As the urban legend goes, Eleanor Roosevelt exclaimed “Poor Niagara!” when she first saw Iguazu Falls. The moment you find yourself, as tiny as an ant, at the foot of the mighty falling waters, you might not be able to utter even these words.

What’s the legend of Iguazu Falls?

When the Guarani people gave the name to the falls, they weren’t really being poetic – in their language, the name simply means “Big Water”. Far more romantic is the legend of how the waterfalls were created. One of the gods fell in love with a local girl, but she didn’t fall for him. Instead, she impertinently decided to sail away with her human love. As we know, declining a god’s offer is always a bad idea, and so it turned out. The infuriated god cut the river they were sailing along in half, thus dooming them to an eternity spent ‘falling’.

Iguazu Waterfalls, the Argentinian side | © Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

What’s the best part of Iguazu Falls?

Iguazu Falls consists of 150 to 300 separate waterfalls depending on the rainfall and the season. Ask 100 visitors which is the best of all the falls and 98 will answer the Devil’s Throat (Garganta del Diablo). This is the mightiest of all waterfalls, which you will see both from its foot (Brazilian side) and from its verge (Argentinian side).

How to get to Iguazu Falls (Brazilian side)

Iguazu Waterfalls, the Brazilian side | © Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

Ticket for the national park: R$62 for adults, R$10 for children from 2 to 11 years old (as of January 2018). Grab a free map of the park at the entrance.

Transportation: Public bus 120 takes you from the center of the town of Foz do Iguaçu to the entrance of the national park, stopping at the airport on the way. Inside the park, you can take the park bus (free of charge).

Time needed: 2-3 hours (if you take the standard tour offered at the park)

Length of the trails: 1.2 km (0.75 mi)

Food and water: There are food and drink venues in the park but they are quite overpriced, so it’s a good idea to bring your own food.

What else: Next to the entrance of the national park, there’s a bird park called Parque das Aves (entrance fee: R$45 for adults, open every day from 8:30 am to 5 pm). Some of the birds live completely free and you can enjoy close contact with them. The park was created as a shelter for abused animals and many of the birds you will see were saved from smugglers. Prepare to meet parrots, toucans, butterflies and even colibris.

Official website of National Park Iguaçu: here.

How to get to Iguazú Falls (Argentinian side)

Iguazu Waterfalls, the Argentinian side | © Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

Ticket for the national park: 500 pesos for adults, 130 pesos for children from 6 to 12 years old. If you want to visit the park for a second day in a row, you should stop at the ticket office when leaving on the first day to get your ticket validated and receive a 50% discount for the ticket on the next day.

Transportation: There’s a regular bus from the center of Puerto Iguazú to the entrance of the national park. Inside the park there’s a free train, for which you’ll probably have to wait in line for more than an hour. Bring a book to kill the time.

Time needed: At least one day, but better two. The Argentinian side has many more trails where you can see various falls from various angles.

The Upper Circle (Circuito Superior) is a short trail from where you will see the upper fringe of the waterfalls.

The Lower Circle (Circuito Inferior) is longer and passes by the foot of several falls. It’s a good idea to wear a bathing suit or a raincoat because you are inevitably going to get wet. The trail will also take you to the port from where the free ferry to San Martin Island leaves (although the ferry doesn’t operate during bad weather).

San Martin Island (Isla San Martin) has two observation decks and is only accessible via the free ferry. The ferry won’t sail if the water is high. Check at the entrance of the park for the current conditions.

Food and water: As with the Brazilian side, there are food and beverage venues in the park, but they are quite overpriced. It’s a good idea to bring your own food.

Official website of National Park Iguazu: here.

Where to stay: Foz do Iguaçu (Brazil) or Puerto Iguazú (Argentina)?

