National Museum of Anthropology: A Journey Through Time

Located in Chapultepec Park, the National Museum of Anthropology (Museo Nacional de Antropología) is a cornerstone of Mexican cultural heritage. This world-class museum houses the Aztec Calendar Stone, Mayan relics, and treasures from Mexico’s pre-Hispanic civilizations. With 23 exhibit halls, it’s the most visited museum in Mexico and one of Latin America’s finest.

Visitors should allocate at least 2–3 hours to explore the museum. Admission is MXN 95 (around USD 5.50), and the museum is open Tuesday to Sunday, 9 AM–8 PM. English audio guides are available for rent.

Frida Kahlo Museum: La Casa Azul in Coyoacán

No trip to Mexico City is complete without visiting La Casa Azul, the famous blue house where Frida Kahlo was born, lived, and died. Located in the bohemian Coyoacán district, the Frida Kahlo Museum displays her personal belongings, sketches, photographs, and artworks that reveal her struggles, resilience, and creativity.

Tickets should be booked in advance due to high demand. Entry costs MXN 250 (around USD 15) for foreigners, and the museum is open Tuesday to Sunday, 10 AM–6 PM. Afterward, visitors can stroll through Coyoacán’s cobblestone streets, visit its artisan markets, and enjoy traditional Mexican hot chocolate and churros.

Xochimilco: Floating Gardens and Mariachi Boats

For a lively and authentic experience, head to Xochimilco, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its colorful trajineras (flat-bottomed boats) that glide along ancient Aztec canals. Groups can rent boats for around MXN 500–700 per hour (USD 30–40), often including onboard mariachi performances, snacks, and drinks.

Weekends are especially vibrant, as locals celebrate birthdays and gatherings here. The floating gardens, known as chinampas, offer a glimpse into ancient agricultural techniques that date back centuries. Xochimilco is about 40 minutes by car from the city center.

The Historic Center and Zócalo

The Centro Histórico, or historic center, is the beating heart of Mexico City. The Zócalo (main square) is one of the largest in the world and is surrounded by architectural icons like the Metropolitan Cathedral and National Palace, which features Diego Rivera’s monumental murals depicting Mexico’s history.

The area’s colonial buildings, museums, and artisan shops make it ideal for walking tours. Don’t miss the Templo Mayor archaeological site, an ancient Aztec temple located just off the main square, open Tuesday to Sunday (MXN 90 entry).

Mexican Cuisine: From Street Eats to Fine Dining

Food is the soul of Mexico City. On nearly every corner, you’ll find delicious tacos al pastor, tamales, elotes (grilled corn), and churros. For an elevated culinary experience, restaurants like Pujol and Quintonil — both consistently ranked among the World’s 50 Best Restaurants — redefine modern Mexican cuisine through locally sourced ingredients and creative plating.

Casual dining options abound, too. The Mercado de San Juan and La Merced Market offer traditional snacks, fresh produce, and exotic foods, making them perfect for culinary exploration.

Festivals and Cultural Experiences

Mexico City is known for its festivals that celebrate life, art, and identity. The most famous is Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), celebrated from October 31 to November 2, when the city fills with altars, marigolds, and paradeshonoring loved ones who have passed. The Mega Desfile de Día de Muertos (Grand Parade) along Paseo de la Reforma draws thousands of participants each year.

Year-round, cultural performances fill the city’s theaters and plazas — from traditional ballet folklórico shows at the Palacio de Bellas Artes to live music in Alameda Central Park.

Murals and Street Art: The Soul of the City

Art in Mexico City spills beyond museum walls. Streets and public buildings are adorned with murals by Diego Rivera, David Alfaro Siqueiros, and José Clemente Orozco — artists whose works tell stories of revolution, resilience, and identity. For a deeper dive, visitors can take guided mural tours starting around MXN 400 (USD 25) per person.

In neighborhoods like Roma, Condesa, and Juárez, contemporary street art thrives, turning walls into vibrant canvases that reflect modern urban culture.

Summary

• National Museum of Anthropology: Entry MXN 95, open Tue–Sun 9 AM–8 PM.

• Frida Kahlo Museum (Casa Azul): Entry MXN 250, open Tue–Sun 10 AM–6 PM, located in Coyoacán.

• Xochimilco boat rides: MXN 500–700/hour, with mariachi and street food.

• Historic Center (Zócalo): Includes Cathedral, National Palace (with Diego Rivera murals), and Templo Mayor (MXN 90 entry).

• Pujol and Quintonil rank among the world’s top restaurants.

