By Theadora Brack in Paris— Trekking to Paris? Interested in the arts? Don’t forget the smaller museums, galleries and institutions. While running the streets in the city, I’ve spied a few recent trends. A great deal of the town halls (“mairies”) in the various arrondissements are sponsoring many of the coolest shows. And they’re usually » Read more

By Theadora Brack— I’ve decided to kick-off the grand New Year with another shot of what’s red-hot and what’s not in Paris. I’ll also include a few cool tips. So grab a chair and a spiked cuppa because it’s about to get real in the City of Light! 1. Je ne regrette rien—NOT. Dear Musée » Read more

By Bryan Pirolli in Paris— After days exploring the halls of Paris’ biggest and – let’s face it – most exhausting museums, every visitor to the city needs a break. For an inexpensive respite, you can always head to a café or sit in a park. But why not step into one of Paris’s newest » Read more

Brussels is a class above so many other European cities. While spots from Strasbourg to Stuttgart clutter their main squares with standard-issue Christmas markets, Brussels takes an altogether more sensible approach to Advent. Top-of-the-range stables The magnificent Grand Place, the showpiece piazza in the heart of the Belgian capital, hosts a dramatic seasonal centerpiece: a » Read more

From Theadora Brack in Paris— Trekking to Paris during the months of November and December? If so, don’t miss the lights and “Vitrines de Noël” (holiday windows) on the hustling, bustling Boulevard Haussmann. The festive, gussied-up stroll both soothes and re-energizes my spirits every time. Yes, the lights are much brighter there! This year, however, » Read more

Sofia boasts an oddball mix of museums and galleries. Probably not a lot of Cheapos would normally add the National Museum of Military History (92 Cherkovna str.) to their list of “must-see” sights in the Bulgarian capital. The Web site is not calculated to wow the casual surfer, but it does have some splendid promotional » Read more

By Spencer Spellman in San Francisco— It’s no surprise that many of San Francisco’s best attractions are outdoors. The bay area is home to some of America’s most notable landmarks, including the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and Golden Gate Park. However, there are some moments that just call for a museum day. Whether you just » Read more

By Audrey Sykes in Amsterdam— The Netherlands has over 400 museums – a hefty load of culture to pack into one tiny country. Locals know that museum passes are the way to go in Amsterdam, but the city offers two competing passes. Which is the best buy for you? It depends upon your length of » Read more

By C H Kwak in Berlin— I love Berlin for all its obscure corners and strange places. And some of the best “hidden” spots are actually out in the open, right on the beaten path. As my time in Berlin comes to a close, allow me to share some of my favorite urban oases. 1. » Read more