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Everyone needs a plan to roll out and get some fresh air after the pandemic. While we all have big plans to resume our travel plans, we need to be sure that we adhere to health safety protocols. Starting July 1, Spain reopens its Portugal land borders, completing the country’s reopening transition. Spain has eased travel restrictions since June 21 when the Spanish borders reopen to EU and UK tourists without quarantine. Famous for its matador show, Spain continuously attracts tourists for its historical monuments, beautiful architecture and vibrant culture. That includes the history of Islamic civilisation in Spain. Spain is a huge country with so much to experience and explore. So get off your couch and start putting together your dream itinerary to discover the beauty of Spain with your family. But first, apart from coffee ☕️, take a look at the 9 best holiday spots in Spain! via GIPHY 1. Retiro Park, Madrid | The City’s Green Lungs Image Credit: Illán Riestra Nava on Unsplash Comprising of interesting monuments, fabulous sculptures, and gardens, kick start your day at Retiro Park by doing some fun activities like working out at La Chopera Municipal Sports Center, stroll around the park and discover the history behind the admirable Jacinto Benavebte Statue, La Casita del Pescador, El Paseo de las Estatuas, and The Royal Observatory of Madrid or you can simply lay a mat in the park and people watch while enjoying your brunch! This well-preserved park is home to a beautiful lake where you can rent a rowing boat. Be sure to spot the gorgeous Alfonso Martinez Monument while you’re at it! Near the rose garden you will discover the Statue of The Fallen Angel, 666 meters above sea level, symbolising the devil. The fountain is surrounded by devil-like creatures, spouting water from its mouths. For art lovers, you must have a look at Velázquez Palace and The Crystal Palace that hosts a contemporary art exhibition, monographic art exhibitions of different artists from 1900, and enjoy its remarkable interior! 2. Tibidabo Amusement Park Image Credit: Tomáš Nožina on Unsplash Challenge yourself to attempt some attractions in Tibidabo Amusement Park! With more than 30 attractions for all ages, the Tibidabo Amusement Park is one of the longest-running amusement parks in the world with some unique vintage attractions and breathtaking views in Spain! Don’t miss out on the park’s most famous ride – Avió. Feel yourself ‘fly’ in the air in an aircraft replica! Next, get on the ride on Muntaya Russa, bringing you more than 500m above sea-level and the best view of Barcelona from above. Also Read: 11 Must-Visit Islamic Historical Sites In Spain 3. Sacramonte Caves Museum, Granada Image Credit: Victoriano Izquierdo on Unsplash I would say it is a quiet holiday destination in Spain. Step back to the old times in this fascinating museum located inside of caves is the real authentic deal! This is where you explore the diverse geography within the region. Inside the museum, you will see how traditional handicrafts were made, a representative of the Gypsies lifestyle in the past. While you’re outside, admire sensational views of Alhambra along the sides, the white slopes of the Albacyn, and the River Darro. We’d recommend staying a night or two at the Gypsies and take your time taking in the view and experience the Flamenco Show. 4. Mezqueta Catedral de Cordoba Image Credit: Florian David on Unsplash The astonishing building of Andalusia city is transformed into the cathedral of Mezquita. Located in the Southeast part of Madrid, the dashing Cordoba mosque stands at the foot of Siera de Montana hill. The Cordoba mosque had witnessed the heroic moment of Islamic civilization in Spanish land. The mosque was once a cathedral called Visigoth St. Vincent and changed into mosque under Abd Ar-Rahman tenure in 784. Then, It was changed again into a cathedral during the 16th century of the Christian army's conquest. The center of the mosque turns to the main altar and the choir hall. The architecture has strong influence of the Islamic relics with pillars and marble structures surrounding the mosque. The architecture of the Cordoba mosque resembles the structure of Damascus’s great mosque, Syria. The Quranic calligraphy on the Mihrab wall is well preserved. On December 15, 1994, UNESCO defined the Cordoba mosque as one of the most historic and important relics in the world. Make sure you have a chance to pray there! 