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Seville city guide

Seville (Sevilla in Spanish) is not only the capital of Spain's southernmost and autonomous region Andalusia. Sevilla is also the quintessential city for everything Spanish. It’s pocket Spain. The flamenco, the bullfighting, the tapas, the nightlife; it’s all there. What makes Seville distinctly unique is its rich history. Legend says that Hercules founded the city. It went through major development when Romans conquered the region. You can see what remains of those times in the Antiquarium; an underground exhibition below the Metropol Parasol. The Moors took over Seville in the year 712. That’s when it started to bloom with a beautiful Muslim aesthetic. It’s not really Muslim, it’s Christian made to look Muslim, go figure. Mudéjar is the actual name of that style and the Alcázar is its best representation. A former Moorish fortress turned into a royal palace following the Christian conquest of Seville. The entire complex is stunning. You can explore multiple courtyards with arcades and fountains. There are 13 gardens around the Alcázar. Everything has a purpose here. They needed so many gardens and fountains because it gets ridiculously hot during the summer. The absolutely massive Seville Cathedral stands next to the Palace. It’s so big that people joke around about fitting a football stadium inside. Its development over 300 years is a reflection of Seville’s cultural transformation. Arabs built it as the main mosque in this region. The Giralda tower is one of the minarets that remained from that era. Then Christians converted everything into a church following the conquest. The final stage of making it one of the most ridiculous cathedrals in the world happened when Spain got super-rich super-fast.

Bullfighting has a long tradition in Seville and other Spanish cities, according to some graceful art, comparable to ballet and the embodiment of Spanish passion, according to others it embodies the pinnacle of animal cruelty, probably it's only a matter of time until it will face a total ban

That enormous flow of money came from newly established colonies. Most big boys of the Age of Exploration can be traced back to Seville. Even Columbus’ body rests in a tomb in the Cathedral. The city got huge and not only because it was the starting point of many voyages. Seville had a monopoly on everything that came in from South America. You can learn more about all that in the General Archive of the Indies. It used to be the headquarters of the Merchants Guild, now it stores all the documents. That building stinks of money. All the ships that set sail from Seville towards the New World had to navigate the Guadalquivir, one of the longest rivers of Spain. It’s about 130 kilometres distance to the Atlantic. The river has to be wide and deep enough for large vessels to navigate. Especially back then when they didn’t have sat-nav. The Maria Luisa Park (Parque de María Luisa) is Seville’s main garden area, also located along the Guadalquivir. I have to say it’s one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been to. Almost like a completely separate entity from the core of the city. You will need a map because this place is labyrinthine. Try not to get lost and you’ll hopefully arrive at the Plaza de España. Can’t miss it because it’s also a huge, open space with enchanting Mudejar architecture.

Plaza de Espana, one of the most impressive places in Seville and completely unique in construction, the square was built for the Ibero-American Exhibition of 1928

Check out the old Jewish Quarter and experience a different face of Seville. It’s called the Barrio de Santa Cruz now, but it was a Judería in medieval times. You’ll want to spend a lot of time here if you visit Seville in summer. Why? Because of all the shade. Buildings are so close to each that people could shake hands standing on opposite balconies. Streets are so narrow that cars can’t drive through, so it’s only open to pedestrians. This is the place for a have a cup of coffee or shameless day drinking. There’s nothing better than a cold brew under one of many orange trees. Don’t eat the oranges; they’re disgusting. They’re what the English make their bitter orange marmalade from. Locals use the peels and fruit to make essential oils and perfume. Those are sold alongside traditional fans and clothing. All that adds up to the Spanish temperament and nothing brings it out more than Flamenco. It originates from Andalusia and is a pillar of Sevilla’s nightlife. It is a literal nightlife; people eat dinner around 10 PM here. So, the partying doesn’t start before midnight and often lasts until 7 in the morning. You’ll find a number of flamenco joints and bars along the Guadalquivir. Calle Betis street is particularly popular with the party community.

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Cancún city guide

Cancún: the promised land of American youth. It’s the spring breakers central of bad decisions. And the main reason your parents don’t want to let you go alone, or with friends. Chances are you were conceived in Cancún following an over the top beach party and a handful of molly pills. This place is basically what Egypt was to Europeans a few years ago. It’s close, cheap, beautiful and fun. In addition to that, Cancún is also really warm and located in the Caribbean. It’s party central, first and foremost and it plays that role very well. When I say Cancún I mean the resort area. The actual city is, more or less, just for the locals who usually work at the hotels. It’s great if you want to visit the local markets or try authentic food. Tourists usually just stick to the resorts. They’re a separate city. You arrive at the airport and the hotel usually sends a shuttle to transport all the visitors. I think it strips away the element of adventure. I understand that some people just want to take their friends or family on vacation. Have everything served on a silver platter and not worry about the details. There's nothing wrong about that.