Iguazu Waterfalls, the Argentinian side | © Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

Foz do Iguaçu is a calmer, sleepy town, while Puerto Iguazú is smaller but has more entertainment options. Both towns have airports and are connected to the other parts of their respective countries by buses. There are regular buses, taxis and vans running between the two towns. The visa regime is standard, so you will need two visas – one for Brazil and one for Argentina.

Iguazu Waterfalls, the Brazilian side | © Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

What to bring for a day at the waterfalls

The essential supplies are: a lot of water, sunscreen (take plenty with you, as you’ll need to reapply it after getting wet from the waterfalls), a waterproof case for your phone or camera, mosquito repellent and plenty of food. If you bring food in your backpack, you should be very wary of the local coati population. These small but super-strong jungle animals – relatives of raccoons – want your sandwich and are ready to bite or scratch you to get it. They can carry rabies, so you should visit a doctor immediately if you get attacked.

Read more: 10 fun facts about Brazil that you quickly get used to

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Before you pack your bags, remember to bring along comfortable walking shoes for exploring the expansive cityscape, a good hat and sunscreen to protect against the tropical sun, a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated, and, of course, a camera to capture the city’s architectural wonders and natural beauty.

Designed by the visionary architect Oscar Niemeyer and urban planner Lúcio Costa, Brasília was born from the red clay plains of the Central Plateau and transformed into a stunningly futuristic city within just five years. 

This article is your key to unlocking the city’s blend of architectural marvels and natural allure, showing you why Brasília is a destination truly worth adding to your itinerary. Let’s dive into the wonders of Brasília!

The National Congress of Brazil

Our first stop in this journey through Brasília’s splendor is the iconic National Congress of Brazil, an architectural masterpiece that mirrors the grandeur and vitality of the country’s political life. Nestled at the end of the Monumental Axis, it’s impossible not to be struck by its daring design; the balance of the two hemispheres – the convex plate housing the Senate and the concave bowl for the Chamber of Deputies – harmoniously interrupted by two slender, vertical office towers.

Oscar Niemeyer’s genius is displayed in these contrasting shapes which, from a distance, seem to emerge organically from the ground, as if the earth itself is reaching out to the skies. By day, the white concrete buildings gleam under the tropical sun; they transform into glowing beacons at night.

But the Congress is more than a postcard-worthy sight. It’s the throbbing heart of Brazil’s political life, a place where laws are made, and decisions shaping the country’s future are taken. A guided tour offers an inside look at this bustling hive of activity, where you can learn more about Brazil’s legislative processes and appreciate the building’s internal architectural finesse.

Visiting the National Congress of Brazil, you’ll witness firsthand the extraordinary marriage of form, function, and symbolism, marking the perfect start to our Brasília adventure.

Cathedral of Brasília 

Just a short stroll from the National Congress, we find another architectural marvel that stirs the soul – the Cathedral of Brasília. Rising like a crown from the city’s heart, Oscar Niemeyer’s interpretation of a spiritual edifice is refreshingly unconventional and deeply moving.

From the outside, the cathedral presents an array of 16 concrete columns curving inwards, symbolizing hands reaching toward the heavens. Natural light floods the interior through the breathtaking stained-glass panels created by artist Marianne Peretti, filling the space with vibrant blue, green, and white hues. This delicate dance of light and shadow evokes a feeling of serenity and introspection, making every visit a mystical experience.

Stepping inside, you’re greeted by suspended angels and a nave free of columns, offering an uninterrupted view of the altar. The acoustics, aided by the unique shape of the cathedral, create an ethereal atmosphere during services.

This is not just a place of worship, but also a testament to Niemeyer’s belief in the possibility of constructing emotion. The Cathedral of Brasília, with its modernist charm and spiritual resonance, stands as a bold statement of faith and an essential part of our Brasília exploration.

Memorial JK

Now let’s step into the world of Juscelino Kubitschek, the visionary who dared to dream of Brasília. The Memorial JK is a grand tribute to this beloved president, whose ambition and determination saw the red dirt of the Brazilian interior transform into this futuristic capital.

