You already know about the Met and the MOMA (the sculpture garden is a must see), of course, but do not miss other great art options. The Neue Galerie with its Austrian and German collections has become quite popular after Women in Gold (watch the film before your trip) since the museum holds some famous Gustave Klimt`s works. The Met Breuer was recently acquired from… Read more »
Archives: Great spots
Everybody knows how cherished Central Park is, but do not miss Bryant Park with its fantastic National Library and lively atmosphere. It is the largest park in Midtown and a sought-after relaxing and entertaining venue for locals. All year around you will find all sorts of activities like games for children and adults, Broadway inspired performances and a rich cultural program, browse the park’s site… Read more »
Located in one of New York City´s greatest public places, the Greenmarket at Union Square is a typical New Yorker venue for buying fresh organic products and experiencing a local market. It has been a lively market for decades and has grown substantially in recent years, as people seek choices of healthier and fresher food. At the market you can find a wide variety of… Read more »
Lincoln Center is world famous and home to award winning presentations of opera, classical music and ballet. People are usually not aware of their excellent jazz program, however, held at a separate building by Columbus Circle, called Jazz at Lincoln Center. The quality of presentations is outstanding, counting not only on world acclaimed artists but also on performances from renowned New York’s Julliard School. There… Read more »
It is one of New York´s quintessential neighborhoods and draws a crowd looking for a typically local experience: Gospel. There are plenty of tours available (perhaps too many nowadays), but going around by yourself is much more interesting to get closer to locals and their own experience. Well-known Baptist churches are Canaan and Abyssinian, but due to the current popularity, they can get quite crowded.… Read more »
Enjoy a day or afternoon of traditionally British experiences at this historical Royal palace, a sophisticated and yet graceful old venue for Queen Anne`s court entertainment. Make your visit to Kensington Palace even more special by treating yourself to a typical afternoon tea at elegant The Orangery, with its impeccable British service, antique china, tasty tea sandwiches, scones and infusions, surrounded by stunning flower gardens.… Read more »
You could go up and down Covent Garden and miss Neal`s Yard entirely. This tiny alley opens into an unexpectedly colorful and charming courtyard and is well worth a visit. Following its initial purpose of offering healthy products and fresh fruits and vegetables at old warehouses, nowadays you will find marvelous organic cosmetics at Neal Yard’s Remedies (many branches in town nowadays, but this is… Read more »
There are many things to do in this magnificent park: go boating on The Serpentine, go for a bike ride and admire the rose gardens, beautiful memorials and fountains, have a picnic with typical cucumber sandwiches and prawn cocktail chips, play Frisbee, and so on. Yet, what we find truly amazing is a horse ride on the bridleways, which would leave you feeling like a… Read more »
A neighborhood worth visiting is Camden Town. No longer a secret, since becoming quite popular in recent years, we still find a lot of London visitors miss this typical and emblematic part of town, which was for a long time the epicenter of anything in the vanguard and the rebellious aspect of British culture. As you stroll around Amy Winehouse´s old hang out in North… Read more »
If you are visiting downtown, referred to as The City, with nearby attractions such as Tower Bridge, St Paul’s Cathedral and Tower of London, allow some additional time to your plans and head to Spitafields Market. This old fruit and vegetable market, which competed with Covent Garden, is becoming ever more popular. The stalls range from up-and-coming designers, hand-made goods such as handbags, old-style jewelry… Read more »
Forget about the subway, underground or tube as locals call it, and try the riverboats to get around London. Do avoid the overpriced tourist-trap boats and climb aboard the Thames clippers, but skip the sightseeing ones and use the commuters’ for a true local experience. These vessels, used by local commuters for transportation along the riverbank, are a fast and efficient way to move around… Read more »
Jermyn Street is a sophisticated man’s paradise, synonymous with style and elegance. A stroll around this traditional street offers a feast of distinctive luxurious articles: cigars, gentlemen’s outfits, exclusive shoes and boot-makers, bespoke shirts, elegant silk robes, top quality leather wallets and many other luxury goods. If cigars tickle your fancy, walk to nearby St James Street and look for James J Fox Cigars, the… Read more »
It is wintertime and a perfect way to explore cold weather activities in London is ice-skating in the courtyard at Somerset House, a fabulous stately building near Waterloo Bridge. Open during the day and evening, the atmosphere is exciting and the setting very glamorous. Check “Skate at Somerset”, and some nights you will find “Skate Lates”, a program featuring live musicians or DJs that will… Read more »
One of the only museums in the world dedicated to all things related to construction, the National Building Museum defines itself as “a cultural institution dedicated to interpreting the history and impact of the built environment”. Past and current methods, building materials and elements of design are deconstructed, questioned and discussed. Although it may seem targeted to engineering and architecture professionals and appreciators, it is… Read more »
As the oldest cultural institution in the US, the largest library in the world and housed in the historic Capitol Hill estate, a visit to the Library of Congress is essential when in Washington DC. Formed by three buildings, the Jefferson Building being the most famous, it currently serves as a research institution and as repository to some of the most important documents in history,… Read more »
This lovely and quaint historical neighborhood is our favorite part of Washington DC. We have been to the US capital many times and often choose to stay here for a more laid-back experience, away from the hustle and bustle of The Mall. Georgetown has taken advantage of its historic heritage and kept its allure, with its cobblestone streets, beautiful mansions and colorful brick houses. Enjoy… Read more »
Early Fall, late Spring and Summer are ideal to enjoy riverside walking and jogging, but we recommend you try rowing, kayaking, canoeing or paddling on calm waters of the Potomac River. Surrounded by trees, flowers and iconic monuments, this energizing yet relaxing experience can be leisurely or active, just adjust your pace! Check out the sites for information about equipment rental or consider a private… Read more »
A stroll around Tidal Basin is very pleasant, yet particularly so if surrounded by beautifully blossoming cherry trees, a gift from the people of Japan to the US. Located on West Potomac Park and adjacent to the Potomac River, you will see the FDR and Jefferson Memorials and will be steps away from the Vietnam and Korean War Memorials. You will see many people exercising… Read more »
Dedicated to promoting free expression in a very interactive way, you can see parts of the Berlin Wall (largest pieces outside Germany), press and photograph galleries of historical events and social movements, exhibitions that are a showcase of the evolution of communication and other relevant exhibits. Its centrally located modern building is an attraction in itself. We were lucky enough to participate in a closed… Read more »
These are two must-do Miami neighborhoods. The Miami Design District is a perfect example of urban decay gone luxe. The area was once a pineapple grove and later became a rundown dangerous neighborhood, but in the late 90’s architects and designers collaborated and began a gentrification process, renovating and investing in the area. Today, the Miami Design District has risen to become a mecca for… Read more »