Temple of Kukulcan in Chichen Itza, Cancun

An ancient Mayan people who inhabited the Yucatan Peninsula in the 6-12 centuries A.D. e. left many mysteries; the largest is located in Chichen Itza: a pyramid dedicated to the god Kukulkan, "the feathered serpent"

The resort district is a playground for adults of all ages. There are those massive beach parties and clubs for young people. There are restaurants and areas for couples with kids. Cancún is not just for the party animals. Though, it is kind of is a closed-off homogenous enclave for Americans. Still, you might want to research different hotels, depending on the purpose of your trip. Once you’re settled in, it’s time to explore. Cancún, in a nutshell, is your hotel, the vast beach, and the main street. It’s standard procedure when it comes to all-inclusive holidays. You eat breakfast, head for the beach and party at night, rinse and repeat. You can do some snorkelling and other water sports, but that’s pretty much it. Even the restaurants in the resort area are Americanized. The Mariachi are the only genuine Mexican accent here. They’re amusing the first time you see them, maybe even the second time. The third time is when it starts getting really annoying.

If you haven’t gone insane by now, you probably want to get out of Cancún. Most hotels organize day trips to nearby attractions. Chichen Itza takes about 2 hours to get to, but it’s worth the drive. It was one of the largest cities built by the Mayans and it’s very well preserved. You can walk around and see all the structures, but you can’t climb any. Someone actually slipped and fell from one of the pyramids. Apparently, you can’t count on common sense these days. There are stone loops spread around higher sections of the buildings. People who managed to throw a ball through one of those won the honour of having their heart cut out and eaten. Mayans and their human sacrifice… Chichen Itza was the centre of worship of a deity called Kukulcán. There’s a massive pyramid in the center of the city: El Castillo (Spanish for "the castle"), also known as the Temple of Kukulcan. The Mesoamerican step-pyramid is truly amazing. Kukulcán is the Mayan version of the feathered serpent god, which is a shared mythology in Mesoamerica. It’s also known as the Vision Serpent; as local shamans commonly used psychedelic drugs. Fascinating how different people see the same things in their drug-induced trips.

Woman swimming in sea of Riviera Maya in Tulum

Riviera Maya is a hundred-kilometer coastal strip of the Caribbean Sea, stretching from Cancun to Tulum

The town of Tulum is another worthwhile day trip you can take from Cancún. The name might ring a bell if you’re into the Instagram fitness community. Tulum Jungle Gym is this DIY open-air icon. They have handmade primitive equipment and weights made from a special kind of wood: very inventive stuff. The main landmarks here are the ruins of a Mayan coastal city. El Castillo (the Castle) was the first building the European expeditions saw when they arrived in Mexico. I think it makes an even greater impression in modern times. Exploring the ruins overlooking the Caribbean on a sunny day is an unforgettable experience. Make sure you visit at least one cenote; they’re all over the Yucatán Peninsula. Cenotes are natural sinkholes, where the ground collapsed revealing underground pools of water. The Mayans traditionally used them for sacrificial purposes. Don’t be surprised if you find a human skull at the bottom. I mean, be surprised, just don’t panic and drown. Don’t come on Sundays, it’s when the locals take over the cenotes.

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Muscat city guide

Muscat, the capital of Oman, has the status of a global city. That means it’s a crucial node in the world’s economic system. I bet you’re thinking about all the petroleum, the LPG, and whatnot. It’s not just that, Muscat is one of the most multicultural cities in the region. The Omani are known for their legendary hospitality. They’re open to tourists, especially those willing to learn about Islam. That means a lot in these hyper-orthodox countries. You won’t see any of those ridiculous projects like in Abu Dhabi. In fact, Muscat is a very compact city, literally. Mountains surrounding it prevent further expansion. People are relatively down to earth here. They don’t build artificial islands. They don’t need to be the best in the world at everything. That doesn’t mean they don’t have some extraordinary landmarks. There is no better place to experience Islam than the Sultan Qaboos’ Grand Mosque. It’s gorgeous, even if you’re not a believer. The world's second-largest chandelier is its most priced treasure. This giant piece of crystal, gold, and jewels weighs over 9 tons. They also had the largest carpet in the world. UAE and Qatar would not stand for such an insult, so they wove their carpets 10cm longer. I’m not joking, these countries have this kindergarten rivalry between them. Just visit the mosque. It’s really cool, literally, as it’s made of Indian sandstone.

Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Muscat: a huge modern mosque that opened in 2001

Muscat is the seat of power of the Sultans. The previous one, Qaboos bin Said, was universally beloved. He’s the one responsible for the massive growth of Oman. Al Alam Palace and the Royal Opera House are just two pieces of his legacy. All the changes that happened, especially the cultural ones, are all thanks to him. Women can drive cars, get an education, and even run their own businesses. It’s still frowned upon by some old-school Muslims, but most Omani practice a very open-minded branch of Islam. They even have the first fully female Omani sailing team. Want to see something cool? Wake up early, grab a coffee and head for the bay. When you have a bit of luck you’ll see the dolphins playing around, which is a rare sight these days. Water has always been a major part of Muscat’s livelihood. I mean, before the fossil fuels. It used to be a simple fishing village for centuries. They still practice that trade on the outskirts and around Old Muscat.