Housed in a strikingly modernist structure, designed by Oscar Niemeyer, the memorial is a fascinating fusion of history, architecture, and personal narrative. It elegantly carries the dual purpose of being a final resting place for Kubitschek and a repository of his life’s milestones.

Once you cross the threshold, you’ll encounter a wealth of memorabilia — personal belongings, letters, and historical documents — that narrate the story of Kubitschek’s life, political career, and unwavering resolve to build Brasília. One of the highlights is a scaled model of the city, giving you a bird’s eye view of Niemeyer and Lúcio Costa’s urban masterpiece.

A visit to the memorial is like stepping back in time, providing a deeper understanding of the man whose dreams became the city’s blueprints. The Memorial JK stands as a testament to his legacy, capturing the spirit and determination that still resonates through the geometric perfection of Brasília’s streets today.

Brasília National Park

After immersing ourselves in Brasília’s architectural wonders, let’s escape to the enchanting tranquility of the Brasília National Park. Just a short drive from the city center, this vast expanse of preserved Cerrado biome, one of the world’s most biodiverse savannas, serves as the green lungs of the capital.

The park is a sanctuary for various flora and fauna, including the delightful capybaras, the world’s most giant rodents, often spotted near the park’s water bodies. Meander along its trails, and you may encounter these friendly creatures lounging by the water, creating a unique viewing opportunity for wildlife.

During the rainy season, the park’s natural pools are a delight for a cooling dip, their crystalline waters the perfect antidote to the tropical heat. Amidst the serenity, the capybaras’ antics provide a charming spectacle that adds to the allure of this natural haven.

A day spent at Brasília National Park is spent in nature’s embrace, reminding us of Brasília’s harmony with the natural world. It’s a testament to the city’s balance of human ambition and environmental preservation.

Brasília Botanical Garden 

As we continue our exploration of Brasília’s natural wonders, we arrive at the city’s stunning botanical garden, the Jardim Botânico de Brasília. Sprawling over a vast area, this lush oasis showcases the immense biodiversity of the Brazilian flora.

You can immerse yourself in the thriving Cerrado vegetation, the tropical savanna emblematic of central Brazil. On entering, you’ll be greeted by the scent of blossoming flowers and the sight of towering trees creating a beautiful mosaic of greens. Wander through the well-curated paths, which take you through collections of orchids, bromeliads, and other tropical species native to the country’s diverse biomes.

The botanical garden isn’t just a haven for plant lovers. Its ecological trails invite visitors to partake in a rejuvenating walk through the wilderness, spotting local wildlife, butterflies, and exotic bird species along the way. And if you’re keen on getting a unique perspective of the garden’s expanse, there’s a lookout tower offering breathtaking panoramic views.

Visiting the Jardim Botânico de Brasília, you can appreciate the city’s commitment to conserving the country’s rich biodiversity and promoting environmental education. It’s a vibrant, living snapshot of Brazil’s lush flora and an essential part of any Brasília visit.

Experience the Magic of Brasília

As our journey through Brasília comes to a close, it’s clear why this city of dreams deserves a spot on every traveler’s bucket list. 

Brasília is a resounding testament to human ambition, architectural brilliance, and environmental preservation. From the formidable structures that proudly exhibit the genius of Oscar Niemeyer to the lush landscapes of the Brasília National Park and Botanical Garden, the city’s harmonious fusion of urban modernism and natural beauty leaves a lasting impression. 

So, fellow adventurers, don’t just take our word for it – experience the magic of Brasília for yourselves and delve into this captivating city of the future.

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#1 Explore the Viennese coffee culture

Coffee is an inseparable part of the lifestyle in Vienna. The city’s coffee culture has even been added to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List, where Viennese coffee houses are described as places

“where time and space are consumed, but only the coffee is found on the bill”.