• Día de los Muertos and the Grand Parade remain signature cultural events.

Additional Updated Information

In 2025, Mexico City continues to expand its public transportation, making it easier for visitors to navigate via Metro, Metrobus, and Ecobici bike rentals. Safety measures in tourist areas have improved, with enhanced lighting and local guides in major zones.

A Turibus hop-on-hop-off pass (MXN 250/day) is a convenient way to visit top attractions. New initiatives also focus on sustainability, including eco-friendly tours of Xochimilco’s chinampas and solar-powered boats.

For the best weather, plan your trip between November and April, when skies are clear and temperatures hover around 20–26°C (68–79°F).

What are the top attractions in Mexico City?

Top attractions include the National Museum of Anthropology, Frida Kahlo Museum, and the historic Zócalo area, each offering unique insights into Mexico’s culture and history.

When is the best time to visit Mexico City?

While Mexico City is a year-round destination, the best time to visit is during the dry season from November to April, when the weather is pleasant and ideal for exploring.

What cultural festivals should I experience in Mexico City?

Día de los Muertos is a standout festival celebrated in early November, offering a vibrant and profound look into Mexican traditions regarding life and death.

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No matter where you are, you can always find something unique and memorable to do or see for absolutely no money. This is particularly true when it comes to Berlin, where you don’t even have to search for fun and free activities – they come to you themselves. Anyway, here are a few ways to enjoy Berlin without spending a penny.

Visit Viktoriapark

Crowning the neighborhood of Kreuzberg, this hilltop park is great for a lunchtime picnic accompanied by a view over the city. As well as relaxing or playing sports amid the greenery, you can also enjoy some curious sculptures and an artificial waterfall in summer.

At the top of Viktoriapark – tian2992/Flickr

Visit the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe

Just south of the Brandenburg Gate are the 2,711 concrete slabs that make up the Holocaust Memorial, which – with its grey color and grid-like but undulating layout – brings a strange feeling of loneliness and disorientation. The haunting experience of walking through this quite abstract and unusual memorial leaves space for you to reflect on the unimaginable horror of the Holocaust. That’s why it’s one of the most important places to visit if you want to really understand Berlin.

The memorial at night – Wikipedia

Visit a flea market

Suggesting shopping as a ‘free thing to do’ is an absurdity, I know. That said, browsing is always free. The biggest appeal of Berlin’s flea markets is their atmosphere, with all kinds of arts and crafts that you can admire without buying. While you’re browsing, you’ll almost certainly see some weird and wacky things you never even knew existed. Some of the best places to do this include the flea market at Bode Museum (every Saturday and Sunday from 11 am to 5 pm), where you can find a great selection of antique books; Antikmarkt (Sunday – 8 am-4 pm), with lots of jewelry, art, and vinyl; and Mauerpark, where every Sunday you can also take part in the famous karaoke in the arena.

Discover the street art

If there is one city in the world where discovering the street art should be a priority, it’s Berlin. Eye-catching graffiti pops up everywhere; thought-provoking pieces by some of the world’s most famous street artists lurk around every corner, especially in the trendy neighborhood of Kreuzberg. And then, of course, there’s the East Side Gallery: the longest open-air gallery in the world, painted on remnants of the Berlin Wall.

“Pneumohumanoides” by Jens-Helge Dahmen on the East Side Gallery – Andy Hay/Flickr

Visit the dome of the Reichstag building

Book in advance and get a good view of the city from the rooftop terrace and the glass dome of the Bundestag. The building is open every day from 8 am until midnight, and groups of visitors are admitted every 15 minutes – the last session beginning at 9.45 pm. Your admission includes an audio guide, so you can enjoy some history to accompany the great views.

Inside the dome – Susanne Nilsson/Flickr

Get active at Tempelhof

What was once an iconic pre-war airport is now one of the biggest urban parks in Berlin; a historic site where you can go biking, walking, skateboarding or practice any other type of sport. Alternatively, if you feel like just lazying around, find a spot on the grass and enjoy some German beer and bratwurst. It’s not uncommon, especially in the summer, for Templehof to host an array of concurrent events. Regardless of what’s on, you owe it to yourself to visit this unusual park. After all, it’s not often you get the chance to walk down an airport runway, is it?

Nothing beats the sight of an abandoned airport – K.H.Reichert/Flickr

Visit the Museum of Unheard of Things

The oddest objects – and the even odder stories behind them – turn this tiny museum into an hour-long escape from reality, where you’ll be immersed in a world of wild imagination conceived by its creator: artist Roland Albrecht. All of these objects – small or large, everyday or special – have their own personality and make this museum a one-of-a-kind experience. Opening hours, tickets and other information about the Museum of Unheard Things here.

