A brief history

Tirana grew from a small trading settlement into Albania’s capital by 1920 due to its central location. The city transformed from an Ottoman town into a capital with Italian-influenced architecture, but later endured a harsh communist dictatorship from 1944 to 1992.

Stalinist dictator Enver Hoxha led a harsh, isolationist regime that built bunkers, transformed cityscapes with socialist style housing, and tore down religious buildings.

Today, though, this delightful capital has evolved into a vibrant, colourful European city.

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Communist past

No visit to Tirana is complete without dipping into a period of time that, one imagines, many Albanians may now prefer to consign to history: the communist era.

Having said that, relics from that period are scattered around the city and are now “must see” tourist spots.

These very much include Bunk’art, a communist era nuclear protection bunker which you could easily miss were it not for several large notice boards pointing you in its direction.

This really is a fascinating place to visit. You descend a few steps below ground to encounter several tunnels and rooms, now converted into a museum, art space and learning experience.

@damianos_gkinis Creepy, silent, underground. Bunk’Art #BunkArt #Tirana #VisitAlbania #CreepyPlaces #traveltiktok ♬ Creepy and simple horror background music(1070744) – howlingindicator

These contain sometimes rather harrowing photos and information about the country’s gruesome and recent past.

Located just a few steps from Skanderbeg Square, the city’s main public square, it is arguably at its best when telling the personal stories of those who experienced the worst extremes of communist doctrine.

Another must see attraction is the House of Leaves, a building just outside the city centre that was originally a humble maternity hospital.

It later became an interrogation centre and torture chamber under previous regimes and, again, retells the stories of ordinary Albanians who were sometimes cruelly treated by the feared secret police, known as the “Sigurimi”.

Woe betide anyone considered a “traitor” to the state.

The site also contains an impressive collection showing some of the intriguing ways the political leaders of the time spied on their own people, as well as foreigners.

It seems hardly any conversation escaped recording or monitoring, with listening devices inserted into all manner of objects, including broomsticks, ties and pipes.

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Skanderbeg Square

Think Brussels’ Grand Place but about six times the size and you get some idea of the scale of this huge public space in the centre of Tirana.

It was built by the Austrians in 1917 and is named after Skanderbeg, the 15th century Albanian military leader and national hero. He is also honoured with statues in other cities around the world, including Brussels. Skanderbeg died from malaria in 1468.

The square is surrounded by what can only be described as a highly eclectic mix of architecture, some dating from the communist era, and is a great starting point for any visit to the city.

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Coffee and George W. Bush

Don’t scoff. This city really is in love with both.

Walking around with a cup of coffee has become de rigueur in many places, but here it is deeply ingrained in the local culture as a vital social ritual and not just a caffeine boost.

Tirana is known for having one of the highest numbers of coffee shops per capita in the world. They really do seem to be on every corner. Cafés in Tirana serve as essential hubs for connection, business meetings and leisure.

With the fall of communism in the 1990s, cafés exploded as public social spaces, and you will see people sitting for long periods of time, putting the world to rights over a very often tiny cup of coffee.

This must also be one of the few places with its own dedicated coffee museum.

It is called Komiteti Kafe Museum and, again, is easily missed, not least because it also doubles as a café, albeit one of the most colourfully decorated you are likely to come across.

@eli_radu30 If you’re visiting Tirana, don’t miss Komiteti — Kafe Muzeum, a cafe that feels like stepping into Albania’s story. Every corner is filled with history, vintage decor, and the coziest atmosphere — perfect for a slow coffee moment or an evening drink. Komiteti Kafe Muzeum, Rruga Fatmir Haxhiu, Tirana #tirana #albania #komiteti #travelalbania #cafehopping ♬ original sound – 𝓙ᝰ.ᐟ

It is retro inspired and full of vintage memorabilia, which is worth seeing in itself. But, of course, you should also sample one of its many varieties of coffee and discover more about the country’s coffee culture.

Coffee we understand, but George W. Bush?

While perhaps not quite sharing the same level of obsession, the sometimes ridiculed former US president remains highly popular in Tirana.

This is primarily because he was the first sitting US president to visit the country, doing so in 2007, and for his active support of Albanian interests, particularly Kosovo’s independence and Albania’s NATO membership.

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President Bush received a “rock star” welcome in Tirana and the town of Fushë Krujë, where crowds chanted “Boosh-y”.

There is a major road named after Bush, along with a library just outside the city centre.

More broadly, Albania has long held a deep appreciation for the US, dating back to President Woodrow Wilson’s support for Albanian independence in 1919.

An unexpected link with Belgium

Aside from both sharing an affinity with the EU, you would not necessarily expect to find much connecting this Western Balkans state with Belgium.

But pay a visit to the city’s Catholic cathedral and you may meet one of its priests, who hails from Bruges.

Father Koen Van Kershauer is a Flemish born clergyman who has been in Tirana for some 30 years.

He told this site what brought him to the city, saying: “I was in Germany at the time but I heard about how the former communist regime persecuted and even killed priests and burned down churches.

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“It was just after the fall of communism in the early 1990s and I decided I wanted to come here to help. I did not realise I might stay this long but I am happy here.

“I am also happy to say that today all religions, whatever they are, co exist happily together in Albania. I guess that is the best one can do,” said the 83 year old.

“I have witnessed major improvements in how religion is perceived here and how all denominations are treated.”

The stained glass window to the left of the cathedral’s front door features Pope John Paul II and Mother Teresa, who was of Albanian origin.

A statue of Mother Teresa can be found at the entrance of the cathedral, along with a very impressive huge montage made from seashells.

It is a modern looking building that does not resemble a traditional church, but it is well worth a visit.

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So, what else is there to see?

Another religious attraction is the Et’hem Bey Mosque in the city centre, built between 1791 and 1794 by Molla Bey. During the totalitarian rule of the Socialist People’s Republic of Albania, the mosque was closed.

It was later declared a historical monument and underwent restoration in the late 1960s and 1970s.

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On 18 January 1991, despite opposition from the communist authorities, some 10,000 people entered the mosque carrying flags. The event became a milestone in the rebirth of religious freedom in Albania.

The mosque’s frescoes depict trees, waterfalls and bridges.

Other attractions include the Pyramid of Tirana, originally the Enver Hoxha Museum named after the long time communist leader but now transformed into an art space, and the Grand Park of Tirana, ideal for a stroll around its lovely artificial lake.

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Albania and the EU

Earlier this month, the EU celebrated Schuman Day, regarded as the beginning of what would later become the European Union.

While the occasion may have gone largely unnoticed even in some founding member states, there was considerable fanfare in Tirana.

This includes a specially dedicated area in the city centre displaying the flags of all current EU member states alongside the dates they joined the Union.

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Albania, of course, is considered one of the leading frontrunners among Western Balkans countries to join the EU and is aiming to do so by 2030.

Unlike in some current member states, support for the EU is booming here, with public backing for membership said to exceed 90%.

A desire to raise living standards is among the reasons why many Albanians appear eager for their country to become the EU’s next member.

It is also worth noting that prices here remain very favourable, certainly when compared with countries such as Belgium, with a good meal and drink often costing up to 50% less.