There are some cafés in the city that, aside from serving amazing coffee, can also tell some interesting stories. One of them is Bräunerhof café (Stallburggasse 2). In the last century, it was a literary café whose bohemian spirit attracted many young writers and artists – including the famous Austrian poet and novelist Thomas Bernhard. It is also home to one of the biggest collections of old newspapers in the country.

Another one worth visiting is Café Frauenhuber – the oldest coffee house in Vienna, as well as the place where Mozart had his last public performance. The café, located in Himmelpfortgasse 6, was actually a favorite haunt of the legendary Austrian composer.

Café Frauenhuber

#2 Drink coffee like an Italian

Nowhere is coffee as much of a cult as it is in Italy. As such, there are certain rules that must be followed, which should be well examined before setting off on the adventure of drinking coffee like a local. Here are the basics:

1. Espresso is simply a technical term – not your order. Neither is anything consisting of more than the one simple word – caffè (a strong shot of espresso).
2. Drink it fast (not more than three gulps) while standing at the bar, having a small chat with the barista.
3. Never order a cappuccino after 10 am.

#3 Take part in a Buna coffee ceremony in Ethiopia

Ethiopia is famous for being the birthplace of coffee and the ceremony of coffee preparation is an important part of its culture. An invitation for such a ceremony is a way to show respect towards the guest. The ceremony itself can last hours, since it includes roasting, grinding and brewing the beans. For brewing, Ethiopians use a special clay pot called a jebena. When the brewing is over, you are served with three cups of dark, bitter coffee.  The ceremony is a social ritual, where sharing and communicating with the people around is as important as the beverage itself.

Coffee beans roasting as part of the Buna ceremony

#4 Visit coffee plantations in Brazil

Brazil is the biggest coffee producer and exporter in the world. Coffee is one of the main sources of income for the country, so it is easy to understand why here the beverage is a lot more than just a drink to wake you up. The most common type of coffee in Brazil is cafezinho – a small cup of filtered black coffee – and is drunk frequently throughout the day, at any possible moment.

While here, you have the unique opportunity to visit one of the many Brazilian plantations and coffee farms. Here you can learn about the coffee-making process from A to Z, from planting to brewing the beans. Many of the big cities like Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Belo Horizonte offer guided one-day tours to nearby plantations.

#5 Have street coffee in Cambodia

From sidecars on motorbikes and rickshaws, people in Cambodia sell coffee in tied-up plastic bags. Drinking this coffee through a straw is an experience all the coffee lovers out there should try at least once. The coffee is served with ice to create a fresh start to the day for locals, who can often be seen carrying bags of coffee on their motorbikes on the way to work or back home.

#6 Drink coffee brewed on hot sand in Turkey

Coffee plays a big part in everyday life in Turkey, as well as on some special occasions like engagement and marriage. Turkish coffee is unfiltered, thick and strong. The best way to drink it is with some Turkish delight on the side, and the best way to prepare it is on hot sand. That gives the coffee-brewer perfect control over the temperature and is, moreover, spectacular to behold. Some skilled coffee-makers can make the coffee-preparation process into a real show, and turn something as simple as having your morning coffee into the highlight of your day.

#7 Master the skills of frappe-making in Greece

The foam-covered iced drink is a life-saver during the hot summer days in Greece and Cyprus. The drink was invented in 1957 and became a symbol of post-war Greek outdoor coffee culture. Frappe comes from the French word for ‘shaken’ and is best consumed either right on the beach or in a beach bar on a Greek Island. Though the ingredients are only instant coffee, ice cubes and sugar, and the preparation process is quite easy, a few sneak-peeks of how exactly the bartender is doing it might help you master some techniques and come back home with something better than a souvenir – an instant memento in the form of an authentic frappe recipe.

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If, while you’re drinking your ice-cold 25-degree (minus 4 Celsius!) beer, a cheeky coati animal attacks and takes away your pao de queijo, it’s ok to discuss the matter with the complete stranger next to you.