Muttrah Corniche in Muscat by evening with illuminated mosque and mountains to the backdrop

Muttrah Corniche: the atmospheric promenade in Muscat, which is surrounded by mountains on one side and the sea on the other; the main walking route of the capital of Oman

Muttrah was the heart of Muscat before the discovery of oil. It was one of the most prominent and busy ports in the region. And it still is, to be fair. While having a stroll along Muttrah Corniche at the seaside, be sure to also heck out the Muttrah Souq. It’s one of the oldest marketplaces in the world and one of the city’s main tourist attractions. The main aisle is where most of the tourists roam, but the market is vast. I hate getting pestered by vendors in these places, so I would go straight to the back alleys. Those tiny corridors stretch out into a convoluted labyrinth of sensual overload. If you’re planning to buy, you better get your haggling skills on point. What is there to buy? Expect gold, jewellery, spices, textiles, and traditional clothing, for the most part. The Omani have a thing for sandals, you’ll see a lot of those around. There are stalls with mountains of frankincense and halwa. Frankincense is a resin from a special kind of tree. It was burned for ritualistic purposes for thousands of years. Nowadays people burn it, or extract the aroma for perfume. I heard some are experimenting with frankincense-flavoured ice cream.

Muscat comes alive during evenings, when it’s cool enough to survive outside. The cultural change is a slow one and most Omani still don’t drink alcohol. They can apply for a license to drink at home, but doing it outside is against the law. Outsiders can get smashed at designated hotels and restaurants. Keep in mind that you’re definitely getting fined if caught drunk in public. The corniche and the beaches are popular during the evenings. The breeze is such a relief after a long day in these climates. As for the food, go see The Cave. It’s kind of a super fancy food court, carved into rock and there are several restaurants to pick from.

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Ljubljana city guide

“Ljubljana” sounds familiar doesn’t it? I think everyone can understand any language to a degree even if you come to contact with it for the first time. It means “lovely”, or “beloved”, a very affectionate name to call the capital of a nation. Ljubljana is that sort of a city that evokes feelings of absolute bliss. That means at least the very old stuff. The “modern” concrete blocks are revolting. The Old Town is gorgeous, similar to most central and eastern European ones. There are also some differences though. The city has those clear Italian accents here and there. Suffice to say the “Slovenian Florence” nickname is well deserved. The Ljubljanica, the river that flows through the Old Town, is rather narrow and reminds me of the canals of Venice, but with a Slavic twist. The river is also the centre of Ljubljana’s nightlife. Some of the best cafes, clubs, and restaurants are spread around its embankments. They don’t have gondolas here, but they do organize cruises on boats and canoes. Close enough. Jože Plečnik, who is a bit of a local icon, designed a lot of architecture of Ljubljana. Many landmark bridges and buildings have his signature and he even designed Prešeren Square (Prešernov trg in Slovenian), which is instrumental to the city’s layout.

The Dragon Bridge, one of the symbols of Ljubljana, appeared in the city only at the beginning of the 20th century, when Ljubljana was recovering from the effects of an earthquake

You’ll notice the colonnades and arcades alongside the river. That’s why people compare Ljubljana to Florence and its Ponte Vecchio. Locals have their own iconic bridges. The Triple Bridge is one of those. It used to be a wooden bridge back in the early 13th century. It got reinforced and eventually expanded into three segments. The Dragon Bridge so another iconic crossing in Ljubljana. In fact, the dragon is the city’s symbol. There are two origin stories, which are basically the same, but culturally different. Some scholars think it was the beast that Jason killed in the Argonauts. Others go the St. George route. A beast supposedly roamed the marshes outside of Ljubljana. St. George, the slayer of dragons, came to tame the drake and then kill it. Why tame it if you’re going to kill it? It makes no sense. George became the patron of the city and has his own chapel in the castle.

The Ljubljana Castle is one of the most important sites in the city. Locals usually steer away from such tourist magnets, but not here. The castle is a central part of Slovenian capital life, the “peak of the city” as they say. People organize various events like concerts and theatrical performances. It’s not your usual medieval castle but more of a cultural centre. It’s like the main Old Town’s square, but on a hill. Even the architecture is unique; they blended modern, glass elements with the ancient walls. Restaurants on site are surprisingly futuristic. Especially Gostilna na Gradu and Strelec boost an excellent reputation and serve a delicious local sausage you just need to try. You can take the funicular, or walk straight to the top. Your options are limited only to your imagination once there. You can work on your tan. You can take a guided tour, or explore on your own. They even do wine tastings since they’re growing some ancient vine in the courtyard.

Tripple Bridge and Franciscan Church in Ljubljana at night

The Franciscan Church of the Annunciation, one of the most important temples in Ljubljana, located on Prešeren Square, near the Tripple Bridge

Ljubljana is a university city, so much so that it feels like a huge campus. They’re big on reading there. The Ljubljana Castle even has special reading corners and a book exchange. The Scryptorium is open to the public, where you can learn how books were written back in the Dark Ages. Medieval calligraphy is true art; it never ceases to amaze me. Metelkova is the place to be if it’s art that you seek in Ljubljana. Old military barracks turned into a freethinking commune looking like Tibet. It’s one of those places that the government wants to take down, but they can’t. They have a bunch of people squatting there, but Metelkova is also shaping up into some larger. Ruins are turning into wonderfully greasy pubs, bars, and hostels. It reminds me of cities as Budapest where ruin pubs have become the new hot thing. Metelkova is really chill, almost psychedelic place. This is where Ljubljana nightlife moves when everything else closes down, especially when it’s warm outside. Few beers, a handful of magic mushrooms, and who knows? You might stay there for good.