L’article From bunkers to cafés: discovering the many faces of Tirana est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Meise Botanic Garden

At Meise Botanic Garden, a single visit feels like a journey around the world. Covering 92 hectares, this botanical haven is among the largest in the world and home to around 18,000 plant species. Visitors can explore medicinal plant collections, a rose garden, and the impressive Plant Palace, a complex of eleven greenhouses including the iconic Victoria House.

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At the heart of the estate stands Bouchout Castle, whose origins date back to the 12^th century. It was extensively renovated around the time of the French Revolution, when the surrounding landscape was redesigned with ponds and enriched with exotic plants. The castle was later home to Princess Charlotte, sister of King Leopold II and former Empress of Mexico, whose dramatic life story still lingers within its walls.

While the castle is rich in history, the garden remains the main attraction. The Plant Palace takes visitors across climates and continents, from arid desert landscapes to lush tropical rainforest and savannah environments. Spring and summer are particularly spectacular, when outdoor flowers are in full bloom, but the site offers a unique experience in every season.

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Among the highlights are the giant water lilies, famous for their strength, and the themed outdoor gardens, including culinary, medieval, and rose gardens, as well as a flower theatre. An hour is barely enough to explore the greenhouses alone, and visitors should allow additional time to discover the wider park.

Easily accessible from Brussels by bus or car, Meise also connects to surrounding walking and cycling routes, making it an ideal starting point for a countryside excursion. Nearby towns such as Grimbergen and Vilvoorde offer opportunities to extend the visit with heritage and cultural stops.

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Gaasbeek Castle and its museum garden

Originally built in 1236 by Godfrey of Leuven as a defensive stronghold, Gaasbeek Castle was later transformed into a romantic neo-Renaissance residence by Marquise Arconati Visconti. She filled it with art, fine metalwork, and stained glass, before donating it to the Belgian state in 1923.

Today, visitors can step into her vision inside the castle, and outside wander through an expansive park dotted with a pleasure pavilion, a triumphal arch, and the remarkable museum garden.

The garden itself tells a fascinating story of horticultural excellence. In centuries past, the castle’s residents relied entirely on what was grown on the estate, enjoying produce cultivated without modern pesticides or chemicals. Their gardeners were among the most skilled of their time, attracting learners from across Europe eager to master advanced growing techniques.

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That legacy continues today. The Gaasbeek Museum Garden recreates the spirit of 18^th and 19^th century castle gardens, with rare fruit trees, forgotten vegetables, and ornamental plants. Its collection of espaliered fruit trees is particularly distinctive, while informational panels explain traditional cultivation and preservation methods, from beekeeping to historic fruit storage.

The wider area also invites exploration. Visitors can easily turn their trip into a full day by combining the castle with nearby green spaces such as Groenenberg Park or the renowned rose gardens of Coloma, especially striking in early summer.

Park of Tervuren

Once the hunting grounds of the Dukes of Brabant, the Park of Tervuren is now an elegant landscape park covering 205 hectares. Visitors can stroll along ponds through a neoclassical French garden, wander into the Warande forest with its ancient oaks and beeches, and encounter traces of noble history, including the baroque St Hubert Chapel dating from 1617 and the remains of the ducal palace.

On the edge of the park lie the AfricaMuseum and the Tervuren Arboretum, where around 700 tree species from the northern hemisphere can be discovered.

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The park is easily accessible from Brussels via Tram 44, a scenic route that combines heritage and nature.

Tervuren also serves as a gateway to the Brabantse Wouden National Park. Stretching from the Hallerbos to the Sonian Forest and the Meerdaal Forest, this vast natural area covers more than 10,000 hectares. Dense forests, winding rivers, and open landscapes create a rich and biodiverse environment, offering countless opportunities for walking, cycling, and reconnecting with nature.

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Whether you are looking for a peaceful walk, a cultural discovery, or a full day immersed in nature, the parks and gardens around Brussels offer a rich and varied escape. Just a short distance from the capital, these green spaces reveal another side of the region, where heritage, biodiversity, and tranquillity come together in every season.

L’article Green escapes around Brussels: three parks and gardens to discover est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The city ranks among Europe’s most visited cities, attracting millions of visitors each year. Its historic centre stretches along the Vltava River, which runs through the city and connects key landmarks such as the Charles Bridge. Many of its most significant sites sit within walking distance, making it possible to experience a rich cross-section of the city in just a day or two.

Often described as a “city of a hundred spires”, Prague’s skyline is defined by the towers that evoke another century. Here, styles range from Gothic and Baroque to Art Nouveau and Brutalism, blending alongside lively squares and reflecting the city’s layered architectural heritage. 

The morning typically begins in the Old Town Square, where visitors gather around the Prague Astronomical Clock. Installed in the early 15^th century, the clock remains one of the oldest functioning astronomical clocks in the world and still performs its mechanical show every hour. 

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The cobbled square unfolds with a layered architectural panorama, from Gothic towers to Baroque facades, anchored by the imposing Church of Our Lady before Týn and the Jan Hus Memorial, a massive Art Nouveau monument, representing a national symbol of Protestant reform and resistance to corruption in the Catholic Church. The memorial, created by Ladislav Šaloun and unveiled in 1915, includes phrases such as “Milujte se, pravdy každému přejte”, which means: “Love one another, wish the truth to everyone” and “Pravda vítězí” — “Truth Prevails”.

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A short walk away, the historic Charles Bridge spans the river, connecting the Old Town with Malá Strana, or the Lesser Town. Built in the 14^th century under the reign of Charles IV, the bridge is lined with statues of saints and offers one of the most recognisable views in Central Europe. Street musicians and artists add to the atmosphere, while the city views remain a defining highlight.

The afternoon offers opportunities to explore beyond the main landmarks. A walk through the Jewish Quarter, known as Josefov, introduces visitors to a different layer of Prague’s history. Sites such as the Old Jewish Cemetery and several preserved synagogues reflect centuries of Jewish heritage in the city. The area remains one of the most historically significant Jewish sites in Europe, attracting tourists, scholars, poets and writers.

A walking trip can be replaced by a ride aboard the vintage tram No. 42, which operates along scenic routes that pass many of Prague’s key landmarks, offering a nostalgic journey through the city. It provides visitors with a unique way to experience the capital’s architecture and atmosphere from a new retro perspective.

As evening falls, Prague’s magical atmosphere unfolds on a full scale. As city lights reflect on the Vltava River, boat cruises offer views of illuminated landmarks, including Charles Bridge and Prague Castle. The night out can be further defined by classical music concerts in historic churches and halls, reflecting Prague’s long-standing musical heritage associated with composers such as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, who had a notable connection to the city during his lifetime.

A city that inspires

One of the most influential literary figures associated with Prague is Franz Kafka, whose work captures the atmosphere of the city’s old streets, narrow alleys, and underlying existential tension. His former residence at Pařížská 30 – destroyed in 1945 and now the site of the Fairmont Golden Prague – is closely linked to his active writing period. Kafka scholars believe that The Metamorphosis was partly inspired by the apartment he lived in on the fourth floor of that building.

