Winding through a city’s center usually allows one to get a feel of where the city has been and where it is going. Old Town Switzerland seems to embrace modernism and big brands, while preserving the unique cobblestone streets and architecture that make it distinctively Old Town.
Read MoreThe Jesuit Church sits on the River Reuss in Old Town, Lucerne. The majestic building was erected in the late 1600s and is said to be the first large Baroque church built in Switzerland north of the alps. The interior is exquisite, with lots of embellishments and details for the eyes to devour.
Read MoreThe Gütsch Funicular or Gütschbahn is a funicular that connects the city center to a station adjacent to the Château Gütsch hotel. It was built in 1883 and took a hiatus between 2008 to 2015, until it was rebuilt and reopened.
Read MoreThe Lion Monument is a famous monument in Switzerland and features a lion engraved in the rock wall. In the early 17th century, Swiss Guards helped protect the french king, King Louis XVI. The monument commemorates the Swiss Guards who lost their lives in the French Revolution as it shows a brave, dying lion guarding the shield of the French monarchy. Over a million visitors see this site annually and though this attraction isn’t about glitz and fun, it offers a chance to breathe and reflect while in Lucerne.
Read MoreOld Montréal or Vieux-Montréal is a historic neighborhood that dates back to the 1600s when the French established a colony called Ville-Marie. Originally a trade outpost, with a fort, some settlers, churches, and other buildings, what would eventually become Montréal is now a thriving metropolitan city. It was recently that the preservation and redevelopment efforts began to preserve the uniqueness in the narrow cobblestone streets and old building facades that marks a long history of French and British influence.
Read MoreThe Old Port of Montréal has seen new life with the addition of attractions and shop stalls. There is an ice skating rink, the ferris wheel, science center, ropes course, zipline, and a boat turned spa that offers a nice soak with views of Montréal. There are cafés, summer boutiques (souvenirs, pizza, smoothies, ice cream, churros, etc.) and the nearby Marché Bonsecours.
Read MoreMarché Jean-Talon is one of the oldest public markets in Montréal, dating back to May 1933. Open year-round, except for some holidays, it is a bustling place hosting a variety of vendors, from bakers to butchers to fishers to grocers to cheese sellers to florists alike. There are ample stalls for quick snacks, artisanal bites, and souvenirs.
Read MoreNaples is without a doubt, a gritty city. From a bird’s eye view, the wide roads and colorful buildings look well kept, rolling down from the hill towards the water. A beautiful view of Mount Vesuvius echoes in the distance. One might mistake it for a southern Italian paradise. Unlike the picturesque Capri, Amalfi Coast, or even Sorrento, Naples is a rough around the edges, lived in city. The locals may speak little to no English. You’ll bend your ear to make sense of the few words you may have studied before landing here. This place isn’t catered to tourists. Nor should it be.
Read MorePompeii was an ancient roman city, best known as the city buried under ash from the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. While the ruins are well preserved and sees many visitors annually, the modern city of Pompeii on the periphery of the ruins is a bustling place, catering to tourists. Shops and restaurants line the street main street and if you are patient enough, you may spot the locals about their business.
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