5. Plaza de España, Sevilla Image Credit: Joan Oger on Unsplash The Plaza de España-Sevilla is love at first sight! A seamless fusion of the Renaissance and Spanish Moorish architectural styles. Become the point of interest, this magnificent plaza will make everyone fall in love at first sight. The beautiful building has a nice taste since the combined architecture of Renaissance and Spanish Moorish style. It was originally built as construction and symbol for the Ibero-american exposition held in 1929. This building is a must-see attraction when you’re in Seville. In recent years, Plaza de España has also become a movie set, on Lawrence from Arabia (1962) and Star Wars: Attack of the clones (2002). Many arcs and columns, along with the red brick facade and gardens, make this construction looks stunning. Don't leave Seville before visiting this site! 6. City of Arts and Science, Valencia Image Credit: Jurre Houtkamp on Unsplash Integrating ultra-modern scientific and cultural complex, Valencia, the city of arts and science is not only best known as the largest holiday destination in Spain but also in Europe! This place is simply mind-blowing. The area was designed by the well-known Valenkcian architect, Santiago Calatrava, who lies on the dried bed of the river (which was diverted), and it's an impressive example of modern architecture. Be prepared to spend the whole day there because it's worth it and here are the attractive contents you should touch! Palau de Les Arts Reina Sofia, Hemispheric, Museu de les Ciencies Principe Felipe, Oceanografic, The Umbracle, and Agora. We would recommend getting the tickets online in advance on their official website before it is sold out! 7. 3 Halal Restaurants in Spain Images Credit: Artiom Vallat on Unsplash Having a trip to Europe especially Spain is the thing that you always waiting for! Besides famous with its historical places, this country also serves you Halal cuisine from all around the world that you can find in Barcelona, Granada, and Madrid easily. Ascent, Barcelona Ascent is located in the heart of Barcelona city. It offers the Mediterranean, Spanish and French cuisine. What a surprise, all the dishes are delicious. We strongly recommend this restaurant! El Taj Halal, Granada A Moroccan Halal Certified Restaurant is the best places to eat fresh halal food. The service is great and the food is amazing. Their falafel wrap is a must-try! Bombay Palace, Madrid This restaurant serves you with various tasty of Indian food. We recommend you to give a try on chicken Madras, Naan and Chicken Briyani! Local Markets! Image Credit: Caleb Stokes on Unsplash For travelers, wander around to the local market is a must! It is impossible if you leave that way without pick some original craftworks from Spain! We have 2 local markets for your last destination in Spain: 8. El Rastro, Madrid With more than 1,000 stalls are available and free to check out. Both locals and tourists make the crowd there to browse antiques, flamenco attire, and old furniture to kitchen appliances, T-shirts, and leather bags. Maybe you won’t find any amazing items on sale on these crowded sloped streets but you will get a sense of life in Madrid and a living tradition. 9. Alcaiceria, Granada A beautiful open market, sited in a couple of little alleys which full of vendors selling dresses, lamps, handmade objects. You will experience the atmosphere of Moroccan here. we can say, it is a must-see in Granada. Well.. what are you waiting for? Start putting together your itinerary and find the treasures for all the above 9 destinations in Spain right away! Also Read: A Muslim's Traveler's Guide to Spain...
People move overseas for various reasons - travel, work, studies or simply for a better lifestyle. Moving to a foreign land can be an amazing experience, yet a very daunting one as well. Prior to moving, there are many things that you should take into account such as the time spent on packing and cost of living. To help ease your worries, here are a list of 5 tips that'll help you be fully prepared when you're moving abroad. 1. Housing Photo by Binyamin Mellish from Pexels The number one priority for anyone planning to migrate overseas is housing. Yes, this may seem troublesome to settle but it is the most essential step in your moving process. Rather than stay in an Airbnb apartment or hostel, you should opt for something more permanent. It's also important that you do thorough research on whether you would have access to necessities like water, electricity and the Internet. You should also take note of the steps in purchasing your new home such as having to sign a lease for which the first month of pay or or having to pay a security deposit up front. Remember to use reputable sites to check for houses up for rent. It would be an additional bonus if you seek your information from a local or someone from your hometown that has moved to the country which you're intending to move to. In addition to assisting you, they will be especially helpful in overcoming any language barriers which you may encounter during your move. On the other hand, you may also find suitable accomodation the old fashioned way, which is by getting in touch with a real estate agent, reading the Classified section on the newspaper or even by talking to an expat – their recommendations would be the best as you can get an idea of what you want and where to find the right housing based on their experiences. 