Another prominent author linked to Prague is Dan Brown, who has drawn on the city’s layered history and dramatic architecture in shaping the atmosphere and setting of his new novel, The Secret of Secrets, published on 9 September 2025.

The city’s combination of Gothic architecture, narrow medieval streets, and centuries of political and cultural history provides an iconic backdrop for his trademark blend of symbolism, mystery, and hidden narratives. 

Against the backdrop of vast castles, towering churches, and historic Jewish cemeteries, the story unfolds through a landscape shaped by centuries of history and layered cultural memory.

Synopsis:

“Accompanying celebrated academic Katherine Solomon to a lecture she’s been invited to give in Prague, Robert Langdon’s world spirals out of control when she disappears without trace from their hotel room. Far from home and well out of his comfort zone, Langdon must pit his wits against forces unknown to recover the woman he loves.

But Prague is an old and dangerous city. Steeped in folklore and mystery. For over two thousand years, the tides of history have washed back and forth over it, leaving echoes of everything that has gone before. Little does Langdon know that he is being stalked by a spectre from that dark past. He must use all of his arcane knowledge to decipher the world around him – before he too is consumed by the rings of treachery and deception that have swallowed Katherine.”

Langdon’s journey takes him through Prague’s historic core, along the Vltava River and across the Charles Bridge, before leading into the Old Town past the magical Astronomical Clock, stopping at the Kinsky Palace, which now houses the National Gallery Prague, and where SPOILER ALERT… (Katherine and Robert kiss).

Central to the plot is the figure of the Golem, a mythical clay creature of Prague folklore, featured as the main antagonist, misleading both the characters and the reader.

Set against a backdrop of churches, courtyards, and historic buildings, the story follows Dan Brown’s intricate train of thought, combining real locations with mysteries and intellectual puzzles. While not every detail is tied to real-world reference, Prague’s layered architectural and cultural landscape provides a perfect canvas for the author’s intriguing narrative.

A different side of Prague

Beyond its historic core, Prague reveals itself as a city of architectural layers, where Art Nouveau elegance, functionalism, and bold Brutalist structures coexist within just a few streets. Around Wenceslas Square, visitors encounter a mix of styles that reflect the capital’s evolution through the 20^th century, including landmarks such as Lucerna Palace. From there, routes through the city centre lead to the distinctive House of the Black Madonna, a rare example of Czech Cubism, and the ornate Municipal House, widely regarded as one of the finest Art Nouveau buildings in Central Europe.

Despite its reputation for historical preservation, Prague has seen steady growth in contemporary art and creative industries, broadening its tourism appeal. The recently opened Signal Space Gallery, located in former market premises, offers a chance to expand your perception. The exhibition focuses on light and digital art, showcasing large-scale installations and interactive works. Reflecting the city’s growing presence in new media and immersive formats, it is positioned as the largest digital art gallery in Czechia. The space captivates with impressive, bold visuals and intricate experiences that make you question physics and even reality.

Further north, the district of Holešovice has undergone a transformation from an industrial area into one of the capital’s most active creative hubs. Today, it is home to galleries, studios, cafes, and distinctive examples of contemporary architecture. A key destination here is the DOX Centre for Contemporary Art, known for its experimental exhibitions and the striking rooftop structure known as the Gulliver Airship, which has become a symbol of the district’s cultural transformation.

Evolving tourism landscape

During the Czechia Travel Trade Day 2026, officials announced that Prague recorded 8,271,962 incoming visitors, representing a 2.6% increase compared to 2024, alongside 18,984,282 overnight stays, up 3.9% year on year. The main outside source markets were tourists from Germany, the United Kingdom, and the United States, with peak visits in July, August, and December. 

The report highlights tourism as a key sector of the Czech economy, contributing around 2.5% of GDP, equivalent to approximately €8.3 billion. Overall visitor spending in 2024 reached nearly €15 billion, while tourism accounted for 4.28% of total employment, representing more than 233,000 jobs.

Tourism authorities in Prague continue to emphasise sustainable travel and crowd management, particularly in response to high visitor concentrations in the city centre. The Prague Visitor Pass, launched in 2022, forms part of this strategy, offering tourists access to major attractions, public transport, and selected experiences across the city for a fixed price, making it a convenient option for exploring key sights efficiently. It also improves mobility within the capital and helps distribute tourist flows more evenly, easing pressure on the most visited historic areas.

Other efforts include promoting lesser-known regions and cities such as Plzeň, Central Bohemia and Olomouc, as well as encouraging off-peak travel, while maintaining accessibility and ensuring the country remains attractive for short-stay visits.

L’article Explore Prague: What to see, do and experience in the Czech capital est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Wallonia positions itself as a diverse and accessible destination for travellers seeking nature, heritage and cultural experiences, with a wide range of sites located within easy reach of Brussels. With efficient rail links connecting major hubs such as Namur, Liège and Mons, and most attractions within an hour’s drive by car, the region offers a diverse travel experience.

1. Citadel of Namur

The Citadel of Namur rises above the city on a rocky spur, offering sweeping views over the confluence of the Sambre and Meuse rivers. Originally home to the wealthy Counts of Namur in the Middle Ages and later used as a holiday residence by King Leopold, the citadel carries a 2,000-year history, tracing its transformation from a medieval fortress to a royal retreat. The site attracts visitors for guided tours, walks and cultural installations, including underground galleries and a museum dedicated to perfume-making by Guy Delforge. Bursting with picturesque panoramic views, romantic river scenery and a striking cable car experience, the site makes it a perfect escape just 48 minutes by train from Brussels.

2. Bouillon Castle

Set in the heart of the Ardennes, Bouillon Castle is a striking medieval fortress overlooking a dramatic bend of the Semois River and forms the centrepiece of the region often described as the “Pearl of the Semois Valley.” The perfectly preserved stronghold offers visitors a vivid journey into the past, with its ramparts, towers and dungeons revealing layers of feudal history. In summer, evening visits by torchlight create an atmospheric experience that evokes its medieval origins. Beyond the castle walls, the multimedia Archéoscope Godefroid de Bouillon brings the story of the First Crusade to life, dating back to 1096, while other highlights include a traditional cheese cellar, daily falconry demonstrations and immersive explorations of the site’s historic underground chambers.

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3. Dinant and the Meuse Valley

Dinant is one of Wallonia’s most recognisable landscapes, framed by steep rock cliffs and the winding Meuse River. The city combines river cruises, rich cultural heritage and distinctive local experiences, including “draisines”, a rail vehicle driven along former train tracks. Overlooking the town, the Citadel of Dinant houses a long-standing museum of history and weaponry and can be reached either by climbing 408 steps or by cable car, both leading to sweeping views of the valley. Nearby, the Castle of Freÿr, an exceptional heritage site, has been inhabited for centuries and known for its refined interiors and expansive gardens, where centuries-old orange trees fill the air with citrus aromas.

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A short distance away, the Annevoie Water Gardens offer a contrasting setting of landscaped ponds, fountains and waterfalls, blending French, English and Italian styles. Each year in May or June, Annevoie Water Gardens comes alive during its Venetian Costume Carnival, when more than 100 participants in ornate carnival dress move through the gardens in a lively procession. Visitors encounter masked figures as they prance, dance and wander among trees, ponds and water features, creating a theatrical atmosphere that blends performance with the scenic surroundings.