Pinning this post doesn’t cost a penny either, so you might as well just do it now. Who knows when you’ll find yourself in the center of Berlin with no money? 

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The Eiffel Tower is on the ‘must-see’ list for almost all travelers. But if you can’t make it to Paris to see the real thing, why not check out the 3.2 mm (0.123 inch) high Eiffel Tower replica made of cherry stone in Prague’s Museum of Miniatures?

What it’s all about

The museum includes 29 exhibits, most of them created by Anatoly Konenko. They are painted on or carved into the smallest objects possible – the eye of a needle, a strand of hair or a mosquito’s wing – and can be seen only with magnifying glasses or microscopes, which of course the museum provides.

The story of the flea with the golden shoes

One of the museum’s most interesting exhibits is a flea that, thanks to Konenko’s craftsmanship, is now equipped with horseshoes. Surprisingly, shoeing fleas has actually been a common achievement among micro miniaturists, especially those from the former Soviet bloc. Тhe reason for this fascination is as intriguing as the works themselves.

It all started with a novel written by Russian author Nikolai Leskov, in which a Russian tsar visits England and receives as a gift a tiny steel flea that can dance. Upon the tsar’s return to Russia he searches for a way to outdo the English, a problem solved by a left-handed craftsman who presents a flea with horseshoes, on which the craftsman’s own name is inscribed. Although the novel was written in 1881, around 100 years before micro-miniature art gained popularity as a genre, the tale of the flea has become so embedded in the Russian psyche that it remains relevant today.

Other exhibits to see at the museum

One of the most curious works in the museum is the world’s smallest book, as certified by the Guinness Book of World Records. The book in question is ‘The Chameleon’ by Russian writer Anton Chekhov, measuring just 0.9 x 0.9 mm (0.04 x 0.04 inches) and consisting of 30 pages and three illustrations. The museum contains another piece of art dedicated to Chekhov: his portrait painted on half a poppy seed.

You can also grab a microscope and examine miniature copies of masterpieces by legends like Salvador Dali and Leonardo da Vinci, hand-painted on tiny fragments of mammoth bone.

Other artworks include a caravan of camels in an eye of a needle, the Lord’s Prayer on human hairs and a sailboat on a mosquito’s wing.

Useful information

The museum is open every day from 9 am to 5 pm. Its address is Strahovské Nádvoří 11, Prague 1 – near the Strahov Monastery. To get there from the city center, take tram 22 to Pohorelec station. Tickets cost CZK 150 for adults and CZK 100 for students and children. More information here.

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Old City of Dubrovnik – The Old City is a place you want to get lost in. Numerous narrow streets, small and big squares, marble alleys, churches, beautiful buildings with preserved authentic architecture and stairs leading to the stone walls of the city where the sea welcomes you with its entire expanse. And thousands of boats along the shore, waiting to take you on an unforgettable journey.

Stradun Street (Placa) is the heart of Dubrovnik. This is the main street of the city, full of entertainment, events and catering establishments and shops. The buildings have identical architecture, built of stone and levelled. Each new building in the region should meet the set requirements so as to preserve the stylish look of the environment. Only the Clock Tower, located in the end of the street, dominates over the others with its 31 m height, being one of the symbols of the city.

Big Onofrio Fountain (Velika Onofrijeva Fontana) has 16 sides, each of them having an original mask, the mouth of which is a tap pouring drinking water. This is a perfect place to refresh yourself on a hot day. The fountain was built in the XV century by Italian architect Onofrio della Cava, who built the water supply system of the city. It is located close to the Pile Gate.

The City Walls of Dubrovnik – the entire city is surrounded by defensive stone walls, some 2 km in diameter. There are 12 forts, 15 bastions and 4 round and corner towers. Fort Bokar was built to protect the Gate Pile. Nowadays it hosts some of the events within the Summer Festival held in the city. The walls were constructed in the Middle Ages – XIII-XIV, to protect the city from attacks. While taking a walk in their unique atmosphere, you will also enjoy an incredible view to the shore and the seaport.

Sponza Palace was built in the XVI century when it served as a customs building, monitoring the trade of goods. Its architecture combines Renaissance and Gothic styles. The first school in Dubrovnik was sheltered here, too, as well as the bank and the armoury. Nowadays it stores the state archives and many historical manuscripts.