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The Hague city guide

Nothing signifies the importance of a city more than a “the” in front of its name. Hague is not just “a” Hague. It’s The Hague or Den Haag in Dutch. And it’s home to the Netherlands' main pubic institutions. Amsterdam is de facto the capital, but the central administration and ministries are located in The Hague. The city is also home to many international institutions. The Hague Tribunal is one of the most important courts in the world. That’s where you take your case if you feel mistreated by your national judicial system. The Peace Palace is the United Nations’ beacon of influence in Europe. It is home to the International Court of Justice, one of the UN’s most important institutions. Calling this place “a church of law and order” wouldn’t be an exaggeration. It resembles one even architecturally. All the marble and stained glass leave a lasting impression. Most of the decorations came from all around the world. That further accents the universal values represented by the Palace. Embassies of various countries are spread around the neighbourhood. Downtown The Hague is actually textbook Netherlands with its renaissance buildings and signature canals.

By one of the ironies of history, the construction of the Peace Palace in The Hage (International Court of Justice, the Permanent Court of Arbitration) was completed not long before the First World War started, in 1913; the idea of creating the palace was born at the First Peace Conference on Disarmament, in 1898

In the heart of Den Haag is the Binnenhof (Inner Court), a parliament square unlike any other. It’s a sort of a courtyard, open to the public at all times. This is also where the prime minister holds office in a building called het Torentje (the Little Tower). It’s overlooking the Hofvijver (Court Pond), the picturesque artificial lake next to the Binnenhof. The eye-catching medieval building in the middle of the Binnenhof is de Ridderzaal (Hall of Knights). It’s the cradle of Dutch politics. This is the place where in 1581 the States General declared independence from the Spanish rulers by stating they would no longer acknowledge King Philip of Spain as the sovereign lord of the Netherlands. It’s also where the Dutch king delivers his speech from the Throne at the occasion of the State Opening of Parliament, a joint session of the Senate and the House of Representatives that always takes place on the third Tuesday of September and is also called Prinsjesdag (Prince's Day). One of the royal residences; Noordeinde Palace (Paleis Noordeinde) is very nearby and also an important landmark. It’s the official working place of the King. Yes, in case you might wonder: the Dutch King really works.

Enjoy all the goodies of The Hague while you’re here. Grab a tasty herring at one of the food stalls, or head towards the Van Kleef Museum. They say it’s where Van Gogh used to chill when he lived in The Hague. It used to be a watering hole of sorts and it was common to serve jenever here. It’s like gin, but more vodka-ish as they distil it from grains and add juniper berries. They made it from the canal water back in the day, so it needed a ton of herbs to kill the taste. They host tastings of this “medicinal liquor” and you can take a tour of the old distillery. The Mauritshuis (Maurits House) should be your next stop on the museum trail. Even the uninitiated will appreciate the works of the great Dutch painters. The Girl with the Pearl Earring is probably the most recognizable piece in here. Vermeer, Rembrandt, and Rubens are names that should also ring a bell. The Passage is an option if you’re into a different kind of galleries. It’s a national monument/premium shopping mall built in 1885 in the image of Parisian arcades. A part of it got renovated and, in my opinion, feels a bit too modern for a place like that. Apart from that, it’s a cool place for a date, or an afternoon with the family.

Observation wheel and Pier at boulevard of Scheveningen in The Hague

The famous symbol of Scheveningen resort in The Hague is the pier, stretching 300 meters into the sea and ending as a sixty meter observation tower with bungee jumping at the top for the real dare-devils; on the sea boulevard there are numerous restaurants and cafes with open terraces and playgrounds

Scheveningen is even a better spot for those two things. It used to be a small fishing village, but it eventually became a district of The Hague. It is the country’s most popular beach resort, well maybe together with Zandvoort near Amsterdam. You could say it’s partially responsible for Hague’s iconic stork. You see it everywhere from the coat of arms to various statues and sewer hatches. Rumour has it that in the past storks stealing food from the fish market were seen as a sign of good luck. Modern Scheveningen is a beautiful seaside resort with a stunning beach. There’s the legendary Scheveningen Pier with restaurants, a Ferris wheel, and a bungee jumping platform. You can’t miss out on the Kurhaus, a massive hotel that stands in the middle of it all. Explore further past the dunes and you’ll come across old fortifications built by the Nazis. It's more of an underground village built to house over 3000 soldiers. I think it’s awe-inspiring, how quickly they managed to all this up. There are dormitories, kitchens, and even saunas, all below ground level. Some of those tunnels were discovered during the renovations of Hague’s subway system. The administration decided they might as well make use of them. These tunnels became a tourist attraction, but also a reminder of that dark past. And it was as dark as it gets. The Nazis established a prison here nicknamed the Orange Hotel. People held there were often tortured or just murdered at a nearby shooting range. You can take a guided tour, or walk around on your own. It’s sort of an interactive exhibition with different media telling a horrifying story. Make sure you visit the Cell 601; it’s where they kept death row prisoners. There are original writings carved into the walls by the inmates. Chilling stuff.