4. Pairi Daiza

Pairi Daiza has built a reputation as one of Europe’s beautiful zoological parks. Home to more than 5,000 animals, it recreates natural habitats across themed gardens representing different continents. Species range from elephants, white tigers, to orangutans, lions, rhinos and many more. Among its most notable residents is Tian Bao, the giant panda born in 2016, who drew international attention on social media. The park’s immersive concept and diverse wildlife make it a major attraction for families and nature enthusiasts.

5. Hautes Fagnes Nature Park

Covering around 30,000 hectares, the Hautes Fagnes Nature Park offers one of Belgium’s most distinctive natural landscapes. Known for its peat bogs, forests and elevated terrain, it supports a rich diversity of flora and fauna. Surrounding areas such as Spa, Malmedy, Eupen and even the German town of Monschau frame this rugged natural reserve, which includes the Hertogenwald forest and four artificial lakes. Marked trails and guided tours allow visitors to explore the unique area year-round, while in winter the landscape transforms into one of Belgium’s rare cross-country skiing destinations.

6. Liège and La Boverie Museum

Easily reached in under an hour from Brussels, Liège stands out for its lively atmosphere and reputation as one of the region’s most vibrant cities, known for its dynamic art scene. At its heart, the La Boverie Museum occupies a landmark building dating back to the 1905 World Fair and has become a key cultural institution. Set within a riverside park overlooking the Meuse River, the museum hosts major international exhibitions in collaboration with the Louvre while also showcasing a permanent collection featuring works by artists such as Vincent van Gogh, Kees van Dongen, Claude Monet and Adrien de Witte, attracting visitors from across the world.

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7. Les Bains de Spa

The town of Spa is widely regarded as the origin of the modern spa concept. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it has long attracted visitors seeking relaxation in a natural setting. Surrounded by lush landscapes, the city forms part of a European network of renowned spa towns including Bath and Vichy. The 2025 reopening of Les Bains de Spa, a world-class luxury hotel with high-end wellness facilities, refined dining and elevated lounges, reinforces its status as a destination for wellness tourism.

8. Stavelot Abbey and Spa-Francorchamps

The Stavelot Abbey blends religious heritage with the speed of motorsport. The site, one of the oldest monastic foundations in Belgium, now houses exhibitions including a museum dedicated to the nearby Spa-Francorchamps racing circuit. The venue features historic vehicles like a Mercedes-Benz Silver Arrow and a Bugatti Type 35, displayed within the abbey’s vaulted halls and cellars.

9. Château de La Hulpe & Folon Foundation

Just a short drive from Brussels, the Château de La Hulpe sits within the vast Solvay Estate, where wooded hills, ponds and scenic paths stretch into the Soignes Forest. Built in 1842 and surrounded by lush gardens and exquisite sculptures, the château is accessible to visitors only during public events. Nearby, the Folon Foundation, located in the estate’s former farm, showcases more than 500 works by Belgian artist Jean-Michel Folon. 

10. Waterloo Battlefield

The Battle of Waterloo site stands as one of Europe’s most significant historical landmarks. Here, on 18 June 1815, Napoleon was defeated by the Duke of Wellington and Field Marshal Blücher after nine intense hours of fighting. Visitors can explore the Lion’s Mound, a 141-foot-high memorial overlooking the surrounding plains and commemorating 40,000 men who lost their lives. Nearby, Hougoumont Farm offers sweeping views over the battlefield, while the modern underground museum, The Memorial 1815, completes the visit with immersive exhibitions.

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With its combination of natural beauty, historic sites and rich cultural heritage, Wallonia continues to strengthen its appeal as a destination that can be explored easily and efficiently from the Belgian capital. 

L’article 10 must-visit destinations in Wallonia for your next getaway est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Just a short train (or energetic bike) ride from Amsterdam, and you enter the altogether more refined vibe of Haarlem – a canal-lined city of around 169,000. Despite its proximity to top European travel destinations like the Keukenhof tulip fields, Haarlem retains an authentic and unflustered character, richly storied without being overwhelmed by tourism. It impresses through its intimacy, heritage, and proximity.

Exploring Holland, a tourism site, places Haarlem high on its ‘hidden gems’ list: “Often overshadowed by its larger neighbour, Haarlem has a unique character, with its beautiful canals, medieval architecture, and vibrant cultural scene.” But it was not always the bridesmaid. 

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The city was once one of the most important centres of trade and art in the Netherlands, with famous sons (and daughters) including 16^th and 17^th-century painters, Frans Hals, Judith Leyster, and Jacob van Ruisdael. Today, it offers a “perfect blend of old-world charm and modern amenities, making it an ideal destination for visitors looking to explore a lesser-known Dutch treasure”, according to Exploring Holland.

Staff at the Haarlem Tourist Office (VVV) more cheekily refer to their city as Amsterdam’s more discreet and “wise little sister”. Their insider tips help to make a one, two, or three-day trip to the North Holland region worthwhile. Popular sites are the Grote Markt, St Bavo Church, Frans Hals Museum, Teylers Museum, and Corrie ten Boom House, while the Museum of Applied European Art (MUTEK) is a lesser-known treat tucked into Haarlem’s Art Deco central train station. It’s a unique experience, the staff point out, because you have to check in through the station turnstiles, and “tap out again like you’re on a journey”. 

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The Museumhouse Barnaart is another recommended stop, especially for architecture-lovers. At just 21 years old, Philip Barnaart commissioned Abraham van der Hart to design this remarkable reception house along the Haarlem canal. “The result is an almost ‘un-Dutch’ city palace with the best-preserved Empire-style interior in the Netherlands,” notes the museum brochure.

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A third gem is the Museum of the Mind, somewhat appropriately located in a former hospital where psychiatric patients had been treated since the 16^th century. The central theme of the content delves into what makes us tick.

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Dutch-American cousins

To understand Haarlem’s layered identity, it helps to look back to the 17^th century, when Dutch settlers crossed the Atlantic and established the colony of New Amsterdam on Manhattan Island. As they built new towns and neighbourhoods, using names and places of the past, it lent familiarity to a strange New World. Initially keeping its double-vowel, the spelling under English rule eventually morphed (as language does) into the simpler ‘Harlem’.

Today, the district is known for everything from jazz to basketball to civil rights history. But less is made or perhaps known of Harlem’s origin story, all starting with adventurous immigrants from a medieval port town some 6,000 km away. A fascinating thread in the story of transatlantic passage.

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From port to portraiture

Overlooking the main market square is the Great Church of St Bavo – a Roman Catholic missionary from Ghent who died in 659 AD – built in stages between 1370 and 1538. Following the Reformation, St Bavo’s was converted to a Protestant church. Visitors today marvel at the church organ completed in 1738 by Christian Müller. It’s 5,000 gleaming silver and bronze pipes that cover almost the whole west wall. Mozart famously played the organ in 1766, aged just ten at the time. Handel also travelled to Haarlem twice (1740 and 1750) to take advantage of the organ’s vast range (68 registers) and sublime acoustics.