The Rector’s Palace (Knežev dvor) was built in the XIV century as the official headquarters of the ruling republic. It is located on Stradun Street and its architecture combines Gothic and Baroque styles. It shelters the Cultural Historical Museum. Here you can see a rich collections of paintings, icons, ceramics, retro furniture, textile, glass and metal pieces of art, as well as many photos.

The Dominican Monastery (Dominikanski samostan) is situated in the northern part of the Old City of Dubrovnik. It is built in a Gothic and Renaissance style. It shelters works of art by Italian and Croatian artists, while the monastery’s garden houses a well from the XIV century, which is still active.

Franciscan Monastery – the Franciscan Church and Monastery complex (Franjevački samostan) is comprised of a monastery, clock tower, XV century well, Baroque church, pharmacy store from the XIV century – the third-oldest in the world, which continues functioning until nowadays, as well as one of the biggest libraries in Croatia with more than 20,000 books, 1,200 of which are old text and musical manuscripts. Generally, there is much to be seen here and there is no risk of getting bored at all.

Fort Lovrijenac is located in the western part of the city, outside the Walls of Dubrovnik, on a 36 m high steep rock that sticks out into the sea. According to legends, the fort was built in only three months to stop the Venetians from constructing their own fort at the same place. Nowadays, it is a scene for many Shakespeare plays performed during the Summer Festival.

Minceta Fortress is the major stronghold of the Old City, placed right between its two gates. It dates back to the XIV century and was reconstructed in the XV century. It is the highest point in the Old City of Dubrovnik and one of the symbols of the city.

St Blaise’s Church (Crkva Sv. Vlaha) was built in 1716. A curious fact is that the previous temple situated at this place survived a powerful earthquake back in 1667 but few decades later (1706) it burnt down to the ground. Venetian Marino Gropelli is the architect of the church. There is a gold-plated statue of St Blaise at the main altar, made by local artists in the XV century. In one of his hands the Saint holds a scale model of Dubrovnik the way the city looked before the 1667 earthquake. St Blaise (Sveti Vlaho in Croatian) is the patron saint of the city of Dubrovnik and there are celebrations honouring the saint organised every year.

Lokrum Island is situated half a kilometre away from the coastline of Dubrovnik and its green hills can be seen from afar. There is a botanical garden with plants from all over the world on the island. Your memories from this place will be sweet with eucalyptus. The island is around 100 m above sea level. There is an old French stronghold atop of the hill. The way up to it is very exhausting but the nice view to the shores of Dubrovnik seen through the green trees is worth it.

The Elaphiti Islands (Elafitski otoci) is a small archipelago with a dry and warm climate, long summer and very short winter. A perfect place to lie under the shadow of the palm trees with a cocktail in your hand. The Elaphiti Islands include the islands of Sipan, Lopud, Kolocep, Daksa, Ruda, Misnjak, Jakljan, Kosmec, Golec, Crkvina, Tajan and Olipa. Sometimes Lokrim is considered part of the Elafits, too. Here you can also find dense forests and spacious beaches. You can reach the island by ferryboat from Dubrovnik, running at regular intervals few times a day.

With a cable car to Srd Mountain – Please yourself with this unforgettable experience – take a ride to the Srd Mountain with a cable car. The top of the mountain offers a beautiful view to the shore. You can reach Srd Mountain by bike, too, riding amidst the rich mountain greenery.

A boat trip – After a long day of strolling down the streets, a boat trip will have a very relaxing effect. You will enjoy the shores of Dubrovnik from the sea and pass by some of the beaches. You may take a boat from the old port and reach the new one, or the other way round, or you may sail to one of the nearby islands. One of the best ways to enjoy your boat trip is by traveling in super luxury yachts and discover the magnificent waters of Dubrovnik. Feel the sea breeze into your hair. Full steam ahead!

Dubrovnik Summer Festival – every year the city turns into a big scene from the start of July until mid-August. Dances, music, opera, ballet, theatre – every single day. The citizens of Dubrovnik never give up and even when there are no available places they enjoy the shows from the windows of their homes. Everyone is invited, feel welcomed to the festival!

Beaches of Dubrovnik – there are both central and numerous hidden beaches where you can find peace and privacy. Most of the beaches in Dubrovnik are rocky. Babin Kuk beach is the most popular one and if you want to visit it, you should go there early in the morning because later on it will be impossible to find a place. There are several smaller, picturesque beaches in the Old City but they are hardly accessible. The Plat beach is located few kilometres away from the city, it is rocky, wide enough and not too crowded.