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Cannes city guide

InterContinental Carlton hotel at Boulevard de la Croisette in Cannes

Despite the fact that there are no historical sights and very old buildings on the Croisette in Cannes, the atmosphere itself is valuable here: expensive cars, world-famous hotels, such as InterContinental Carlton, celebrities…

People say you don’t need to be a millionaire to enjoy the French Riviera. I wouldn’t be so sure. Cannes is Beverly Hills’ sister city. What’s a sister city? It’s a sort of cultural exchange between two unrelated cities. It works between these two, they’re very similar. You could say Cannes is the European Beverly Hills, or the other way around? Chicken or the egg? Architecture is the obvious part they don’t have in common. Cannes is beautifully Mediterranean, while Beverly Hills is like nothing in particular. “Cannes is dead outside of the Festival season”, is true for the most part. People visit Cannes to hunt their favourite celebrities for autographs. Some go to Cannes for the luxurious shopping, others to experience the aura of the world's most wealthy few. Plan your trip for the second half of May if that’s what you’re after. The Festival lasts for 12 days packed with movie screenings and events.

Everything revolves around the seaside promenade. It’s the focal point of Cannes. Boulevard de la Croisette is 2 km long. It doesn’t sound like much but it’s enough to make your head spin. The sea, the beaches, restaurants, and mega-yacht marinas are on one side of it. You know the drill; most beaches are private and access is restricted. There are a few public ones as well, just not as well kept. The other side of the promenade is all about posh hotels and shopping. Luis Vuitton, Versace, and Chanel: all the good stuff. The hotels are actual landmarks here with legendary ones like the InterContinental Carlton or the Majestic. Set camp in one of the lobbies and stalk ALL the celebs.

The Palais de Festival is further down the promenade. It’s nothing special, to be honest. There’s the iconic red carpet, but it’s all so unassuming. Rather it’s the camera flashes and lighting during the festival that makes the impression. The demi-god actors and actresses of modern pop-culture are the core of the sacrum of this place. Without them it’s just an ugly building. When you get to a certain age though, you don’t know whom half of those celebrities are anyway. There’s a casino right next to the Palais, worth a visit even during the off-season. It’s slightly more accessible to the general public than you might think. You can bet as low as €0.01.

That’s pretty much it for the mainstream tourism in Cannes. You can do some more shopping, eating and clubbing along the Rue d’ Antibes. That’s the city’s second artery, for those who would prefer to avoid the crowds. Explore the narrow alleys and you might find some of the most charming hidden cafes. You might stumble upon the Church of our Lady of Good Voyage. It provides a little peace and rest from the chaos and heat outside. Befriend the local merchants at one of Cannes’ many markets. That’s where you can buy the freshest produce and seafood. Cannes used to be a fishing village and some people still practice that trade. Don’t be surprised if you hear them shouting “putain de touristes" when you pass by. Locals are fed up with tourists sometimes and are not very well known for their friendliness towards foreigners. Personally, during my last visit of Cannes, I had already the “pleasure” to be almost physically attacked by a snack bar owner, just because I made critical remark on the slow service.

At the foot of Le Suquet hill in Cannes lies Vieaux Port (the Old Port), a marina for luxury yachts and many small boats

Le Suquet is the “old Cannes”, where the fishermen built their houses. Despite all the bling bling and multi-million dollar yachts the Vieux Port (the old port) kept its charm. Le Suquet is the oldest part of the city; some parts are over 400 years old. Rue St Antoine is the only street here and leads to the top of a hill. Once there you’ll witness the most beautiful view of Cannes and the bay. Eglise Notre Dame d' Esperance is a church you can visit when climbing Le Suquet. It’s a humble temple in contrast with the extravagance of modern Cannes. Musée de la Castre stands on top of the hill. It’s an old castle/ watchtower renovated and turned into a museum. The exhibitions include mostly primitive art and musical instruments. The gardens outside are absolutely delightful as well. Climb the tower for a 360-degree view of the area. You can see as far as the Île Sainte-Marguerite, half a mile off the coast of Cannes. That’s the island where the Man in the Iron Mask was held. You can visit the historic prison called Fort Royale, which now houses a museum and a youth hostel.

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Wellington city guide

Wellington is like a huge theme park. Walking its streets feels like being in Disneyland. There’s something magical and inspiring around every corner. After all this is the capital of the country where they filmed the Hobbit and Lord of the Rings movies. And they won’t let you forget about it from the moment you set foot in Wellington. The airport is packed with giant statues of characters from the saga. There’s an enormous, creepy Gollum in the main hall. You will stumble upon an animated Smaug’s head and even Gandalf mounting one of those huge eagles. The level of detail of these sculptures is mind-blowing. All these characters became a reality thanks to the famous Weta Studios. They are the go-to-guys when it comes to modern practical effects and CGI. They do everything from sets to armour, weapons, and even large structures like Minas Tirith. They designed King Kong! It’s safe to say they dipped their fingers in the majority of modern blockbusters. You can book a tour of the studio, or spend your life savings in their shop.