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Annexed to the church is De Vishal (Fish Hall), which houses temporary exhibitions and events. Fanning out from the main square, you find a series of compact laneways with terraced cottages, upmarket shops, cosy cafés, and the museum district. 

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The Frans Hals Museum provides a tranquil setting to appreciate the Dutch artist’s finest works – a unique window into the Golden Age of Haarlem and the Netherlands. His portraits capture their subjects with what experts have called “immediacy and naturalism”, radiating personality in an unusually modern way for that time and the conventions of the era.

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The scale of the Corrie ten Boom House favours intimate reflection, a living testimony of the Christian family who lived there during the Nazi occupation. The Ten Booms used their modest home to shelter hundreds of Jews and members of the resistance. Guided tours recount their sacrifices and the tragic consequences of their defiance – only Corrie Ten Boom survived. 

Between city and sea: cycling the high dunes

A short ride west of Haarlem, the urban landscape gives way to one of the Netherlands’ most striking coastal areas: the Zuid-Kennemerland National Park. This protected landscape of rolling hoge duinen (high dunes), sandy valleys, pine forest, and open meadows is home to roaming highland cattle, Konik horses (a compact, powerful Polish breed), and diverse bird species.

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Unavoidably, pockets of industry line the Spaarne river and canal system joining Haarlem and Amsterdam, but the route north along the coast is largely one of woodland and undulating sandscapes, punctuated by a fun cable-ferry crossing at Velsen, and historical sites like the Ruïne van Brederode. The remains of this 13^th-century castle, with its ivy-covered walls and weathered stone towers, offer a dramatic reminder of the area’s medieval past.

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As the dunes flatten and the salty air strengthens, Wijk aan Zee appears – a relaxed, unpretentious beach town with wide tidal beaches and low-key cafés. It’s an ideal endpoint for a ride that showcases the diversity of Haarlem’s surroundings. If you don’t fancy the return trip, an overnight stay at the recently-renovated Strandhotel Het Hoge Duin – straddling the dune with views of the North Sea to the West and the town below – offers a touch of all-season comfort and relaxation.

L’article Why the real Haarlem should stand up est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Described by city authorities as a “sea of lights and decorations” that lends the “streets and squares a magical air”, the Winterlights Festival (21 November 2025 – 4 January 2026) is a patchwork of Christmas markets and twinkling delights where Luxembourgish traditions are on full display.

For anyone who has ventured to a winter wonderland-themed installation in Belgium or the mothership of such folksy fanfare, in Germany, the sensory overload and sheer crush of people and stuff can be off-putting. This is where Luxembourg has managed so well, spreading the installations across the city in a clear understanding that cosiness still needs good logistics.

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Market stalls are tastefully decorated, and the goods are, for the most part, crafty and Christmassy in spirit – keeping commercial clutter to a minimum. Food services are clean and tastefully arranged. Adding to the warm cheer, the city has scattered outdoor wood-burning heaters around the markets, protected by a clever standing table guard and chimney arrangement. You can rest your Glühwein and Mettwurst on the wooden guardrails while warming your hands by the fire. Genius.

Grand history in a small package

Luxembourg may well have been hiding its Christmas lights under a bushel all this time. But there is more to it than its footnote reputation lets on. Founded in the 10^th Century when Count Siegfried acquired the rocky promontory known as the Bock, the city grew into one of Europe’s most formidable fortress towns.

Its strategic position between Germanic and Romance Europe shaped its culture, language, and architecture – a blend still visible today in the elegant upper city, the dramatic cliffs of the Pétrusse Valley, and the Unesco World Heritage-listed old quarters.

This crossroads identity also underpins its Christmas customs. While France lies just over the border, Luxembourg’s festive spirit is distinctly more Germanic: timber huts, hearty dishes, and mulled wine in steaming cauldrons. The country’s long adoption of Adventszeit traditions – markets, music, lantern walks and candlelit streets – means that Christmas here feels time-honoured rather than staged.

@villedeluxembourg The Winterlights are officially ON Luxembourg City is glowing and the festive season has begun. Join us as we switch on the magic! #winterlights #luxembourgcity ♬ Originalton – Luxembourg City

A city-wide glow

What surprises first-time visitors most is the calm. Step out of the central railway station and the city feels instantly more spacious and unhurried than many European capitals in December. The Winterlights Festival, spread across several districts, adds pockets of atmosphere without the pushiness. Glowing trees line Avenue de la Liberté, leading towards clusters of chalets where local craftspeople, bakers, and wine producers chat as readily as they serve.

The city’s layout, descending from the upper plateau to the lower valley, makes wandering a pleasure. The free panoramic lift, which glides some 70 metres, offers sweeping views of cliffs, bridges, and rivers before depositing you within walking distance of another miniature winter world. Free public transport throughout the capital means the main Winterlights centres (see list) are only a short ride or walk apart, allowing visitors to drift between them at leisure.

@my_luxembourg Do you already have your Winterlights Checklist? #christmasmarket #luxembourgcity #winterlights #xmas #christmasfeeling ♬ Originalton – Luxembourg City Tourist Office

Festive flavours, local flair

Luxembourg’s seasonal dishes are warm, rustic, and filling. Market stalls serve kniddelen, soft dumplings bathed in creamy bacon sauce, and gromperekichelcher, spiced potato cakes traditionally eaten at Christmas and sometimes paired with applesauce. These classics, alongside grilled sausages, roasted chestnuts, and toasted treats over open fires, give the markets a homely feel.

To drink, locals favour Crémant de Luxembourg, a crisp sparkling wine that pairs nicely with cold nights and cheerful music. Local beers and mulled wine are everywhere too, often flavoured with regional twists.

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Dispersed delights

One of Luxembourg’s greatest festive luxuries is space. Timber stalls decorated with hand-carved features can be admired without queuing or being ushered to move on. Families can perch at tables, move between markets, and linger by fire pits without much jostling. It is Christmas at Luxembourg speed.

The Grand Duchy’s reputation for being on the dull side is not only undeserved – it is baffling. Beyond the festive season, the city offers panoramic fortifications, museums such as the Mudam for Contemporary Art and the impressive National Museum of History and Art, palace-lined squares, riverside walking paths, and the storybook Grund quarter tucked between cliffs. In winter, these same landscapes form a romantic backdrop to the warm glow of Winterlights.

Luxembourg may be small, but at Christmas it punches far above its weight. Its pockets of festive cheer – calm, welcoming and gently illuminated – are an invitation to slow down and rediscover the season’s simple pleasures.

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Main Christmas-themed markets and points of interest

• Lëtzebuerger Chrëschtmaart (Place d’Armes)
• Wantermaart (Place de la Constitution)
• Niklosmaart (Place de Paris)
• Wanterpark and ice-skating rink (Kinnekswiss)
• Sapin Royal (Place ÉmileHamilius)
• Winterkids and Adventskalennerhaus giant slide and flying reindeer ride (Place Guillaume II) 

L’article Pockets of Christmas spirit permeate Luxembourg est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Two years into the islands’ latest tourism development plan, Travel Tomorrow sat down with the Mission of the Philippines to the EU’s Ambassador Jaime Victor H. Ledda and Tourism Attaché Dakila F. Gonzales to discuss their favourite diving spots and other recommendations.

