Art Nouveau district in Riga

The Art Nouveau District in Riga, Latvia, is celebrated for its extensive collection of Art Nouveau architecture. Distinguished by its detailed artwork facades, this district reflects the artistic style popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Tromsø

Tromsø, situated in northern Norway within the Arctic Circle, is famed as a prime spot for observing the Northern Lights and experiencing the Midnight Sun.

Malbork Castle

Malbork Castle in Poland is renowned as the largest brick fortress in the world. Constructed by the Teutonic Knights in the 13th century, it exemplifies medieval military architecture. Today, it hosts detailed historical exhibits, drawing visitors keen to explore its vast, storied halls and defensive structures.

Kenroku-en, a true Japanese garden

Kenroku-en of Kanazawa, Japan, is a beautiful mix of nature and art, perfect for sightseeing. Known as one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan, it features lovely ponds, carefully designed hills, and very old trees. This tranquil spot showcases the art of Japanese gardening, inviting you to relax and enjoy the stunning views.

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The votive columns of Olomouc

Votive columns, also known as votive pillars, are religious or symbolic structures built to show thanks or dedication to a god or higher power. In Europe, Marian columns and Holy Trinity columns are different kinds of religious monuments that were popular in Catholic countries, especially in the 17th and 18th centuries. You can see both of them when sightssing the Czech city of Olomouc.

Le Roy d’Espagne at Grand Place

Roy d’Espagne, located on Brussels’ Grand Place, is a historic building originally serving as the bakers’ guild house.

Royal Baths, Warsaw

The Royal Baths Park in Warsaw, Poland, is a large park complex designed in the 17th century as a summer residence for Polish monarchs. Today, it is one of the most popular sightseeing attractions in the city, covering over 76 hectares and featuring various palaces, pavilions, and monuments.

Historic city of Ghent

First, as you look up, you see a street with a series of high Gothic buildings. A medieval city. All main streets are connected by a network of cables and tracks. It is an unusual mixture.

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Kamikochi, Japan

Kamikochi is a valley in the Hida mountains in Japan, located within the Chūbu-Sangaku National Park. It spans 15 kilometers in the Azusa River Valley, at an elevation of about 1500 meters above sea level, surrounded by mountains with peaks reaching 3000 meters. The area is known for its pristine, preserved forests.

Villa Borghese, Rome

In Rome, you can go sightseeing at Villa Borghese, a park named after the Villa Borghese Pinciana, a palace located within the park. This picturesque park surrounds the impressive art gallery known as the Galleria Borghese.

The old port in Gdańsk

Gdańsk’s Old Port, historically significant, dates back to the medieval era when it was a major Hanseatic League trading post, facilitating the economic growth of the city through maritime commerce. The port’s infrastructure, including its iconic Crane, played a crucial role in loading and unloading goods, particularly grain. Over the centuries, despite wartime destruction, the port has been meticulously restored, preserving its historical character.

City of Westminster

London is a big place with many things to see. We chose to take a slow walk in the City of Westminster, the heart of London. It has Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, the UK Parliament, as well as Soho and China Town.

In the very heart of the ancient Rome

For approximately 1,500 years, the Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum stood as the heart of Rome, a testament to the power of an ancient empire. As you gaze from the Palatine Hill, you’ll spot the renowned Roman Colosseum to the right of the Roman Forum, making it a sightseeing spot not to be missed.

Ruakuri caves, New Zealand

New Zealand is famous for its beautiful nature. One such attraction is the Waitomo glow-worm caves. On a whim, I paid extra to visit another set of caves called the Ruakuri caves, which are about two kilometers away from the glow-worm caves.

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Bialystok palace, Poland

The Branicki Palace in Białystok, Poland, is a splendid example of Baroque architecture. Originally built in the 18th century, it served as the residence of the Branicki family. Today, the beautifully restored palace is surrounded by meticulously landscaped gardens and hosts the Medical University of Białystok.

Rouen

Rouen, a city in Normandy, France, boasts a rich history and stunning medieval architecture. It is famously known as the site where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake in 1431. This historic event is commemorated at the Place du Vieux-Marché, where a modern church dedicated to her memory now stands. Rouen’s charming streets are lined with timber-framed houses and gothic churches, including the impressive Notre-Dame Cathedral.