Have some seafood – squids, clams, white fish, crabs, cuttlefish, octopus, shrimps, whatever you order, it will be the right choice because Croatia is famous for its tasty, mouth-watering seafood, while the locals do their best to provide fresh products every day. Don t forget a glass of nice wine. Cheers! Or Živjeli! in Croatian.

Try orahnjaca – a traditional Croatian sweet dish with walnuts, a perfect end to the delicious lunch or dinner. Bon appetit!

Shops in Dubrovnik – the streets in Dubrovnik are full of stands selling souvenirs, spices, lace, tea, textile, jewellery, and everything you can imagine. The fashion stores for clothes, shoes and accessories are found in the Old City, as well as on Stradun Street. DOC Kerum, on the other hand, is the biggest trade centre in Dubrovnik where you can buy everything, including home appliances and furniture.

Night life in Dubrovnik – Latino and jazz clubs, discotheques with electronic music, cocktail bars with live music, Irish pubs – whatever you like. There are many entertainment establishments in the Old City, too, as well as on Stradun Street and along the beaches.

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Here are mine:

Krakow is full of history

The city dates back to 7^th century and was the capital of Poland during the country’s greatest era. Even if you come here knowing nothing about Polish history, you can get a pretty good understanding of it after visiting the must-sees, like Wawel Castle, St. Mary’s Basilica and Rynek Underground.

Centuries went by after those glorious times, and nearly 80 years ago Krakow met its worst moments in the face of the five-year Nazi occupation. It was in those dark days when the well-known heroics of Oscar Schindler came to the fore. The German industrialist managed to save thousands of Jews from Krakow by employing them in his enamel factory, which has been turned into museum and is now open to visitors. Schindler’s story inspired the 1982 prize-winning novel Schindler’s Ark, on which the highly successful movie Schindler’s List was later based.

You can literally spend an entire day (and night) jumping from one café to another without getting bored

… because they are all trendy, vibrant and full of everything you could want from a café. A morning apple pie and a cup of tea on an old school desk looking out over a small cobbled street in Nowa Provincja café makes for a nice start to the day.

I have to open brackets here to explain why you should drink tea instead of coffee. It’s because this is how most Poles choose to start their day and, of course, you want your Krakow experience to be as local as possible. Seriously, they drink a lot of tea – in the morning, before meals, after meals, before beer, after beer and pretty much all day round, or at least until it is acceptable to drink the country’s other best-loved drink: wodka.

If you want to get stuck into the wodka, Krakow offers you a lot of options to choose from – Pijalnia Wódki i Piwa, Tram Bar and Forum Przestrzenie, just to name a few. And just because you need to put some food in your body, as well, you might want to stop by Dynia Resto Bar, whose name translates as “Pumpkin”. When you visit this pumpkin-themed restaurant, prepare to be blown away by the number of meals that can be made from the starchy orange vegetable and how delicious they can actually be. As a bonus, you’ll enjoy the cool setting and the chill atmosphere, especially in the summer garden. (No, it is not the garden they grow the pumpkins in, if you are wondering).

Perhaps you’d prefer some street food from Judah Square Food Truck Park. Don’t let the label “street food” fool you – a great variety of food can be found here and you can actually spend about half an hour making the agonizing decision between your love of sushi and your lust for burgers. (Pro tip: Life is short, get them both).

Pijalnia Wódki i Piwa

It is a city of youth with a great night life

… or “The Fountain of Youth” as I overheard one visibly 50-something lady in the aforementioned café name it, because all the 20-something backpackers, as well as local college students, made her remember her younger days and inspired her to bring more energy to her life now. Shout-out to you, unknown German lady, for not complaining about the loud, drunk crowds filling the streets of Krakow after dark, because the city’s nightlife can get pretty wild even for a 20-year-old. Fortunately, those same young people fill the daytime streets as well – this time acceptably sober – and create the energetic, youthful vibe of the city.

You can see a murder weapon hanging from the ceiling of a historic building in the center of the city

In the center of the Cloth Hall you can see an iron knife hanging from the ceiling. To explain what it’s doing there I have to first tell you the legend of how St Mary’s Church was built. In 13^th century, two brothers were hired to build the two towers of the church. The younger one saw that his brother was doing better and his tower was getting taller. (You can notice nowadays that one of the towers is taller than the other). Envy took over him – he killed his brother, and later killed himself, with the same knife that now dangles on a chain over the thousands of tourists who visit the hall every day. 