1. Combine Baroque Manila with macro diving in Anilao

The Baroque Churches of the Philippines have been inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993. Their architecture lends insight into the nation’s European colonial past but is fused with local materials such as wood and coral stone. Visitors arriving in Manila can see the notable example of San Agustin, then travel just three hours by bus (for less than €5) or a couple of hours by taxi (around €40) for an underwater treasure hunt in Anilao, the world capital of nudibranchs, and nearby Mabini and Batangas, where the fascinating and colourful world of macro diving awaits.

@riccciarevalo Quick dive in Anilao last week. Water was ice cold and cloudy. Don’t go diving in feb #freediving #batangas #philippines #leaderfins ♬ Somewhere Only We Know – Gustixa & Rhianne

2. Historic Subic Bay, Zambales

If larger-scale underwater discoveries are more the attraction, also near Manila, Subic Bay presents historic aircraft and shipwrecks and a view of the Philippines as a crucial world war battleground. Take the USS New York, which hit water in 1891 as the fastest armoured cruiser in the world and was scuttled 50 years later in 1941, to prevent her falling to the invading Japanese. Similarly, the World War II freighter El Capitan’s final resting place is nearby and shallower, suitable for all ability levels.

@sunridgesubic We can’t think of a better time to spend some time underwater and stay cool in this weather. Book a stay with us & receive the best for dive site recos! #sunridgesubic #subicbay #subicbayfreeportzone #scubadiving #subicdiving ♬ Bossa Nova / cafe / food comfortable with a guitar – MATSU

3. Combine sea turtles, coral and muck-diving with trekking the Chocolate Hills on Bohol and Balicasag

The island of Bohol has been designated a UNESCO Global Geopark since 2012. Here, the visitor can trek the Chocolate Hills, a collection of nearly 1,200 nearly symmetrical mounds that change colour seasonally from green to brown. In protected forests, the world’s smallest primate, the tarsier, thrives. Just one adventure might involve kayaking downriver, marvelling in mystical caves like Hinagdanan, at underground lakes and stalactites, and then diving just offshore to spy out the seahorses or explore a kilometres-long reef. Meanwhile, just nine kilometres away, the further dive spot of Balicasag is renowned for its sea turtles and marine sanctuary.

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4. Design, thresher sharks, and thousands of sardines on Cebu

Just a two-hour ferry journey from Bohol Island is the central Philippine destination of Cebu. Cebu City is a UNESCO design destination, known for its furniture, arts, crafts, and fashion (and, for visitors on the Baroque trail, offers the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño, allegedly the oldest church in the country). Touring the island will also unlock one of the planet’s most mesmerising marine sights: Moalboal’s iconic, year-round sardine run. Occurring only metres offshore, this once-in-a-lifetime experience is accessible to beginners, snorkelers, and divers. The sardines’ breathtaking, silvery, synchronised patterns might be one of the best ways to fall in love with diving – an activity Attaché Dakila F. Gonzales described to Travel Tomorrow as “incredibly sexy.” And over on the eastern side of Cebu, lies Malapascua, one of the only places in the world where thresher sharks can regularly be seen. From here, visitors can access both a historic shrine, the mangroves of the Olango reserve, and the world-class scuba diving of Mactan.

@keejayvalenzona Proof that Cebu is the country’s top island destination. Featuring: 1. Kawasan Falls, Badian 2. Malapascua, Daanbantayan 3. Osmeña Peak, Dalaguete 4. Whale Shark Watching, Oslob 5. Tumalog Falls, Oslob 6. Camotes Islands 7. Mantayupan Falls, Barili 8. Sirao, Cebu City Comment down your favorite spot in the island. #Cebu #Philippines Colorgraded in @VN Video Editor DJI Mini 3 Pro @DJI Philippines ♬ Baianá – Bakermat

5. The biodiversity and shipwrecks of Palawan, Coron Bay, and the Tubbataha Reefs

It would be remiss not to mention Palawan’s UNESCO-listed Tubbataha Reefs, whose clear waters boast one of the best intact reef systems in Asia, alive with biodiversity, including sharks and rays. Like a ski resort that offers fun for a wide range of ability levels, it’s an exciting marine sports opportunity that blends beginner-friendly corals with a unique collection of World War II shipwrecks, sunk by the US in 1944 in Coron Bay, suitable for more seasoned divers. As well as the ships’ ghostly suspended bridges and walkways, valves and gears, machine rooms and anti-aircraft guns, underwater explorers can encounter an array of marine residents, including star puffers, barrel sponges, and lionfish.

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6. Remote and pristine Southern Leyte

To the east of Bohol and Cebu, in the Eastern Visayas, a series of more remote and less touristic dive sites will reward those prepared to take a longer journey. From November to May, pristine Sogod Bay offers the awe-inspiring chance to swim in a controlled, marine-protected environment with whale sharks – a gentle giant that is the world’s largest known fish species. Padre Burgos is described by some as the Philippines’ best-kept secret, and Limasawa Island, the cradle of Christianity in the Philippines, offers romantic small coves, ideal for swimming and snorkelling.

Scuba diving Sogod Bay Southern Leyte Philippines pic.twitter.com/LQbpQg3T5U

— Sogod Bay Scuba Resort (@SogodBay) April 4, 2025

With thousands of islands, it isn’t hard to understand how the Philippines rates so highly among divers and travellers from around the world, and is still able to offer a warm welcome on land and at sea to those who are yet to discover this award-winning destination.

L’article Dive into the Philippines: Six of its best sites est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The Oriental Pearl TV Tower

I always recommend getting to a high place as soon as possible when visiting a new city, to better appreciate the destination’s layout and landmarks. In Shanghai, the place to do this is the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, beloved too by locals, who go there for special occasions.

Built between 1991 and 1994, at 468 metres tall including its antenna, it was China’s tallest building for 13 years, before being taken over by the nearby Shanghai World Financial Center, and, since then, Shanghai Tower. It now sits amid a forest of supertall structures in the Pudong district, facing the Huangpu River, but is instantly recognisable. Its distinctive design is an homage to one of China’s greatest poems, Pipa xing, involving eleven spheres or “pearls, big and small” that appear to be falling onto the platter of jade that is the shining river.

@babygirlmaadz China is such an underrated country. I’ll def be back for you #thebundshanghai #orientalpearltower #shanghai #china ♬ nhạc nền – 王风 music – W/N⁷

The tower has no fewer than 15 observation levels, some of which have glass floors, and the views from all are extraordinary, by day and, particularly for me at least, at night, when futuristic light installations and advertisements play all around on the surrounding buildings. And if the view is not entertaining enough, amusements in the tower include an indoor roller coaster and museums, and there is a revolving restaurant serving a spectacular buffet for around €50 per person. For those who cannot tear themselves away, there’s even a hotel.

Strolling along The Bund

The vista from this promenade along the Huangpu River is arguably better than from the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, especially for those afraid of heights. A 1.5-kilometre-long walkway, The Bund offers waterfront views of one of the world’s most iconic skylines (including the “falling pearls” described above), across – and reflected in – the HuangPu River.

