Hagia Sophia is old. Very old. The building that currently stands on the first of Istanbul’s famous seven hills dates back almost 1,500 years and has had a remarkable and colorful history. It’s also a beautiful place to visit.
New Places
Gran Hotel Ciudad de Mexico
The Gran Hotel Cuidad de Mexico is an Art Nouveau gem in the heart of Mexico City’s historic district.
Mexico’s Cultural Treasures
Mexico City’s impressive National Museum of Anthropology showcases the region’s endlessly rich and diverse pre-Columbian cultural heritage.
On Top of Mandalay Hill, Myanmar
Sitting on top of Mandalay Hill, Sutaungpyei Pagoda features a large patio that offers a wonderful views over Mandalay City and the Ayeyarwaddy.
Soon Oo Pon Nya Shin Pagoda
It’s one of the oldest–and from all appearances, richest–of the many pagodas in Sagaing. Sitting high on top of Nga-pha Hill, it was built in 1312.
Myanmar’s Scenic U Bein Bridge
U Bein Bridge has become one of Myanmar’s iconic landmarks. Spanning 3/4 of a mile, the foot bridge is reputed to be the longest teak bridge in the world.
Oo Hmin Thone Sel Pagoda
Oo Hmin Thone Sel Pagoda is an explosion of color, with almost 50 statues of the Buddha looking out from a cave-like crescent from a hilltop in Sagaing.
The Buddha Statue Workshops of Mandalay
Covered from head to toe with thick white dust, crouching low on their launches, the young men and boys use angle grinders to carve statues of the Buddha out of solid blocks of white marble.
The View from Mexico City’s 44th Floor
The open-air observation deck on the 44th floor of the Torre Latinoamericana offers spectacular views out over Mexico City.
Granada’s Market
Granada’s market is especially good. It’s large and colorful, pungent and bustling. And it’s the only show in town, so everything is concentrated here.
Galata Bridge
The Galata Bridge has multiple personalities. It spans the Golden Horn from Eminonu to Karakoy and provides both a real and symbolic link connecting two key parts of Istanbul.
Istanbul’s Grand “New” Mosque
In Istanbul, new is relative. The New Mosque might be newer than the Blue Mosque or Hagia Sophia, but having been completed in 1665 it is historic in its own right. And it’s also stunningly beautiful.
Ushuaia, The World’s Most Southern City
Ushuaia claims the title of the world’s southernmost city. These days its main industry is tourism, serving as a gateway to Antarctica. But the town also has charms of its own.
Waterloo Panorama Virtual Tour
This 360° panorama captures the entire painting inside the Panorama of the Battle of Waterloo.
Bruges by Night
The docks and canals of Bruges once bustled at night. Now it’s still. And beautiful.
Ushuaia’s Maritime Museum
It’s the jail at the end of the world. It would have been very cold, very drafty, and, even compared to the low bar set by late-19th-century prisons, altogether rather unpleasant. But if you could sneak to a window, what a view!
Cathedral of Saints Michael & Gudula
Most churches count their blessings to have one patron saint. This one has two.
Phonsavan’s Morning Market
At Phonsavan’s morning market you can sit for a tasty bowl of freshly made steaming pho for breakfast or buy some local fruit. You can find much that looks familiar, and quite a lot that doesn’t.
Gliding Through the Glassy Calm Waters of Antarctica’s Kodak Gap
That the Lemaire Channel is nicknamed “Kodak Gap” is a pretty good indication that it’s reliably scenic. When the conditions are right, it’s spectacular.
Kayaking in Antarctica
There are worse places to be than gliding silently at water level amongst the icebergs, seals, and penguins of Antarctica.
The Colors of Antarctica
When you think of Antarctica, you probably think of lots of white and blue. I was surprised to find that it’s a lot more colorful than that.
Featured Places
Newark at Night from the Air
Newark, New Jersey, isn’t exactly known as a jewel of the American northeast. But from certain vantage points, it can actually be quite pretty. Glittery, even.
The Churchill War Rooms
This was British Prime Minister Winston Churchill’s underground command bunker during some of the most dangerous days (and nights) of World War II.
The Town that Defied God and the Government
If God and the government had their way, Antigua wouldn’t exist. But it’s a good thing it does. With charming Spanish colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, and a vibrant cultural life, it’s a wonderful place to visit.
Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
One of the world’s most visited museums, the Smithsonian’s Air and Space Museum has an incredible array of original artifacts from the history of flight and space exploration.
Fireworks in Chichicastenango
Guatemalans sure love their fireworks. And Chichicastenango, in the Guatemalan highlands, is not a place that considers fireworks only night-time entertainment.
Pacaya Volcano, Guatemala
Just outside Antigua, Pacaya is one of several active volcanos that make up the Central American Volcanic Arc.
Sydney Harbour at Night
Sydney Harbour is a beautiful setting for Australia’s largest city, and at night it really sparkles.
Istanbul’s Beautiful Mosques
Istanbul’s mosques dominate the city’s skyline, and their understated and elegant interiors can be stunningly beautiful.
A Beautiful Underground Oasis at Cenote Dzitnup
Cenote Xkeken, near Valladolid, is one of the prettiest of the 3,000 or so underground cenotes scattered across Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula.
Luang Prabang’s Morning Market
Southeast Asia’s morning markets are much more interesting than the night markets. Luang Prabang’s morning market is no exception.
Climbing Kilimanjaro
We’ve made it to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro. 19,341 feet. We’re on top of Africa, far above the clouds. And though we’re right next to the equator, it’s very, very cold and there are thick ice glaciers.
Climbing Kilimanjaro: Tips, Gear Recommendations, and What to Expect
Tips and gear recommendations if you’re going to climb Kilimanjaro for the first time. Includes suggestions for choosing a guide, mountain etiquette, and what to expect.
The Lakes of Hanoi
Hanoi has a lot of lakes. They provide a respite from the crushing traffic and incessant bustle in other parts of the city.
North Stradbroke Island, Australia
Known to the locals as “Straddie,” North Stradbroke Island near Brisbane separates southern Moreton Bay from the Pacific Ocean. With miles of spectacular ocean beaches and an abundance of local marine life such as whales, sharks, turtles, and dolphins, it’s a popular summer holiday destination.
Up Close and Personal with the Great Barrier Reef
Ever fancied a pre-breakfast swim with turtles and manta rays? If you’ve ever had a hankering to get up close and personal with Australia’s extraordinary Great Barrier Reef, there aren’t many better ways than a trip to Lady Elliot Island Resort.
Tarangire National Park
Tanzania’s Tarangire National Park is famous for its elephants and baobab trees, but you’ll also find an incredible range of other animals here, including some of the big cats.
Vientiane, City on the Mekong
Vientiane’s waterfront seems purpose-built for beautiful sunsets. With a wide promenade and park, it’s well used. And right across the river is Thailand.
A New Home for Phra Bang
From its fearsome gold naga guarding the main stairs, its incredibly lavish gold and red interior, and multi-tiered roof, the Haw Pha Bang at Luang Prabang’s Royal Palace looks ancient. But it’s not.
The Rugged Charm of the Top of the Land of a Million Elephants
The rugged, mountainous terrain of northern Laos is beautiful. While well off the beaten track and not really on the road to anywhere else, Luang Namtha and Oudomxai provinces are well worth seeing.