One of Wellington's most popular tourist attractions is the cable car, which runs from Lambton Promenade to Kelburn, a hillside suburb that offers great city views

Upon arrival in the city you can do like every tourist and take the Wellington Cable Car: the funicular railway. The iconic red vehicle runs between Lambton Quay, the main shopping street, and Kelburn, a suburb in the hills at a height of 120 meters and overlooking the central city. One-way trip will take only five minutes and will offer you spectacular panoramic views. The best way to catch Wellington’s unique and relaxing atmosphere is by feet. Walk the streets of Wellington and stroll around the waterfront area where local life revolves. The bay is beautiful and the weather is usually amazing. People jog, chat, and hang around cafes and restaurants. On Saturdays they host a farmer’s market for all the foodies out there. The food scene is a big part of the “worlds’ coolest capital”. Everything is organic and “neighborly”. You order a toast and they will tell you a lady next door baked the bread just an hour ago. They have also these holes-in-the-walls, which are the food trucks of Wellington. They sell all kinds of stuff depending on the particular hole. Some serve fried chicken to go, while others offer 100 kinds of peanut butter. You can take a ferry to Matiu Island from the Queen's Wharf. It’s one of three islands just a few miles off the coast. The Maori inhabited it during pre-European times, now it functions as a nature reserve. You can hike the trails or spend the night at one of the camping grounds. You can’t get any closer to nature. Or can you? Locals love to spend their weekends around Princess Bay. It’s a rocky cove of a beach where people enjoy swimming around and picnicking.

Protecting the local ecology and nature has become a big thing in New Zealand. Over the last years many projects were initiated to save energy such as West Wind. It’s a huge wind farm located at Terawhiti Station and Mākara, west of Wellington. Right now it can already generate electricity for more than 70,000 households and thanks to the beautiful views it offers it has become a major tourist attraction on its own. The people of New Zealand realize more and more that their country is a very special place on earth. The islands were once a part of Gondwana, one of the mega continents. That was about 80 million years ago. New Zealand broke off from that massive piece of land. Those eons of isolation from the mainland allowed it to develop unique fauna and flora. The human influence didn’t even reach it until a couple of thousand years ago. And conserving that primal nature has become a top priority of great importance to the people of Wellington. Zealandia, formerly known as the Karori Wildlife Sanctuary, is a protected natural area in Wellington. It’s a very unique project. It’s not just a nature reserve. They have a plan for the next 500 years. The point is to reverse as many changes caused by humans as possible. It’s 225 hectares large and you can explore the entire valley. Kids can take part in various educational programs and get involved with this wonderful sanctuary.

Wind mills of West Wind farm in Wellington

You won't regret if you find time to visit the West Wind Farm in Makara , where you can enjoy the stunning view up high overlooking the coast of Wellington

Zealandia can get overwhelming with that whole Jurassic Park thing. The Wellington Botanic Garden could be a better fit. You can take the 100-year-old cable cart to Kelburn Lookout. The gardens are right next to it. Take the trip at night if you can, the track and the tunnels are illuminated. The view of the city is pretty darn stunning too. You can learn more about the cart in its dedicated museum. It’s located in the terminal at the top. The Garden itself has been there since 1868 and is beloved by the community. Lady Norwood’s Rose Garden is a standout in the big shot World Federation of Rose Societies. Yes, it’s a thing. Lady Norwood was the wife of Charles Norwood; he was indispensable to the city’s development. Visit the Te Papa Tongarewa if that sounds interesting. Also known as the Museum of New Zealand, it’s a treasure trove of knowledge about Wellington and indigenous people. They host exhibitions and lectures on many captivating topics.

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Gdańsk city guide

The Polish coastline is vast, at least compared to all the other Baltic countries. Such a long coastline, and just one city stands out. Or to be more precise: three cities often portrayed as one. This metropolitan area in northern Poland is called Tricity or Tri-City (in Polish: Trójmiasto) and comprises of Gdańsk, Sopot, and Gdynia. It is a sort of Polish seaside capital. I mean the industrial and trade kind, not the beaches and margaritas kind (that would be Sopot). I’m surprised people call it a hidden gem. I don’t think it’s a hidden gem. On the contrary: it’s an immensely popular destination. Gdańsk’s location at the delta of the Vistula river was the key to its prosperity. It flows through the entire country; from the mountains down south through Krakow and Warsaw right to the Gdańsk Bay delta. Various wares from all over Poland got placed on barges and followed the current to that one port. Gdańsk quickly became the wealthiest city in the country and a maritime mogul. The shipyard was a part of its success. People founded it in 1946 on top of ruins of former German shipyards destroyed during the war. They built over one thousand ships there. Nowadays it’s a shadow of its former glory, but I remember seeing it as a kid. It blew my mind, even seeing it from afar. Not many people realize what it takes to build an actual ship. They organize walking tours and I think it’s worth every penny. Until they start talking about the Solidarity, super boring stuff. Let me give you a “tl;dr”.

View from the water at Zuraw Crane in Gdansk

Zuraw Crane was built in the Middle Ages as a crane in the port of Gdansk, with its help they placed masts on ships and lifted heavy goods. Now it`s a landmark of Gdansk and Maritime Museum

In 1980 Poland is a communist country and people are unhappy. They form the Solidarity (Solidarność), an independent trade union. Independent is the keyword here and “commies“ never were a fan of independence. They ignored it at first, probably didn’t consider it a threat. Solidarity grew exponentially to the point it couldn’t be swept under the rug. The government had to bend and that was the beginning of the end of the Soviet rule over Poland. Totalitarian order crumbles when people realize that even an iron grip can be broken. Wałęsa was the head figure of Solidarity and was even awarded a Nobel Prize for all his achievements. I never really liked him, but I can’t deny the efforts and charisma it took to pull that off.