2. Cost of living Photo by rawpixel.com from Pexels The cost of living in a country is one of the most important factors that you should consider before moving to a new country. Some cities have a very high cost of living while others have a more affordable cost of living. It is so important that you do your research on which country is most suitable for you because a low cost of living may mean that the city may is not very well-developed and safe. A good way to approximate which cost of living is suitable for you is by basing it on your income. Real estate and food prices go up if the city is a capital. One tip I would give you is that you should find housing in the suburbs where cost of living is usually more affordable than places located near the centre of the city. 3. Job market Photo by Lukas from Pexels When you're deciding which country you're moving to, you should always make it a point to check the job market of the particular city that you're moving to and also base your decision on the type of job you're looking for. Be sure to do your thorough research on whether the country has well-developed industries and has jobs available for you. More so, you could also look into niche jobs, as some city job markets may be saturated. Always check if you have the right requirements and then apply for a job before leaving a country, so that at least you can feel at ease knowing you have your means of income secured. 4. Co-work and co-living spaces Photo by Visual Tag Mx from Pexels If you are someone who is always on the move and loves experiencing new things constantly, opting for a co-working and co-living space is best. A lot of digital nomads are going for this trend these days, where you live and work in the same place and meet other digital nomads and entrepreneurs. Some of the best places to stay at are Sun and Co in Spain, Mokrin House in Northern Serbia, Unsettled located at Barcelona, Tuscany, Bali and Cape town, Roam located at Tokyo, Miami, Bali and San Francisco. 5. Learn the language Image by PublicDomainPictures from Pixabay If the country you're moving to has a national language that you're unfamiliar with, it is best that you sign up for language classes so you ease your worries of encountering language barriers in your new country. Indeed, communication is essential when moving abroad and this will ensure that you don't feel alienated upon your arrival. Some countries may even require you to have a language qualification. Thus, you should do some background research on whether the visa you're applying for requires any sort of qualification. All in all, these points should cover most of the essentials that you should take into account before moving abroad. Hopefully, these points will make you feel prepared and reduce your worries when you're moving. Good luck and have fun!...
A city can be defined by its food, its people and culture, however, nothing tells the story of a city better than its architecture. It takes you on a journey through the history of the city, its changing cityscape adapting to cultural movements and modernization while still preserving its old world charm. If you are a lover of architecture this list of 10 destinations is especially for you. 1. St. Petersburg, Russia Credit: Tama66 on PixabayRussia’s eclectic center also known as the Venice of the North is a mixture of architectural styles – from Neoclassical to Gothic, the city is a treasure trove of architectural delights. Witness the glory of imperial palaces, stunning cathedrals, and churches decorating the skyline, romantic bridges, and pathways that the many characters of Dostoevsky’s novels have taken. There is an abundance of Baroque style buildings in the city – intricate gold embellishments against pale pastels. The most worthy contender for the Baroque style would be the beautiful Winter Palace that was home to the Russian monarchy since the 1760s to 1917. It is now the home of the second largest art museum in the world – The Hermitage. You can find the Neo-classical style in Saint Isaac’s Cathedral, Yelagin Palace, as well as the Imperial Academy of Arts. Style Morderne – Russia’s take on Art Nouveau – can be clearly seen in the ornamental styling of the Singer House (the Russian headquarters of the Singer Sewing Machine Company), as well as the Eliseyev Emporium. The grim, dystopian architecture style of the Stalinist and Soviet eras can be witnessed in the House of Soviets – referred to as the “buried robot” by locals – and the Red Banner Textile Factory. The Gothic turrets and spikes of the cake-structure shaped Cheseme Church is a great example of Russian Neo-Gothic architecture. 2. Brasilia, Brazil Credit: David Mark on PixabayIf you are a fan of futuristic architecture, Brasilia is the place to head to. President Juscelino Kubitschek’s decided to build a futuristic city in what was once just barren land back in 1956. He commissioned architect Oscar Niemeyer to commence the project, he built residential, commercial and government buildings within a matter of months. The Cathedral of Brasilia is one of the most notable structures within the city and perfectly shows Niemeyer’s style of architecture. The elegant curving structures, with exposed concrete, bold but simple design elements. The most visited site in the city is the Templo da Boa Vontade, it is a seven faceted white marble pyramid designed by the architect and engineer R. R. Roberto. The pinnacle is set with the largest stone of pure crystal in the world, at a weight of 21 kilograms. Inside the temple is a spiral which represents the journey a human takes in the search of balance and transcendence. Other notable structures are the President’s residence and the Attorney General’s Office. 