These and others strange and funny life lessons you will discover during your trip in Brazil.

1. The way to call the waiter in a bar is by whistling, uttering other strange and loud sounds or just shouting “Hey, amigo!” at the top of your voice. Silently waving your hand or muttering “Excuse me, sir, may I…” is a typical tourist behavior which will lead to nothing more than you remaining hungry and thirsty.

2. The beer serving temperature is 25 degrees Farenheit (minus 4 Celsius) and you get your bottle in a bucket full of ice. All fridges in the bars have giant displays showing minus 4 Celsius. In order to make sure that your teeth will be freezing with every single sip till the end, some of the beer brands offer you a special cooler for the bottle.

3. There’s no need to ask for the next beer. Because it arrives alone, so to say. When you take the empty bottle out of the cooler, this is a silent sign for the waiter to bring you another one. Plus, you rarely get the chance to pour the beer in the glass yourself – Brazilian waiters are used to doing it without you even noticing.

4. It is impossible to die of starvation, thirst or lack of shoelaces in Brazil.

In the bus, on the subway, on the beach, directly on the pavement – there’s always someone selling something. Among the goods on display are:

– intimidating middle-aged men with machetes, who will decapitate a coconut to put a straw in it and sell it to you on a hot day (for about $ 0.5-1).

– suntanned lads in the must-visit Rio de Janeiro who sell flipflops, most likely stolen minutes ago from the neighboring beach.

– sweating ladies, who walk around the beach with a mini barbecue to grill in front of your eyes at the beach a chunk of cheese with spices…

Once I was sunbathing (with a bathing suit) on Copacabana Beach, when a bathing suit vendor came over me and absolutely seriously asked me if I had a bathing suit.

5. Your food might be stolen by a coati

Sitting on a table with a “Don’t feed the coati” sign, it waits for its portion. Ok, it’s not a ubiquitous threat around Brazil but if you visit the Iguazu Falls, be prepared for the small tropical pest of the raccoon family. Here coatis (or sometimes called nasua) organize smart attacks to relieve the tourists of their burden of unnecessary food. One coati pulls your arm to distract your attention, while another one sneaks the sandwich away from your bag.

6. Everybody talks to you without knowing you. Brazilians are very easy-going and have no problems to start talking to every man or woman on the street, on any topic. If they see a foreigner who doesn’t speak Portuguese… well it won’t stop them.

7. Of all your personal belongings at the beach you should mostly take care of your… flipflops.

Your money and phone are in danger too. But if you leave your flipflops unattended for a minute, here is what happens: someone will pass by casually, he will put them on and go away with them. Then they will be sold at the nearby beach. This happens mainly at the popular touristy beaches though.

8. The most popular pastry snack in fact… is not exactly pastry.

At least it is not made of white flour – instead the main ingredient is tapioca – the powdery extract of cassava shrub. The snack itself is called pao de queijo – small pastry balls with the local cheese. You can buy it everywhere and it’s gluten free. Very tasty!

9. The way to say OK is by energetically raising your thumb up. Brazilians don’t just say OK. They say OK and throw their thumbs in the air, sometimes of the two hands simultaneously. After a week in Brazil you will no longer be able to keep your hands down either. However, do have in mind that usually the Brazilian “OK” doesn’t mean “Ok, we have an appointment”. It means “OK, I ll think about it but don’t expect me to inform you about my final decision”.

10. You can pay by credit or debit card everywhere. Even if you buy a cup of freshly squeezed guava juice by a street vendor or a hat at the beach.

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#2 You’re used to receive “empty invitations” like “let’s meet soon”, “yes, sure next week or so”, but you never see that person again. You even start doing it yourself.

#3 Tourists are no longer foreigners, they are “gringos”.

#4 You’re used to eat the most traditional Brazilian dish every day, especially if you live in Sao Paulo: Rice, brown beans, beef, and a lettuce salad.

