rooms of the former Wertheim department store. Today, this institution is located in a giant former power station, situated over three floors including the +4 Bar, which has views of the old power station ruins. The club continues … Read more
Exploratorium Kids can experience one of the finest, uniquely San Francisco interactive days at this superb science museum. They’ll learn all about their senses and how they work, as well as delve into all the laws of physics through first-hand experiments. The top draw, however, is the Tactile Dome, a totally dark sphere in which … Read more
War Memorial Opera House and San Francisco Ballet The San Francisco Opera Company is the second largest in the country and performs from June to January. The excellent San Francisco Ballet, one of the nation’s oldest, mostly performs at the Opera House, too . 301 Van Ness Ave 415 864 3330 War Memorial Opera House … Read more
US Botanic Garden The gleaming glass-walled conservatory building is a beautiful home for this “living plant museum.” Microclimates, such as desert, oasis, and jungle, reveal the variety and beauty of plant adaptations. Don’t miss the primitive ferns and other plants dating back 150 million years. Outside is the variegated National Garden with an environmental learning … Read more
Lincoln Memorial The majestic monument to the president who preserved America’s unity and began the long process of ending slavery is built in the form of a Greek temple. Daniel Chester French designed the enormous statue of a seated Abraham Lincoln in 1915, and it is among America’s most inspiring sites, especially for its association … Read more
Contact the Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau for information on festivals and events (1 888 733 2678; www.bostonusa.com) Fourth of July Given Boston’s indispensable role in securing independence for the original 13 colonies, Independence Day adopts a certain poignancy here. With beer-fueled barbecues and a fireworks display on the Charles River banks, Boston throws the … Read more
The Peak Circuit Taking about an hour to complete at a gentle pace, this loop around Victoria Peak, formed by Harlech and Lugard Roads, offers jaw-dropping city panoramas to the north, boundless sea views to the south, and glimpses of millionaire homes among the greenery en route . View from the Peak Quiet road at … Read more
Royal Ontario Museum A truly magical place for children, Canada’s largest museum makes a special effort to have plenty of hands-on exhibits. The much-loved Dinosaur Gallery and mummy cases are strictly “don’t touch,” but the Hands-On Biodiversity Gallery enchants and educates youngsters with interactive exhibits . Royal Ontario Museum Hockey Hall of Fame Budding hockey … Read more
Carriage Ride through Central Park The horse-drawn hansom cabs lined up at the edge of Central Park are romance personified. The driver, appropriately attired in fancy dress and top hat, will help you up as you nestle in for a 20-minute trot past park landmarks . Carriage rides through Central Park Dinner at the River … Read more
Centro Cultural Conde Duque For most of the year this cultural centre hosts temporary art exhibitions. During the annual Summer Arts Festival, however, opera, plays and concerts are also on the programme, many of the events staged outdoors. Calle del Conde Duque 11 Centro Cultural Conde Duque Cine Doré This beautiful 1920s cinema is now … Read more