Turn, and behind you on the west bank lies a collection of 52 colonial-era buildings, at night bathed in golden light. Alongside the neoclassical dome of the former HSBC and Municipal Government Building, the British-built New Custom House is one of the jewels here, built in 1927 with a Big Ben-inspired clock tower and once itself the tallest building on The Bund. Nearby sit the magnificent Art Deco Peace Hotel, originally funded by the ancestors of war poet Siegfried Sassoon, and the Renaissance Beaux-Arts stylings of the Danish Great Northern Telegraph Building.

Standing here between old and new on The Bund, a European influencer who lives in China, Lucas Deckers explains, the visitor cannot fail to appreciate the important place Shanghai holds in the history of world trade. Like him, I was moved by the beauty and the buzz, and highly conscious of being caught between the symbols of trading concessions held by former colonial powers and the giants of Shanghai’s modern financial district, across the water.

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People-watching at the “marriage market” in the park

For a less architectural and more familial insight into the city, Arina Yakupova, a Shanghai-based TV host and journalist, told Travel Tomorrow about the People’s Park marriage market. Taking place at weekends from 5 pm, this quirky event sees exasperated parents meeting up at this former horse racecourse south of Nanjing Road for what these days is a very different type of horse race, as hopefuls attempt to find a partner for their unmarried offspring.

It’s a spectacle for the curious to behold as parents hold up umbrellas advertising details such as their son or daughter’s age, education, height, occupation, pastimes, and even salary, and approach each other to discuss potential “love” matches.

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The site of the First National Congress of the Chinese Communist Party

From the personal to the political, Shanghai has something for everyone. As a former politics student, I was fascinated to set foot inside the site of the CCP’s First National Congress. In a pedestrianised part of the city’s former French Concession – a must-see in itself, characterised by typically Shanghainese shikumen or “lane houses” – this museum is dedicated to the history of the rise of Chinese communism. It combines a series of swish modern galleries filled with artefacts and information, waxworks and 3D film, that provide a crash course in the history of colonialism in China and the growing discontent that led to the establishment of the People’s Republic in 1949.

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Yu Garden

An alternative to the People’s Park is the Yuyuan Garden, in the northeast of the Old City, not far from the Bund, recommended by Tobias Le Comte, a Belgian musician and influencer who has made his life in Shanghai. Originally created in the 16th century by a Ming Dynasty governor as a comfort for his father, the garden’s name refers to peace and comfort.

Typical of the region’s Jiangnan garden style, it boasts six main areas, all with different themes such as harvest and long life, spring and sunlight, or wealth. It’s exquisite, entered via a “nine-turn bridge” that gives visitors the chance to see the garden’s beauty from different angles. Next to the bridge is one of the oldest tea shops in China, with tables where the great anarchist writer Ba Jin and Queen Elizabeth II once sat – though not together. Open 8:30 am to 10:00 pm daily.

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Shopping and eating

Also close to the Yuyuan Garden is the Yuyuan Tourist Mart, recreating the Jiangnan garden feel in a marketplace that has evolved from peddler origins to become a Shanghai staple, selling uniquely Chinese souvenirs and crafts in silk, bamboo, and shell, and proposing food outlets for vegetarian buns, chicken soup, and Xiao Long Bao (Soup Dumplings).

If dumplings are your bag, Tobias recommended trying Jia Jia Tang Bao, an affordable and venerable establishment whose flagship location is on the Huanghe Road, just a short walk from the People’s Park.

L’article Exploring Shanghai beyond the tourist trail est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

More than thirty years have passed since the Metallurgist sanatorium last welcomed a steelworker and his family for the rare privilege of a fully paid week in its grand halls. Securing a putyovka – a trade union ‘ticket’ – for this palace-like sanatorium was considered an extraordinary stroke of luck. One can easily imagine the joy of walking through the grand entrance and being shown to rooms that felt closer to imperial chambers than workers’ quarters, lit by a majestic chandelier in the foyer. Days were spent in marble-lined baths and treatment rooms, and evenings ended with films or theatre shows. The walls of the Metallurgist still seem to echo with the laughter and songs of visitors from another century.

Today, the frescoes have faded and been replaced by layers of political posters from elections, which promised solutions for the town’s new inhabitants, the Abkhazian refugees who arrived in 1992–93. The degree of success of these promises remains unclear.

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A quick historical overlook

Already renowned as a spa destination in the 19^th century, the modern balneological resort of Tskaltubo was established in the 1920s atop marshy lowlands and radon-rich springs. At its peak, the town had twenty-two sanatoriums and nine springs whose radon-carbonate waters were believed to have miraculous healing powers. These waters became known as ‘living water’. A small museum still displays the abandoned crutches and canes left behind by visitors who were said to have been cured by the baths. Stalin himself bathed here. Buildings were designed to promote wellness with monumental bathhouses, domed halls and vast pools.

Each Soviet ministry or trade union built its own grandiose sanatorium: Metallurg for metallurgists, Shakhtyor for miners, Tsentrosoyuz for cooperatives and Geolog for geologists. Resembling neo-classical palaces, these imposing structures boasted gigantic windows, ornate mosaics and sweeping staircases. Tskaltubo also welcomed military officers, political elites and artists, many of whom arrived on the daily direct train from Moscow.

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With the collapse of the Soviet Union, the taps of State funding shut off, visitors vanished, the railway closed, and the sanatoriums were abandoned.

At the same time, Georgia descended into war in Abkhazia, which was seeking independence from the newly independent Georgian state. More than 260,000 Georgians fled the region, many with little more than a suitcase and nowhere to go. With dozens of enormous buildings suddenly standing empty, the government housed displaced families in Tskaltubo’s abandoned sanatoriums and hotels. What had been designed for wellness tourism became a temporary shelter – a status that, for many, became permanent, and for the next decades, the buildings were left to decay.

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Ghost sanatoriums & ‘ruin tourism’

Walk into the Metallurgist or Savane sanatorium today, and you may find that the lobby has been swept clean and that there is a souvenir table beside a marble wall. You may also notice wires tacked along the corridors, which were added to bring electricity to improvised rooms. Some residents have created a hybrid of home, museum and informal marketplace within their buildings. Others live in structures so unstable that entire floors are unsafe. Clothes dry on railings that were once used to hang bathrobes. Children play in courtyards framed by crumbling columns. The legality of this occupation is ambiguous: some families were placed there by the state in the early 1990s, while others arrived informally. Several buildings have changed ownership, yet the residents remain.

Amidst abandoned toys, leftover posters from the time of the pandemic and fading campaign flyers, a new human landscape has emerged from the ruins of Tskaltubo’s grand past – and it has turned the town into a popular destination for ruin tourism.

Vloggers and journalists now arrive regularly, each capturing the buildings through their own artistic lens. For some, the highlight is Stalin’s bathhouse or his ballroom in the Gornika sanatorium. Some buildings permit entry, while others are barricaded behind high walls – it is unclear whether these are intended to keep tourists or the many stray dogs out. These dogs are unexpectedly friendly and often accompany visitors for hours in exchange for a small snack.