Oodi

Oodi, Helsinki’s central library, symbolizes a unique approach to commemorating Finnish independence. Opened in 2018, instead of a traditional monument, Finns chose to construct a multi-functional public space that embodies modern architecture and community utility. This innovative landmark includes a library, cinema, and recording studios, emphasizing utility and engagement over conventional statuary, and serving as a living testament to national pride and civic values.

Museum of Folk Architecture

The Museum of Folk Architecture in Olsztynek, Poland, is an open-air museum that showcases traditional Polish rural architecture. It features over 60 historical wooden structures including houses, barns, windmills, and churches, all authentically furnished and relocated from various regions of Poland.

Christchurch. Bringing England there did not work fully …

In Christchurch, New Zealand, we were charmed by the typical historical English architecture. It was a captivating mix of Gothic and Victorian styles, complemented by some modern buildings, while the surrounding low buildings showcased a charming colonial style, resulting in an unforgettable and captivating mixture.

Tsukiji fish market

Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo, Japan, was one of the world’s largest wholesale seafood markets, renowned for its bustling activity and live tuna auctions. Although the wholesale market moved to Toyosu in 2018, Tsukiji’s outer market continues to thrive, offering fresh seafood, sushi, and traditional Japanese foods to visitors.

Revived. Elbląg

Elbląg, a city in northern Poland, was extensively rebuilt from scratch after being almost completely destroyed during World War II. Today, Elbląg’s reconstruction blends historical fidelity with modern urban planning.

Berliner Hauptbahnhof

Whilst at a rail transport conference, we were asked to visit the Berlin Hauptbahnhof. First, we studied a model of the station in one of the galleries and learned about its design. Then, we walked around the station to see how the design was implemented.

The Louvre

The last king to use the Louvre as a royal residence was Louis XIV. When he moved to Versailles in 1682, he left the Louvre with the vision of transforming it into a place for sightseeing the royal collection. The museum officially opened a century later in 1793 during the French Revolution.

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Altes Museum, Berlin. The Greek Collection

The Altes Museum (Old Museum) is one of the many buildings on Museum Island in Berlin, Germany. It was originally built to house all of Berlin’s art collections, but since 1904, it has been home to the Collection of Classical Antiquities, showcasing an impressive panorama of Greek art from the 9th to the 1st century BC on its lower floor.

Sightseeing the Himeji castle

As we left the train station, we saw a white castle on a hill. At first, we didn’t realize how big it was. On the way to the castle, we had to navigate through the fortification walls, gates, and courtyards. But at that moment, I didn’t think much about it.

Etretat & Honfleur, Normandy, France

In Etretat, we spent a quick two hours sightseeing and capturing the beautiful views. After an hour’s drive, we arrived before noon when the sun was still low, making photography a breeze. Our next stop was Honfleur, situated at the estuary of Seine. Historically an important maritime and inland waterway port, it served as the gateway to the sea for the French capital. Today, it stands as a picturesque tourist attraction.

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The Golden & Silver Pavilions of Kyoto

While we were in Kyoto, we went to a few temples. Two of them were Zen Buddhist temples with small buildings called Pavilions as the main attractions – the Temple of the Silver Pavilion and the Temple of the Golden Pavilion.

St. Pancras International, London

St. Pancras International in London is a historic railway station known for its stunning Victorian architecture, including the iconic arched train shed. Reopened in 2007 after extensive renovations, it now serves as a major transport hub for international Eurostar services and domestic routes.

Wai-o-tapu

Wai-o-tapu, located near Rotorua in New Zealand, is a geothermal wonderland renowned for its vibrant hot springs, geysers, and volcanic landscapes. Its colorful, mineral-rich waters create stunning natural palettes, notably at the famous Champagne Pool. This active geothermal area offers walking trails that allow visitors to explore its unique geological features and steamy, sulphuric environments.

Estação de São Bento

Estação de São Bento, situated in Porto, Portugal, is famed for its striking azulejo tile panels depicting historical and cultural scenes. This 20th-century train station not only serves as a key transport hub but also stands as a magnificent piece of art

Glen Coe

Glen Coe, in the Scottish Highlands, is a dramatic and historic valley known for its rugged landscapes and hiking trails.

On sacred grounds

A separate coverage on sightseeing churches, monasteries and shrines in Europe and Japan.