It can be the starting point for a lot of amazing day trips

• Some 60 kilometers (37 miles) from Krakow is the most famous Nazi death camp: Auschwitz. Though “an amazing day trip” is surely the last thing you will want to call the experience of walking through the camp, it is one of those places that everyone should visit once, so that humanity might remember never to make the same mistakes again.
• About 14 kilometers (8 miles) southeast of Krakow you’ll find the salty underground world of Wieliczka Salt Mine, where you’ll be happy to trade the light of the surface world for some time in an amazing realm some 300 meters underground. The mine’s salt has some health-giving properties, while the cavern’s beauty is out of this world, with rock-salt chapels, sculptures and chandeliers that are truly spectacular to behold. You might be surprised to know that, over the years, bungee jumpers, windsurfers and dancers have performed their craft in Wieliczka Salt Mine.

Fun fact: the was one of the first 12 sites to be added to UNESCO’s World Cultural and Natural Heritage Lists in 1978.

• Zakopane – Poland’s winter capital – which also happens to be great during summer – is 84 kilometers (52 miles) away from Krakow in the Tatra Mountains. During the summer months, skiing and snowboarding can be substituted for cycling and quad-bike-riding, hiking and horse-riding. Those with a taste for architecture will appreciate the city’s distinct aesthetic, known as Zakopane or Witkiewicz style.

Pin it for later and remind yourself why you should plan your next trip to Krakow:

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The peso used by the tourists is 24 times more expensive than the other. The foreigners are paying for the Cuban revolution, so to say.

The building of the museum is situated in the central part of Havana and dates back to 1913.

Initially, it was designed as a Presidential Palace. After 1959, the “noxious capitalistic” residence was turned into the Museum of the Revolution of Cuba.

The inside yard of the museum is cleaned once in a few hours by several really browned-off cleaning ladies. If you dare to step on the newly-cleaned and still wet floor, you risk being killed by a glance.

The Revolution Museum in Havana, Cuba | © Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

Apart from telling the story of the Cuban revolution the museum is also rich in exhibits of sentimental character. Such as the key to Fidel Castro’s cell. One of the two shoes worn by Che Guevara while crossing the jungle. Fidel Castro’s bowl. And stuff like that.

Fidel and Che are looking at you from all sides.

Che and Castro in Havana’s Revolution Museum | © Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

And yet, this place has not been saved from the destruction. The plaster on all walls in Cuba is peeling off, including at the museum designed to show how great the Revolution is.

In the spirit of the wax museums, Che and Fidel seem more real than ever, to the joy of the tourists, who can take a photo with them.

The inevitable touch of mockery of the West…

The Revolution Museum in Havana | © Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

And some more interesting exhibits.

In fact, the museum will hardly surprise you with anything. Getting introduced to the story of the Cuban Revolution though is worth it, so as to get back on the streets of Havana again and face its realities.

The museum is open every day from 9:30 am to 4 pm.

>>> Read more about Havana.

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A 16th century fanny pack with 18 secret pockets. Bridal purse from the 18th century composed of glass beads, each the size of a sand grain. A Versace purse Madonna wore. A muffin-shaped bag covered in shiny rhinestones.

These are just a few of the heaps of designer bags and famous purses that await in the largest museum exhibition, dedicated to women’s vanity and style – the Tassen Museum of Bags and Purses in Amsterdam.

Awarded the title of one of the 10 Best Fashion Museums in the World, this is the best place in the world to make yourself familiar with the history of handbags.

The collection includes over 5000 women’s handbags. As you go through the exhibition, you will track the evolution of Western women’s favorite accessory – from 1600 AD, to contemporary shapes, colors, and icons. The phone accessories is too important for women.

Housed in a historically significant building, the museum is located at the very shore of a canal, in a home that used to belong to the 1664 mayor of Amsterdam, part of the UNESCO World heritage Canal Ring Area. Ceiling murals and elaborate fireplaces, from the 17th and 18th centuries decorate the house.

Useful information: The museum is open every day, from 10:00 AM until 5:00 PM. Ticket: 12,50 euro. You can find more information here.

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There’s nothing better than the bad weather. Don’t get us wrong, we love summery weather and sunshine, but when it’s wet outside we also appreciate the chance to slow down for a moment and just relax… or not.

There are a bunch of things you can do at home: catch up on sleep, snuggle up with a good book and a cup of hot cocoa, organize the photos from your last trip, have a hot bath, share an intimate moment with your partner, or simply do nothing (like the Italians do). As explorers with itchy feet, we know that this last suggestion is by far the most difficult challenge for active people. But if you are swamped with studies and can’t really enjoy the bad weather, you can always use help by simply typing do my research paper into the search engine line, thus freeing up your free time.