@lizvanbird We explored Tskaltubo, Georgia's abandoned Soviet spa town, with a furry friend as our guide. Once the most popular spa towns of Georgia, Tskaltubo's bathhouses and sanatoriums were abandoned and stripped of anything valuable after the Soviet Union collapse in the 90s. We found it a very interesting visit, seeing how nature reclaims its territory after people leave. Inside one of the buildings, we met a family who had restored vital amenities and made it their home. They showed us around in their building and were very friendly, as was our friend Boris the dog. Don’t wait too long to visit if this also sounds interesting to you, since the sanatoriums are coming in hands of private investors. Several buildings are already no longer accessible as construction is on the way. #fyp #foryoupage #tskaltubo #georgia ♬ With A Smile – Maiah Manser

Cori Ander, a vlogger, filmed herself being followed by a pack of stray dogs as she explored the ruins, the dogs trailing her like personal bodyguards. In the video, she can be seen moving through a mosaic playground, a collapsed theatre hall and empty rooms where clothes, beds and personal belongings have been left behind. There is an emotional moment when she finds a stack of abandoned black-and-white photos of families who were probably refugees, whose lives have been disrupted and will never be fully recaptured.

Key sites include Bathhouse No. 8, Sanatorium Tbilisi, Geolog, Metallurgist, Medea, Gornika, Iveria, and the Brutalist Hotel Aia, which features Soviet mosaics depicting grape harvests and wine production.

Most sanatoriums are fenced off, and Stalin’s bathhouse is decrepit but guarded. Nature has taken over many of the buildings’ interiors, with pine trees growing through the floors and vegetation filling former ballrooms.

Back to the Future?

Despite appearances, progress has begun. Although many projects remain stalled, renovations are underway, and investors continue to show interest.

Back in 2012, when the buildings were literally falling apart, President Mikheil Saakashvili promised to transform Tskaltubo into ‘the best place in Europe’ within four years. Since then, the town has received millions of dollars in funding from the World Bank for public infrastructure, lighting and tourism development.

A 2016 World Bank article described the Imereti region as undergoing a transformation as part of the Second Regional Development Project. However, very few of Tskaltubo’s historic buildings have been fully restored. Most remain in limbo – too valuable to demolish, too damaged to renovate quickly, and too inhabited to clear out.

Some sanatoriums have been sold privately, while others, such as the Tbilisi building, remain officially closed. Half the town feels abandoned, while the other half is still lived in. The difference today is that, after spending the day exploring the ruins, visitors can end it in one of the few restored or newly built spas.

Caught between its tsar-like ruins, its inhabited skeletons, and its tentative future, Tskaltubo is caught between two worlds: a Soviet spa utopia and a dystopian landscape of ruin tourism. It is waiting for its next chapter.

L’article Tskaltubo from Soviet spa utopia to a dystopian world of ruin tourism est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Kaiyuan Temple

Inscribed on the UNESCO list since 2021, Kaiyuan Temple is the largest Buddhist temple in Fujian. Built in the 7^th century CE, during the Tang dynasty, and renovated three hundred years later, it occupies a former mulberry orchard. I found this one of the most appealing aspects of my visit: in Fujian’s subtropical climate, the grounds provide lush greenery and bursts of colour to complement the region’s blue skies and the dense-eaved temple roofs.

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Impressive twin pagodas stand at the east and west ends of the complex, while central courtyards are shaded by giant, ancient Ficus trees. Nearby, devotees burn incense as an offering. On their knees, they commune with the spiritual realm by bowing towards gilded copper statues of the Five Tathāgatas, the cardinal deities, before placing their burning incense into huge and ornate bronze censers. Invited to complete this ritual, I found it moving and must admit the visit left me feeling somehow immeasurably lighter.

Interactive museums

There are two main museum options for exploring intangible UNESCO-recognised cultural traditions in Quanzhou. Both are equally impressive in the quality of exhibits, though one offers more interactivity.

The China Museum of Fujian-Taiwan Kinship portrays the history of migration in the Fujian region and across the Taiwan Strait, going back 11,700 years. It leans heavily on a narrative of migrant fishers and traders, shared genetics and, primarily, culture. From writing and dialect, to religious worship, to folk arts and crafts, tea cultivation, and even shared resistance against aggression.

Quanzhou’s Intangible Cultural Heritage Museum has even more interactivity than the Kinship Museum and covers the same culture and crafts. Here, visitors can try their own hand at a range of craftmanship, thanks to live demonstrations including paper carving, weaving, and sculpting, lantern-making, and wire lacquer decoration, and even operatic performance. It’s a family-friendly place. Alongside carefully supervised children, I learned how to use the flat edge of a scalpel to carve a paper image, and was taught how to signal sadness in the regional Min Opera language of gestures. Lantern-making was far more difficult than it looked.

Hairpin flowers at Wulin village

Another way to experience the region’s intangible heritage is to visit the Wulin traditional village, another kid-friendly destination in Jinjiang district with a unique blend of traditional Minnan and overseas Chinese architecture, including Gothic and Romanesque influences. It serves as a “living museum” of 600 years’ heritage, with well-preserved buildings, soy barrels, local food, gifts, and cultural performances, and a large, attractive lake. Here, I allowed myself to take part in the ‘dressing up’ that takes place at many historic Chinese sites, donning a Qipao dress and being fitted with typical Quanzhou hairpin flowers, a tradition carrying deep cultural meaning, symbolizing the hope of a full and prosperous life among Xun Pu women. (Hairpin flowers can also be experienced at the former fishing village of Xunpu in Quanzhou’s Fengze district).

With a range of outfits from different eras and different sizes and genders available, the costume rental and hair experience can be enjoyed by the whole family. It costs 98 RMB (around €12) per person, and for Chinese makeup too, it’s another 70 RMB (around €8.50). Entrance to the village is free.

Quanzhou Puppetry

No visit to Quanzhou is complete without seeing the city’s marionette theatre, where the extraordinary UNESCO-recognised skill of string puppeteers brings a cast of traditional characters to life. Be warned, though, tickets for the theatre are notoriously sought-after, so book ahead.

I was totally absorbed by the brilliantly detailed performances achieved by the marionette artists, who recreated the drunken antics of Zhong Kui, a scholar, rejected because of his looks, driven to drink and fight a never-ending battle against evil, and the hilarious awakening of the Monkey King, who rides a bike and even manages to outwit his puppeteer.

Recommendations from a local

Finally, Travel Tomorrow interviewed Quanzhou’s Deputy Mayor, Mr Yao Fei, in the role for two years, who shared his favourite local activities to enjoy with visiting family and friends.

His recommendations included seeing the Quanzhou Shaolin Monastery, renowned as the birthplace of Southern Shaolin martial arts; indulging in modern Quanzhou’s garment industry, through a visit to Anta’s “Keep Moving” Museum (a sportswear brand that is now one of the world’s largest, boasting FILA and a stake in Arc’teryx); taking a run along the Jin River that flows into Quanzhou Bay; and of course, the Museum of Maritime Transportation, to round out an understanding of Quanzhou’s place at the start of the maritime Silk Road.

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