Havelis in Jaisalmer
Havelis are a form of architecture common in Rajasthan, but the havelis in Jaisalmer are particularly beautiful. Read about what makes them special and which to visit on your trip to Jaisalmer.
architecture
The Bangkok National Museum: Art and history of Thailand
The National Museum Bangkok, housed in a former palace, holds a well-displayed collection of art and historical objects, many related to the royal family. It’s worth a visit!
A sightseer’s guide to the history of Ortigia, Sicily
The history of Ortigia, Sicily is long and varied. Read here what to see on this little islet, the oldest part of Siracusa.
New York City on a Budget: Free or cheap things to do
There are plenty of free or cheap things to do in New York City. Here are some tips for seeing New York City on a budget.
Villa Tugendhat UNESCO site in Brno, Czechia
Villa Tugendhat UNESCO site in Brno, Czechia, designed by Mies van der Rohe: a masterpiece of functionalist architecture & function over form.
Úbeda and Baeza: An overlooked UNESCO site in Andalucia, Spain
Úbeda and Baeza: two charming towns, one UNESCO site, highlighting some stellar Renaissance architecture mixed with other influences.
Icelandic turf houses: Laufas, Glaumbaer and others
Few Icelandic turf houses still exist, but the few that do give a glimpse of how Icelanders used to live. Read about two special ones here: Laufas and Glaumbaer (and a few others)!
A self-guided Rotterdam walking tour: Architecture and art
Rotterdam is famous for its post-war architecture, mostly because a World War II bombing in 1940 destroyed much of the city. Yet it didn’t just rebuild and settle in; it is still constantly changing, expanding and reinventing whole neighborhoods. On a recent visit, I took a tour of a few new buildings, but I also…
De Rotterdam Architecture Tour
Very little of Rotterdam survived World War II. While this means it is not the place to see the Netherlands you expect – charming streets along canals, 16th century merchants’ homes, or picturesque windmills – it is the place to see post-war architecture. This is why I signed up for a tour with De Rotterdam…
Modernism in Alcoi, Spain
It was a hot Sunday morning in August when I walked from the deserted Plaça d’Espanya into the visitor’s information office in downtown Alcoi, Spain. The lone woman at the counter seemed thrilled to have someone to talk to. All I wanted was a map, but she insisted on telling me, in detail, about everything…
Medieval Churches in the Val d’Aran, Spain
There’s something special about the medieval churches in the Val d’Aran, Spain. All are quite small, stone-built in Romanesque style, and date from the 11th to the 15th century. Disclosure: I went to the Val d’Aran as part of a discounted package provided by Pyrenees Experience. I’ve already written about what to do in the Val…
Two Seoul Neighborhoods: Ikseon-dong & Bukchon Hanok Village
Two Seoul Neighborhoods: Buckchon Hanok Village contains many hanoks, but it has a completely different feel to it than Ikseon-dong Hanok Area.