Gdańsk is a real treat for people interested in World War II. Take Westerplatte as an example. This is where the war began in Europe. Gdańsk, known as Free City of Danzig back then, was inhabited mostly by a German population. Westerplatte was just a tiny Polish outpost. Shots were fired from all directions. Shots from the city, shots from the bay, shots from outer space! It was pure chaos. Worst part is that they couldn’t count on any supplies or reinforcements. They held the Germans back for seven days. You can’t help but compare Westerplatte to Thermopiles. It really was some heroic stuff. All the ruined fortifications are still there. You can see for yourself what they were dealing with. Continue the learning experience at the Museum of the Second World War. I think it’s one of the best museums in Poland right now. The part I like the most is that it’s not build around this victim complex, which unfortunately is pretty common and exploited in Poland nowadays.

Winter evening view at St. Catherine's Church and St. Mary`s Basilica in Gdansk

St. Catherine's Church in Gdansk: the oldest and most interesting parish church of the old city; in the background stands the massive tower of the Basilica of St. Mary

No visit to Gdańsk is complete without seeing the Old Town. In fact, it was this city’s main point of interest for decades. All the important stuff is laid out along the Royal Route. This is the route the Polish kings took to show off their pimped-out carriages and the freshest robes. You can join one of the tours led by guides. I promise they will tell you stories about every single cobblestone paving the Old Town. I prefer to look at it as a whole, not dissecting every little detail. There are, however, a few spots worth getting deeper into. The Artus Court is one such place. It used to be a hangout for wealthy merchants during the Middle Ages. They chilled, had drinks and talked about everything excluding business. Strippers? Possible. Now it serves a similar role hosting important meetings. It’s located at the Long Market, sort of the main square of Gdańsk’s Old Town. The Long Market is the central tourist hub of Gdańsk. You won’t see many locals as everything is hugely overpriced and aimed towards foreigners. It’s not unaffordable, but it does put a dent in your wallet. Smoked eel is something you need to try no matter the price. Smoked eel is better than sex.

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Salzburg city guide

Turns out that Salz in Salzburg actually does stand for salt. Apparently, this tiny city in the mountains was a “White Gold” giant! That’s what they called salt back in the day. All the Pablos Saltobars that mined in the mountains had to move their product. Rock salt is an actual rock and it’s very heavy. How much can you carry over mountain ranges? They eventually realized that the river provides a more efficient means of transportation. Barges with blocks of salt had to travel through Salzburg, where they had to pay a toll. That’s where the city got its name from, also the bulk of its income. There is no shortage of mines near Salzburg, most of them open for exploration. There is evidence of Hallein Salt Mine being operational for over 7000 years. “Coarsely ground salt with your mammoth steak, sir?” Touring those underground tunnels is quite the experience. You can even ride the carts like in an amusement park. Wooden slides are also available if you’re not afraid of splinters up your ass. The underground lakes deep down are my favourite part of the tour. Natural wonders like those are one of the Austrian trademarks. The most amazing sights like the lakes and lush forests are a short drive away from Salzburg.

Panorama of Salzburg Old Town and Festung Hohensalzburg.

The center of the Old Town of Salzburg is the Dome Square, where the most interesting historical sights are located; on the top of Mount Festung you can see the Hohensalzburg Fortress

The city itself is a major tourist destination, particularly for the older folks. It’s not very hip and it’s not very vibrant. Mozart concerts are the wildest parties you’ll find in Salzburg. After all, this is the birthplace of the famous composer. Calling him a genius is not an overstatement. The guy started composing at the age of 5. I couldn’t even make a sandwich when I was 5. Imagine a kid like performing in front of European royalty; wearing those ridiculous wigs from the period: the whole package. There is a lot of Mozart in Salzburg. Mozart Square, Mozart sculptures, dozens of Mozart café’s, tons of gadgets and souvenirs. He’s like Loch Ness monster of Salzburg. There are two sites truly worth a visit: Mozart Geburtshaus and Mozart Wohnhaus. The first one is where he was born and the second one is where he lived. Both are pilgrimage sites for the fans of the composer. You’d be surprised how many there are in the 21st century. I thought that classical music is a niche of a hobby but these museums are crowded as hell.

Statue of young Mozart near his museum in St. Gilgen

Statue of young Mozart near his museum in the town of St. Gilgen, 40 minutes from Salzburg

Believe it or not, but the whole Mozart cult is the least interesting thing about Salzburg. The St. Sebastian Church is old, but ordinary for the most part. The cemetery on its grounds is something else though. It’s not huge, but there’s something mysterious about it. Paracelsus’ tomb (more of a plaque, really) stands within the church’s walls. They call him the father of modern medicine. They used to call them “alchemists” back in the day. He was also a traveller, a scholar, and an occultist among many other things. Paracelsus took inspiration in folk traditions, working with shamans and healers. He valued those more than university degrees. Freud was greatly influenced by this unusual scientist. There are even stories of the secret society of Rosicrucians studying his works looking for some secret code.