#5 Your bikinis are missing 90% of their fabric and they only cover the very essential parts of your body.

#6 Local expressions such as “vixe”, “aff”, and “eita” are part of your vocabulary now.

#7 You have accepted that appointments never happen at the right time. They actually happen at least 30 minutes later.

#8 Every Christmas you hear the same jokes about Pave, a local pudding. Pave has a similar pronunciation as “to see” in Portuguese, so people always ask in parties “to see or to eat?”.

#9 You have accepted that if you’re going somewhere using the public transport, you have to leave around 2 hours early because there is a (very high) chance that the bus is late.

#10 You have at least one pair of Havaianas and these are your favorite flipflops.

#11 You have two warm meals every day and there is meat in both of them.

#12 Barbecuing now has a whole new meaning for you. It has a lot of good sausages, red meat, seasoned crumbs, various salads, and music. Ops, and beer! A lot of cold beer!

#13 You have eaten “coxinha” and you can’t stop eating it. Coxinha is a savory dough shaped into a drumstick, around a creamy chicken salad filling then battered and fried.

#14 To you, 18 degrees Celsius is winter temperature and it’s too cold to go outside.

#15 You’re no longer impressed with naked women with painted bodies on television around Carnival.

#16 Waving and calling out to a waiter to get their attention is no longer embarrassing and you know they won’t be offended.

#17 Dog’s poop on the streets doesn’t make you angry anymore, you just dodge round them.

#18 You like to dip bread with butter into the coffee (with milk).

#19 Avocado is now a fruit that you eat with sugar.

#20 You learned to walk slower and that’s okay now. Why should you rush?

*

Bruna Venturinelli lived many years in Brazil, but she’s now based in the Netherlands. She still wears Havaianas and walks slowly. To read more about Bruna check out her blog, Maps ‘N Bags, where she shares her adventures and travel tips.

Photos: Maps ‘N Bags

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There are cities around the world that managed to become the biggest, the wealthiest, the best of the best in their own country, failing to achieve only one thing – to become a capital.

And as these cities are the best of the best, they are so famous, that people frequently confuse them for capitals. Have you fallen in this trap? Check your knowledge:

Is Rio de Janeiro the capital of Brazil?

Rio de Janeiro by Agustin Diaz

If you host the biggest carnival in the world, you can’t be anything less than a capital. It’s easy to get confused when the major tourist attractions in Brazil are in Rio, too.

The actual capital of Brazil is…  Brasilia. It was a planned city that replaced Rio as a capital in 1960. Nowadays, the most populated city is neither Rio nor Brasilia but Sao Paulo.

Is Sydney (or Melbourne) the capital of Australia?

Sydney by Alex Wong

Both Sydney and Melbourne vied for the honor to be the capital of Australia.

The actual capital of Australia is… As a result, in 1908 Canberra was given the role as a compromise. It’s a planned city, like Brasilia and Washington, DC, with its architect selected following an international contest.

Is Istanbul the capital of Turkey?

Istanbul

Yes, it was until 1922, when it was known as Constantinopole.

The actual capital of Turkey is… Ankara, chosen for its central position and to distance the secular government of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk from the former Ottoman rule. Today, Ankara has a population of 5 million people, while Istanbul has more than 14 million people.

Is Toronto (or Montreal or Vancouver) the capital of Canada?

Toronto by Scott Webb

Yes, Toronto was the capital of the united Province of Canada for two brief periods in 19th century (1849-1852 and 1856–1858). And yes, Montreal used to be the capital of the Province of Canada (1844-1849). Vancouver has never been a capital of Canada. 

The actual capital of Canada is… Ottawa with three times less inhabitnats than the biggest city Toronto.

Is Zurich (or Geneva) the capital of Switzerland?

Bern, Switzerland

You may have heard of many cities in Switzerland and still its capital may have never come your way.

The actual capital of Switzerland is… Switzerland is a decentralized, federal country that has neither a president nor prime minister. So Bern is the de facto capital referred to as a federal city in Switzerland.