3. Miami, Florida Credit: Holgi on PixabayWith more than 800 Art Deco buildings in their pastel hues, Miami’s South Beach is a must visit for all those who love the 1930s glamour! In an attempt to make Miami a luxurious holiday destination in the 1920s and 1930s architects looked to Art Deco’s symmetry and geometry as well as colorful floral and animal motifs. You can see quintessential Art Deco design in the Webster, designed by Henry Hohauser who was one of the master architects behind the Deco styling of South Beach. The building follows the architect’s “rule of three”, and is built in thirds. Another famous building is The Carlyle, it has played a starring role in many films like Scarface and Bad Boys II – it is just a 100yards from the famed former mansion of Gianni Versace. Other Art Deco gems are Essex house – built to look like the landlocked ocean liner, the neon-lit Colony theatre, and Miami Beach Post Office. 4. Tokyo, Japan Credit: sayama on PixabayA city that has been through a lot of change from old wooden houses to the concrete and glass jungle it is now, Tokyo has a signature style of architecture. The modern transformation has given rise to many new buildings; the Nakagin Capsule Tower is a great example of rare Japanese Metabolism architecture. The tower is an apartment complex of 140 apartments – only 10m2 each. The funky Reversible Destiny Lofts was built with the idea of helping people attain longevity. It is inspired by Helen Keller; therefore it was made with features for people with different physical abilities and has something for every age group. Another must visit is Tokyo Camii, the largest mosque in Japan. The Mosque is inspired by Ottoman architecture and was designed by the architect Muharrem Hilmi Senlap, with materials such as marble brought in from Turkey. It was completed in 2000 and was built as a replacement of a Mosque previously built by Turkish immigrants in the 1930s. Other notable sites to visit are Reiyukai Sakaden Temple – a temple that looks more like a space-ship, SunnyHills – a pineapple cake shop built with a weaving wooden facade, Tsujiki Hongwanji – a Buddhist temple with a mix of Indian and Japanese design elements, and St Mary’s Cathedral – a futuristic looking modernist structure created by Kenzo Tange. 5. Tel Aviv, Israel Credit: avnernagar on PixabayTaking into account the city’s Mediterranean climate and the influx of Jewish immigrants, Bauhaus trained architects designed and built buildings in the cost effective style. The ‘white city’ is a UNESCO World Heritage site, with 4000 buildings within the sea side city. There are many buildings in Tel Aviv to be admired by the Bauhaus fan, some of the notable ones are the Bruno House, Rubinsky House, and Avraham Soskin House as well streets dedicated to this modern style. 6. Chandigarh, India Credit: David Mark on PixabayProbably not an obvious contender for this list but every student of architecture would know this city for its eccentric concrete designs. After the partition of India in 1947, the country’s first Prime Minister J. Nehru tasked Swiss architect Le Corbusier with building a modern city that is fast moving away from its past into the future. Le Corbusier is a modernist architect and him along with a few other architects like Pierre Jeanneret, Jane Drew and Maxwell Fry changed the cityscape. The city is designed on a super grid, buildings with exposed concrete and masonry as well as modernists sculptures located around the city. a great example of planning and design, it is a must visit if you are a student of architecture. 7. Oxford, England Credit: David Mark on PixabayMedieval era inspired architecture mingling with modern sentiments; Oxford is an academic city but will take your breath away with its beautiful Gothic Revival architecture. Referred to as “the city of dreaming spires” by poet Matthew Arnold, the city stays true to this description with many mid 19th century towers creating Oxford’s skyline. The city offers many sites to see – from the churches to its markets. You can witness military style stone architecture at St George’s Tower, the University Museum which is an example of one of the first non-religious Gothic buildings, the Radcliffe Observatory and many more spread across the city. 8. Barcelona, Spain Credit: Kirk Fisher on FacebookHome of Catalan Modernism, Barcelona is peppered with the world famous architectural structures of the father of this movement – Antoni Gaudí. Some of his notable works are the Casa Milà, Casa Batlló, and his masterpiece the La Sagrada Familia – which has been under construction since 1892, he kept building up until he passed away in 1926 and it is still under construction and will not be finished till 2026 to commemorate his centenary death anniversary. Barcelona is a beautiful city and is definite visit for anyone, even if you aren’t a fan of Gaudi’s peculiar architectural style. 