If you can’t keep still, but the weather outside is frightful, here’s what you can do.

20 ideas with friends

1. Go to a museum or an art gallery

Bet you haven’t seen all of them, have you? And it doesn’t rain inside (unless there’s a leak). Plus, visiting galleries has reached whole new levels with this app that lets you scan the painting and then tells you its story. 

2. Visit a cave

Exploring caves is a great way to enjoy nature, even in bad weather. It doesn’t rain there either.

3. Go on a spontaneous road trip or catch a train

Pack a light lunch or snacks and admire the scenery out the rain-streaked window.

4. Plan a trip

Can’t go right away? Then start planning your next escape! Write down a list of dream destinations and begin your research from the comfort of your own home.

5. Create a road trip playlist

Add an extra harmonic to your next journey with a custom playlist. Get together with some friends to brainstorm a list of great driving songs to play along the way. It’s been proven that starting the trip with the same song every day is the best way to create lasting memories.

6. Unwind at a hot spring or spa

Treat yourself with a sauna session or a relaxing massage. Because why not?

7. Find the best brunch spot in town

Enjoy food, drinks and long afternoons? Then visit your favorite cafe and try something new on the menu.

8. Bake some goodies

You might suck at baking, but your friends probably don’t. Put yourself in charge of the wine while they sweat away in the kitchen.

9. Invite your friends over and cook a themed dinner

You brought home some interesting recipes from your last trip? And your best friend is a master cocktail-maker? Looks like you have the perfect ingredients for a night of food from whichever country you choose.

10. Have a movie marathon

Popcorn, beer, Lord of the Rings, Game of Thrones, Star Wars… The perfect companion for such an occasion is a hooded blanket like this one https://nygex.ie/p/warm-hooded-blanket/. Imagine sinking into the embrace of this plush blanket, while you embark on a cinematic journey. This  warm hooded blanket becomes an indispensable part of your movie evening, warding off the chill and inviting a sense of unparalleled comfort. So, as you gather your loved ones and prepare for a movie marathon, make sure you’re armed with the most essential of accessorize, and let the cinematic journey begin! What are you waiting for?”

11. Throw a pajama party

Your dinner party or movie marathon can turn into a PJ party or a sleepover. Keep the fun going!

When you want to throw a great slumber party in your home, try a custom neon signs in your home that not only serves as the perfect ambient light for the party to get your friends who are visiting your home into the mood, but after the party is over, it will also serve as a beautiful piece of home décor for your beautiful home, and you can just turn it on when your heart is in the right place to dance or have a drink.

12. Organize a games night

Make use of your long-forgotten stash of board games, or search online for new games you can download and print. If you feel creative, you can even make a game yourself. Some popular games to play with friends on a rainy day include Solitaire, jigsaw puzzles, and Hearts, all of which can be played online or in person.

13. Go to the nearest bookstore or cafe library with friends

You can enjoy a cup of coffee in the company of good friends and good books, and even leave cryptic notes inside your favorite ones (the books, not the friends).

Need a hint about a new travel book to feed your wanderlust? Check our latest favorite travel books (reviews, excerpts and interviews with authors).

14. Break out of an escape room

Escape rooms are becoming more popular by the minute. You’ll definitely have an awesome time (unless you fail and get trapped for all eternity).

15. Film a short movie with all your friends

This is your opportunity to get deep and arty. Ask your friends some fundamental life questions and film their responses.

16. Volunteer for a good cause

You can spread some sunshine on a rainy day by visiting an animal shelter or an aged-care home with a group of friends. For the latter, bring along some flowers, baked goods or sweets.

17. Do something extreme

There are a number of high-octane activities you can enjoy indoors, including rock climbing, ice skating, paintball, go karting or even ‘air yoga’.

18. Learn something new

Cooking classes or pottery lessons make for a cozy escape from the wintry weather outside.

19. Go for a walk and jump in the puddles

You’ll need good rubber boots, a raincoat and a child-like sense of fun.

20. Take pictures

Seriously, terrible weather makes for some great photo opportunities!

In Scandinavia they have words to describe the joy of bad weather

In Sweden they call it mysigt, in Norway it’s koselig, and the Danes call it hyggelig. Literally these words mean ‘cozy’, but actually the point is to dedicate time to enjoying yourself with good food, good company and good times.

And if you love being outside, just remember:

“There’s no such a thing as bad weather… just inappropriate clothing!“

>>> Read more: Oh, no! It’s raining on my birthday! What should I do?