Is Marrakesh (or Fez or Casablanca) the capital of Morocco?

Marrakesh

In fact, both Marrakesh and Fez used to be capitals of Morocco, exchanging roles several times. Since medieval times up to the beginning of 20th century Morocco was often referred to as the Kingdom of Marrakesh. Casablanca, on the other hand, is the biggest Moroccan city today.

The actual capital of Morocco is… Rabat. It was chosen as capital by the French who arrived here in 1912 and considered Marrakesh as quite a rebellious city. When Morocco gained its independence in 1956, king Mohammed V decided to keep Rabat as the capital.

Is Johannesburg the capital of South Africa?

Cape Town

Although Johannesburg is the largest city, it couldn’t make it to any of the three capital positions available in South Africa (executive, legislative, judicial). Instead, those to win the race were…

The actual capitals of South Africa are… Pretoria (executive), Bloemfontein (judicial), and Cape Town (legislative).

Is Yangon the capital of Myanmar?

Naypyidaw, Myanmar

It was until 2006. However, few people heard the news and the majority of travelers still believe Yangon is the capital of Myanmar. At least until they visit the country and discover that…

The actual capital of Myanmar is… Naypyidaw. But don’t worry, there are even people who still haven’t heard the news that Myanmar is the new name of the country formerly known as Burma.

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There are cities around the world where you’d love to get lost again and again and again. Control freaks might find the idea unbearable but think twice, how can getting lost do you any harm if you can get a taxi back to your hotel at any time?

In the cities on the list below “getting lost” actually means “finding” – finding people, places and experiences otherwise hidden away from your tourist eyes.

Challenge alternatives:

• If with friends/spouses: get lost separately and try to find each other after 5 hours (if you find a place your friend would love, stay there and wait for him or her to come). Or just get lost separately (a good option for long-time partners who need some fresh time alone!).
• By public transportation: get on a local bus and get off at a random stop.
• Try to get lost in your own hometown – it might be hard but then you should just try harder.

Istanbul, Turkey

The moment you find yourself away from the main tourist areas, you will be able to enjoy genuine Turkish hospitality. Life is good in the City on the Bosphorus while sipping strong and sweet tea and enjoying the sun in a side street cafe.

Unexpected discovery in Istanbul

Venice, Italy

There’s no use of bringing a map with you in Venice, this city just can’t stand maps and will do its best to get you lost. Everything even a street away from Canale Grande is a labyrinth where you can only enter but never get back to your starting point. Feel free to enjoy the colorful, sometimes decrepit buildings along the canals, hunt for passing gondolas and stop for wine at the first bar.

P.S. You know they call the wine “shade” (ombra) in Venice, right?

Chiang Mai, Thailand

It’s not such a big city but if you dare to get lost, you will come across your best discoveries in a Thai city full of expats. An English bookshop? The food stall with the best pad thai? A friendly monk to chat about life?

© Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

Atlanta, USA

While many US cities use a quadrant street system with streets heading north-south or east-west, Atlanta can be confusing as many of the streets follow the natural relief. Leave your map in Downtown Atlanta and let the city surprise you (A historic cemetery? A skywalk? A popular eatary?).

Tokyo, Japan 

In Tokyo and other Japanese cities the numbers of the streets and buildings have nothing to do with their location but rather with the time of their construction. Thus, the first building that appears on the street will be #1, while next to it might be #113. You don’t have to do anything special to get lost there.

Perth, Australia 

Perth will invite you to get lost in its maze of creative bars and it might not be so easy to find your way after the third beer… Where were you actually going?

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

The best places to get lost in Rio are the art quarters of Santa Teresa and Lapa in the city center. Climb the steep streets but don’t search for the best view – it will reveal itself unexpectedly. Shop around for unique souvenirs by local artists and get lots of water. 

Santa Teresa, Rio de Janeiro

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