9. Florence, Italy Credit: Michelle Maria on PixabayFlorence is world famous and its architecture has been appreciated in film, and book alike! It is also the birthplace of the famed Master, Leonardo Da Vinci. A city that celebrates art, you will find many architectural monuments here, some of the most famous ones are The Florence Cathedral or Duomo – a great domed cathedral, the Pitti Palace and the Palazzo Vecchio – which was home to Niccolo Machiavelli’s office at one point in history. 10. Hanoi, Vietnam Credit: Leon_Ting on Pixabay Once occupied by the French, the city boasts quite the collection of French Colonial Architecture, a city oozing with old world charm it will appeal to the romantic in you. Three of its most notable buildings are the St. Josephs Cathedral, Hanoi Opera House, and Hotel Metropole. The country may have had a devastating history steeped in blood, but it’s people have been resilient and the romance of the French Colonial era has managed to remain to this day. All you architecture lovers or just travel lovers should definitely add these destinations to your list!...
Are you a travel junkie with the soul of an art lover? Then this list of top ten art destinations is curated just for you!Fulfill your travel and art dreams by planning a trip to an art destination which can offer the best of both worlds. If you love contemporary art, modern art or a classical art, this list has got you covered so keep reading! 1. Paris, France Credit: Pexels Home to the most famous art museums and galleries like the Louvre Museum, this city is a must-visit for any art enthusiast. The Louvre has been romanticised by the likes of Kanye to Lorde to countless films and documentaries, so why not be a part of its pop culture history? It houses the world famous Mona Lisa by the Master Leonardo Da Vinci as well as other masterpieces. The Louvre was once a royal fortress and was turned into a Museum in the 1700s and now, it displays around 35,000 art pieces. Be sure to drop by the Musée d’Orsay, it has the largest collection of Impressionist and Post-impressionist art in the world. The Museum has been showcasing art since the 1800s and houses works by prominent French artists such as Van Gogh, Cézanne and many more. If you are more of a Contemporary arts patron, check out the Modus Art Gallery, Yvon Lambert, Galerie Xippas, and La Maison Rouge. If you are looking for a more authentic experience, minus the queues and tickets head over to Bellville neighbourhood which is home to a collection of street art and graffiti. 2. Berlin, Germany Credit: Pexels A city with a controversial political history, this city is now one of the most popular art destinations in the world! Home to the longest open-air street art gallery in the world - the Berlin Wall. A part of it can be found in the Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg district. The city is an ever-changing landscape with urban buildings co-existing with Gothic architecture. Berlin is intriguing, unique and will leave you with a sense of giddy wonder and excitement. The city’s busiest spot is the East Side Gallery, which is 1000 metres of kaleidoscopic murals. However, if you want to avoid the more touristy areas, it is not difficult to find world-class street art around the city. Every neighbourhood has its own unique art identity and you can find art adorning every wall, door, and roof, a great place to start would be at Kreuzberg. Street art is a crucial part of its history and a great example of how it is not condemned and has managed to persevere and survive in one of the world’s most famous cities. If you are looking for a more museum or gallery art setting, look no further than Museuminsel or Museum Island – and it lives up to its namesake. A whole island situated in the centre of the city is dedicated to art galleries and museums. It is home to five world-renowned museums. The Alte Nationalgalerie houses works by greats like Monet, Renoir and Manet. The Neues Museum showcases Egyptian art, while the Altes Museum is home to the largest collection of Etruscan art outside of Italy! 3. New York City, USA Credit: @metmuseum on Instagram The city that never sleeps is home to some of the world’s famous Museums: the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Guggenheim Museum and MoMA. The Metropolitan Museum of Art was famously referred to as the MET as it hosted one of the fashion world’s most flamboyant events – the Met Gala. Every year, the Costume Institute holds an exhibit at the Met Gala with a huge fundraising event opening the exhibit . Thus, this place is a must-visit for any fashion lover. The Guggenheim Museum has appeared in many postcards and been the backdrop for many TV shows and films throughout the years. This museum houses artwork by Picasso, Jackson Pollock and Kadinsky, as well as paintings by Monet, Van Gogh and Degas and photography by Robert Mapplethorpe. The MoMA (Museum of Modern Art) houses the best Modern art world. It houses works by Andy Warhol, Frida Khalo and Monet to name a few. However, you don’t always have to visit the world best museums to see the best of Contemporary art; you can also visit other numerous art galleries within the state, especially at Chelsea, Tribeca, SoHo and Lower East Side to witness amazing artwork. You can experience a more immersive art scene in Bushwick, Brooklyn, for interesting street art and have one-on-one sessions with the artists themselves. 