St. Peter’s Abbey is amazing: lots to see there. Saint Rupert founded the monastery in the year 696, making it one of the oldest in Europe. Explore the catacombs. They’re not only uniquely sculpted into a rocky mountain, but they also contain quite a few secrets. Ancient chapels and mysterious carving adorn the cold chambers. First Christians in the area used to actually live in these caves. A thing I least expected to find at an abbey is a restaurant. St. Peter's Stiftskeller is allegedly the oldest one in the whole wide world. Must-see if Bier and Lederhosen tickle your fancy. I am not really a fan of the local beer. It reminds me of the Almkanal; one of the oldest networks of canals in Europe. You could say that it was a major step in Salzburg’s development. They used these to funnel the iceberg water from the Alps into the city. It was built from the remains of the Roman settlement that used to pave the road for Salzburg. They clear the Almkanal out every September for maintenance. You can climb down and explore to your heart's content. Who knows how deep the tunnels go, or what secrets they hide? Or, you could go and see the boring castle, like all the sane and responsible tourists.

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Santiago city guide

I can’t wrap my mind around the enormous scale of the Spanish conquest over South America. All the logistics, resources, manpower and most of all: the violence. Yeah, that one stuck around. A lot of blood was shed for this continent to become what it is today. Chile, with its capital city Santiago, was no different. Maybe a tiny little bit. Conquistadors peacefully approached the indigenous community who offered a piece of land as a gesture of goodwill. Construction began and everything was looking just peachy.

The shit hit the fan when the bulk of Spanish forces left and the locals decided to reclaim their land. It wasn’t pretty. Let’s just say it ended with native heads on pikes. The feud went quiet for a while, but then the Spaniards got hit by a period of hunger and earthquakes. They supposedly ate “whatever they could find” and worn animal skins for clothes. Sounds like Lord of the Flies; savage stuff. Then fast forward hundreds of years of wars, floods, earthquakes, dictatorships, and smallpox. You’d think that all the hardship would break any other nation. At this point, I think the natives who knew this land was cursed just pranked them. However, the Chileans endured and Santiago somehow grew among all that disaster. The capital grew to almost 6 million inhabitants, which equals to around 40% of Chiles population.

Gran Torre Santiago with Andes as a backdrop

Against the backdrop of the magnificent Andes stands the tallest skyscraper in Latin America: Gran Torre Santiago

The weird thing is that it doesn’t look that crowded during tourist season. Probably because it’s so hot and dry during summers. People usually go out during the evenings when it’s…Chile (HA-HA). You’ll notice those huge hills both within and outside Santiago. It resembles Los Angeles in a way. San Cristobal Hill stands in the middle of the city, surrounded by a beautiful urban park. Hiking to the top takes around an hour, but it’s no easy task. It’s customary to reward yourself with a serving of Mote con Huesillos when you reach the peak. It’s a drink made of peach syrup and chunks of wheat. Sounds weird, but it’s really good. Sip on your sugary beverage and contemplate while relaxing next to the statue of the Virgin Mary. John Paul II himself made the trip to pray at this place. San Cristobal can be a demanding climb. Try Santa Lucia for a more pleasant experience. This is where the city’s foundation stone was laid. It’s a beautiful place with various sculptures, fountains and stone benches. I can’t think of a better spot to relax on a hot day. This is also where the heads-on-pikes incident happened.

All the other historical sites are conveniently located around Plaza de Armas. Sounds familiar? Every Hispanic city has a Plaza de Armas. It’s the main square, the first part of Santiago’s urban planning hundreds of years ago. Museo Historico Nacional houses artifacts from Chilean history and covers the pre-Colombian era until modern times. Edificio del Correo Central stands right next to it. It’s the most stunning post office I’ve ever seen. I can only imagine how busy it used to be: these huge wooden desks, and the rhythmic sound of rubber stamps. National Post is a bit of a dying service in the modern era. I wouldn’t be surprised if they turned it into a museum. The building itself is so beautiful they gave it a national monument status. Last, but not the least you will notice the impressive Santiago Metropolitan Cathedral. There’s an on-going theme with South American cathedrals getting destroyed by earthquakes. This one was rebuilt three times over the years. It’s a larger than life monument, filled with gold and marble sculptures. All these cathedrals are ridiculous. I have no idea how people are supposed to focus on humble prayer within these walls.

Plaza de Armas, Monumento al Pueblo Indigena, skyscraper and Santiago Metropolitan Cathedral

The atmospheric Plaza de Arma; the central point of Santiago, here you can see al Pueblo Indigena monument, dedicated to the Indians exterminated by the conquerors

Santiago is at its best during the evenings. Visit the Central Market for some sustenance before you sample the nightlife. Mercado Central is probably what you would expect; something between a food court and a market. The local seafood is great. The Pacific is two hours away from Santiago after all. The actual party scene is all over the place. Having said that, I’d stay away from the main streets. The best fun in Santiago is in exploring all those narrow backstreets. Barrio Bellavista is where most people go out for drinks. You’ll find everything there from posh wine spots and gay bars to dirty pubs and sidewalk cafes. Barrio Brasil is more of a genuine old-school place for mature people. There are wineries outside of Santiago if you want to take the trip. Chilean wine has gotten quite a large fan base all over the world meanwhile. I’m not a wine person, but I believe people when they say it’s good.

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