Pin it for later because in everybody’s life there comes a rainy day and then you will wish to have this:

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The idea

285 million people worldwide are visually impaired. The idea behind this exhibition is for the seeing world to understand what it feels like to be one of them, to experience life without the sense that provides us most information – the sight. Overcoming the obstacles blind people face in everyday life people learn how they can be helpful and more understanding towards them.

The invisible part of the exhibition

The guides in the exhibition are blind or partially sighted. Your eyes are useless while they walk you in complete darkness through 6 differently furnished rooms. By touch, sounds and sense you identify the objects around you and the situations you are in. You learn how they get through everyday situations like crossing the road or paying for a cup of coffee.

The visible part of the exhibition

In the visible part of the exhibition you see the objects visually impaired people use like a talking clock or pen. You can also learn more about the Braille Alphabet and write your name with a Braille typewriter.

A good example

Stockholm is a city that provides a lot of help to its blind citizens. They have pedestrian signals when crossing the street, house a braille library as a part of The Swedish Association of the Visually Impaired, and don’t separate the blind from the sighted students in school. This city’s overall positive example for proper attitude towards the visually impaired, as well as visiting the Invisible Exhibition in particular, can be a great empathy lesson for you and for your kids (they have to be at least 7 to visit the exhibition).

Useful information

The address of the museum is  Tullvaktsvägen 2, 115 56 Stockholm. It is open Monday through Sunday from 11 till 20 o’clock. Groups of 8 people start every 15 minutes. The last one is at 18:45. You can make your reservation online or via phone at least a day before the arrival. You have to be there 15 minutes before your reservation time.

Other cities where Invisible Exhibitions can be found are Budapest, Prague and Warsaw.

The post Invisible Exhibition Stockholm: Can an hour of blindness open your eyes? appeared first on 203Challenges.

Why do I say “unique”?

The village of Giethoorn is located in the province of Overijssel, in the municipality of Steenwijkerland (I know, I can’t pronounce those either). But those tongue-twisting names don’t make it unique – the fact that there are practically no roads and people use boats as their main means of transport, on the other hand, does.

That is also the reason why it is often called “Venice of the Netherlands”, with the difference that instead of Venetian Gothic buildings, you can enjoy views of thatch-roofed farm houses and over 180 rustic wooden bridges – sounds a bit like a fairy tale, doesn’t it?

Dinghy, canoe or punt boat?

It is possible to rent the kind of boat that most appeals to you, with day rates around 30-50€.

And if you don’t feel comfortable grabbing the paddles with your own hands, you can always join a guided boat tour for less than 10€.

Another option to help you sail your way around the canals is to rent an inflatable ball, allowing you to ‘walk on water’ – though it is not exactly sailing, it sure is a fun way to get around.

Enough with the water, but not enough with Giethoorn

Though boating is the main tourist attraction in the town, it is not the only way to spend some quality time.

Bearing in mind that this is, after all, a Dutch town, you can be sure that the bike scene won’t disappoint you. There are, of course, many opportunities to rent a bike or join a bike tour to explore the town and the picturesque Dutch countryside.

And if you prefer good old walking, set out on the 15-km Giethoorn Walking Route, which will lead you to another nearby water village – Dwarsgracht.

You can also easily reach several museums, including “ ‘t Olde Maat Uus”, which is actually a typical farm where you can see how life in Giethoorn has changed over the past 100 years. There’s also the stone and minerals museum called “The old Earth”, and “The Histomobil”, which displays a great collection of old cars and motorcycles.

And if you believe that trying the local food is a must for every trip, worry not – there are more than enough restaurants here. You can sample a dish that is even harder to pronounce than the name of a Dutch city!

Interesting facts:

• When the first inhabitants of the town first arrived, they found thousands of horns of wild goats who had died in a flood. That is the story of  how the town got its name, which literally translates as “goat horn”.
• The town was the set of a famous 1958 Dutch comedy: Fanfare. Watch the black-and-white movie masterpiece for some more Dutch vibes.

 Not so interesting, but helpful facts:

• To get to Giethoorn from Amsterdam by train takes about 2 hours. From Amsterdam Central Station you take the train to Steenwijk station (the fare costs about 20€). From Steenwik station take bus 70 to the center of Giethoorn (there are buses every hour from 6.25 to 18.25 Monday-Friday; from 8.51 to 18.51 on Saturday and from 9.26 to 18.26 on Sunday).
• You can check the train timetables on this site.
• You can find an organized day trip from Amsterdam for about 100€.
• Arrive as early as possible, especially during the high season, to be sure that you can find a free boat to rent.

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