Archives: Great spots

We love Cartagena’s art scene and some of our favorites are NH Galeria Nohra Haime, Museo de Arte Moderno and Teatro Adolfo. Cartagena’s light-filled NH Galeria Nohra Haime showcases contemporary artists from Colombia and modern pieces include renowned pop artist Nadín Ospina’s pre-Columbian-style Bart Simpson statue. The intimate Museo de Arte Moderno has an impressive collection of paintings and works by sculptor Enrique Grau. Teatro Adolfo… Read more »

The extensive, pedestrian-friendly walls that surround the old city were built in response to Francis Drake’s siege of Cartagena in 1586. The best way to explore the iconic landmark is by foot, enjoying the warm sea breeze as you enjoy views of the picturesque streets. Dawn is a good time to explore the Murallas and assure the best possible pictures of your trip. Someone suggested… Read more »

When the temperatures rise, and the turquoise waters of the Caribbean become even more alluring, try to skip the hectic city beaches and take a day trip to a nearby island. We highly recommend a private tailor-made boat trip, where you can discuss your needs and preferences with your skipper and sit back as your sail to a perfect beach getaway. We suggest idyllic Rosario… Read more »

In Getsemani, the Centro Cultural Ciudad Movil, a grassroots cultural center, attracts locals for salsa dancing and live Afro-Colombian rhythms. The vibe can get a little hippie, but if you want to experience authentic Colombian and Caribbean beats, this is the place to go. The Plaza Santa Trindad is the epicenter of the night in the district. Go Salsa dancing at  La Havana  or Quiebra Canto,… Read more »

Only 20 minutes away by car you will find Convento de Santa Cruz de la Popa, standing 150 meters high on a hilltop, the highest point of Cartagena. Visit for the views alone, which overlook Cartagena as a whole and not just the old city, or go inside the convent to see the artifacts and learn about the history of the area. On your way… Read more »

Conveniently located at Paulista Avenue you will find MASP, the museum holding the largest collection of occidental art in Latin America, pieces from European artists, as well as the biggest names in Brazilian and Latin American art. The collection gathers not only paintings, but sculptures, art pieces, photographs and garments from various historical periods. MASP offers art expos regularly, so check the event schedule for… Read more »

It makes sense that the city with the largest Japanese community outside of Japan should hold a top-tier venue dedicated to its culture. The Japan House is not to be missed: it has been recently inaugurated and combines art, technology and business. It offers visitors a vision of 21st Century Japan, taking into account its history and traditions. There is also a multimedia space with… Read more »

Take a day out to see São Paulo’s Old Town Center. It is an intriguing mix of urban disorder, with a mélange of buildings from the 20’s and modern glass skyscrapers. The narrow streets are occasionally occupied by transient folks, but look beyond the apparent chaos and be awed by the beauty of its old churches, cultural centers and museums. You will find Pátio do… Read more »

One of the largest parks in Latin America and the largest green space in São Paulo, Ibirapuera Park has many points of interest. Most buildings were designed by Oscar Niemayer and the gardens by Roberto Burle Marx, renowned Brazilian architects and landscape artists. The Modern Art Museum of São Paulo (MAM) is located inside the park. Built in 1948, it has more than 4000 works… Read more »

You have probably already heard about the El Rastro flea market that happens on Sundays in the old-fashioned neighborhood of La Latina. It is actually a great traditional Sunday program, especially if extended with tapas and beers at one of the many bars on La Latina’s bygone cobbled sloped streets. They can get extremely crowded, with locals and visitors alike, but we still find flea markets… Read more »

When strolling around the beautiful Retiro Park in Madrid, take the opportunity to visit “Palacio de Cristal”. The iron and glass building used to be a greenhouse, with tropical plants coming from the Spanish colonies, notably the Philippines. Nowadays, it is used mainly for exhibitions curated by the renowned Reina Sofia Museum, so check the program beforehand. Whilst there, take a few moments to admire… Read more »

Located at the Villahermosa Palace, this museum is less famous than the Prado and the Reina Sofia museums, but in no way less fabulous. It is actually a very pleasant visit, since the smaller setting allows a more personal appreciation of the high quality masterpieces by Picasso, Van Gogh, Rubens and Caravaggio, amongst others, that are on display. Curators prepare special thematic exhbitions and you… Read more »

Located in the beautiful old railway station of Delicias, the Railway Museum holds one of the largest collection of locomotives and coaches in Europe. The exhibitions in the central hall take place on old train platforms and the ambience is quite alluring, with iron and glass structures representative of an industrial era, and the vivid green colors of the wagons. Our visit was made even… Read more »

Located just thirty minutes northeast of Madrid by train, Alcalá de Henares is famous for its illustrious son, Miguel de Cervantes, as well as its World Heritage medieval city center and its significance to Spanish history. The city’s wealth derived from its central position as the Catholic Kings’ stopover when heading south and it is said that some of Columbus’ meetings over the expeditions to… Read more »

We are often bemused when we hear travelers return from Madrid and miss a visit to Palacio de Cibeles. Located in front of the well-known Cibeles Fountain, this magnificent historical edifice once housed the Spanish Postal Service and was later renamed Palace of Communication. Its interiors are equally stunning, with a beautiful mix of old and modern architecture. The Palacio de Cibeles is nowadays the… Read more »

Vila Madalena is a symbol of young Paulistano bohemians. It has recently become hip, with young artists, intelectuals and local cool hunters flocking to the area, which comes alive after sunset with busy happy hours that go on into the night. Our preferred spot is Bar Astor (Rua Delfina 163), or any of the bars on Aspicuelta, Girassol, Wisard, Fidalga streets. You will also find… Read more »

Brazilians would have a hard time concealing their passion for football, or soccer, it is no secret they are aficionados. One way to experience this passion first hand it to watch a live football match. We recommend you visit Allianz Park, Palmeiras Football Clubs home ground, as it is the newest stadium and has good infrastructure. The stadium can be toured when there are no… Read more »

Indisputably, there are no better views of Manhattan than from above. And a helicopter tour is perfectly suited for that. We had our breathtaking experience with HelyNY and it was simply exhilarating. The takeoff usually happens at Pier 6 in downtown right by FDR expressway. There are fifteen and thirty-minute flights, and we found the shorter trip just right. It flew over the most iconic… Read more »

The Highline has become a must do in New York City. This unique public venue, now officially declared a park, was developed over an elevated railway line and has become an inspiration for other metropolises in the world to build similar structures. We find it delightful to walk amongst NYC’s unique architecture with river views, in the beloved and trendsetting neighborhood of the Meatpacking District.… Read more »

New York has so much to offer that we usually miss interesting and fun things to do in the city besides the usual activities. Why not experience New York from another perspective? Try kayaking or paddling on the Hudson River, an open-air activity perfect for sunny days. It is great to see the city from another angle and get some exercise while enjoying the views.… Read more »