The Ishtar Gate of Babylon

When I was told I had to visit Berlin for business last year, my first thought to arrange my flight so to manage to see the Pergamon Museum and its renowned Ishtar Gate. This historical gate was originally constructed in Babylon (present-day Iraq) during the rule of King Nebuchadnezzar II in the 6th century BCE as part of a complex of walls, gates, and palaces.

Mulberry harbour

The Mulberry Harbour in Arromanches, Normandy, was a crucial temporary port constructed by the Allies during World War II to facilitate the rapid offloading of troops and supplies following D-Day. Comprising floating roadways and massive concrete caissons, it enabled the successful reinforcement of Allied forces in Europe, significantly contributing to the liberation efforts. Today, its remainders can still be sen at Arromanches.

Two ships

Gdynia, a city by the Baltic Sea in northern Poland, may not have a long history as it became a city in 1926, but it holds significance for the Polish maritime industry. When sightseeing in Gdynia, be sure to visit the two legendary old ships on display near the city beach, which have contributed to the country’s maritime shipping traditions.

Antwerpen Centraal

Antwerpen Centraal is considered one of the most beautiful railway stations in Europe. It is sometimes referred to as the railway cathedral because the roof over its waiting hall is topped by a dome.

Pantheon, Paris

The Panthéon in Paris (not the one in Rome) is a must-see in Paris. It was built in the late 18th century. Originally planned as a church for St. Genevieve, it was commissioned by Louis XV to thank the saint for curing him.

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Hobbiton movie set

The Hobbiton movie set is located on a private property and can only be accessed by coaches operated by the family who owns the land. The location was chosen by the film crew while flying in a helicopter over the area. Entering private land in New Zealand is forbidden and often impossible due to extensive fencing.

King’s apartment. Warsaw castle

The King’s Apartment in Warsaw Castle is a suite of opulently decorated rooms that once served as the private quarters for Polish monarchs. Restored to its former glory, it features period furnishings and intricate artwork, offering a glimpse into the royal lifestyle of the past.

Medieval life reconstructed at the Stirling Castle

Stirling Castle has been a seat of Scottish kings since the XIIth century. Despite falling into English hands multiple times during the Scottish wars of independence, it was reclaimed in a historic battle led by William Wallace, the Scottish hero portrayed by Mel Gibson in Braveheart. Since the mid-XXth century, significant efforts have been made to restore the castle’s interiors, allowing visitors to glimpse medieval life during sightseeing.

Okunoin cementary

For over a millennium, individuals from all corners of Japan have selected the vicinity of Kōbō-Daishi’s mausoleum as their final resting place. Today, with more than 200,000 graves and tombstones, it stands as the largest cemetery in Japan.

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Mont St. Michel

Located in Normandy, it is one of the most famous European buildings. Of particular interest is its unusual location on a tidal island, or conversely, the entire structure, including the fortifications, monastery, and the small village at its foot, were erected in that location because of its uniqueness.

Musei Vaticani

The Vatican Museums in Vatican City showcase a vast collection of art and historical artifacts, including ancient Egyptian mummies, Etruscan bronzes, and classical sculptures, collected by the popes over centuries. Highlights include the Raphael Rooms and extensive Renaissance art, illustrating the extensive cultural and historical breadth of the papacy’s acquisitions.

Milford Sound

Milford Sound, located in New Zealand’s South Island within Fiordland National Park, is a stunning natural fjord known for its towering cliffs and dramatic waterfalls.

Down under in a cola mine

The Guido Mine in Poland is a historic coal mine in Zabrze, transformed into a mining museum. Visitors can descend up to 320 meters below ground to explore original mining passages, equipment, and displays illustrating the life and work of miners. The museum offers a unique educational experience, highlighting the region’s industrial heritage and the harsh realities of underground labor.

Santiago Bernabeu. The Real Madrid fan zone

The Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, located in Madrid, Spain, is the home of Real Madrid CF. Beyond hosting football matches, it features a dedicated fan zone where supporters can shop for merchandise, and enjoy interactive experiences.

Sightseeing historical Bruges

Historic Bruges, in Belgium, is famed for its well-preserved medieval architecture, enchanting canals, and cobblestone streets. Often referred to as the Venice of the North captivates visitors with its picturesque scenery, historic buildings like the Belfry of Bruges, and charming market squares.