4. Miami, USA Credit: @wynwoodartsdistrict on Instagram The USA’s second contender on this list - This vibrant seaside city has a lot to offer for everyone, especially art lovers. Miami boasts an energetic art scene that can be best experienced through one of the world’s most prestigious art fairs: Art Basel. The city also has a whole district dedicated to the arts (Wynwood Arts District) and this houses over 30 contemporary art spaces and studios! You can even enjoy a street art tour at the Wynwood Art Walk Block Party. If you want to witness the best Modern and Contemporary art that Miami has to give, head on over to the Perez Art Museum. 5. Tokyo, Japan Credit: @moriartmuseum on InstagramA city where the traditional co-exists with the Modern, it is definitely an exciting place to visit. You will find a myriad of galleries scattered across this fast-paced city, in between its skyscrapers, old houses and back streets. In an old, traditional Japanese neighbourhood lined up with wooden houses and temples, you can find SCAI The Bathhouse, one of Tokyo’s most prestigious contemporary art galleries. As its name suggests this was once a bathhouse and has been standing for 200 years. It has housed works by prominent artists such as Anish Kapoor and Tadanori Yokoo. If you are looking for a little more thrill, head to the skyscraper where Mori Art Museum resides at the 54th storey. The museum once exhibited the world famous polka dot art of Yayoi Kusama. 6. Florence, Italy Credit: Pexels Every Renaissance art fan should definitely visit Florence, home of some of the pioneers of the movement. Florence is home to the famous Uffizi Gallery which houses the vast art collection of the infamous Medici family, along with works by the masters like Michelangelo, Da Vinci, Giotto, Botticelli and more. Be sure to pay a visit to the Accademia Gallery to witness Michelangelo’s masterpiece, the world famous David sculpture. If you want a taste of authentic Contemporary Italian art, head over to the Centro di Cultura Contemporanea Strozzina, which is also known as the “Anti-Uffizi”. 7. Barcelona, Spain Credit: @museupicasso on Instagram Home to the Museu Picasso, which houses the biggest Pablo Picasso collections in the world, it is a must visit for any avid fan of Cubism or art in general. Apart from the Picasso Musuem, Barcelona has a lot more to offer in the Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque styles. You can find them displayed at the Museu Nacional d’Art. Also, don’t forget to check out the fantastical architectural designs of Gaudi, a Master of Catalan Modernism. 8. London, United Kingdom Credit: Pixabay An eclectic mix of art styles and movements, London will keep you enthralled till the very end. You can find the likes of classics such as Van Gogh at the National Gallery, for Modernism head to the Tate Modern, which houses works by Warhol and Picasso. You can find more Contemporary art pieces at the Saatchi Gallery. If you are more of a street art fanatic look no further than Shoreditch, a creative inner city district located at East End. The streets are adorned with some of the most impressive street art in the city, for a more in depth experience take part in the Alternative London Walking Tour, hosted by local street artist and creatives. 9. Beijing, China Credit: Pixabay Beijing may seem like an unlikely place to visit for art but this city actually has a burgeoning art scene. Since the recent contemporary art boom, most of the city’s art scene can be found at 798 Art District. Industrial buildings in the district have been converted into contemporary art spaces and open-air installations. Art forms presented there consist of photos, sculptures and fashion design. If you are an avid lover of traditional Chinese art, then the Poly Art Museum is for you as it features ancient bronze works from the Shang and Zhou dynasties! 10. Singapore Credit: @singaporeartmuseum on Instagram Singapore is well-known as being a financial hub. However, it boasts an impressive art scene. Singapore has two prominent up and coming art museums, namely the Institute of Contemporary Arts and the Singapore Art Museum. The National Gallery Singapore houses the world’s largest collection of Singaporean and South Asian art, thus giving the South Asian art world an international platform. Indeed, Singapore is teemed with art, which can be easily found as you take a stroll around the city. Check out Haji Lane for example and witness all kinds of colourful street art which adorn old buildings. You can also witness stunning public sculptures such as Homage to Newton by Salvador Dali at the UOB Plaza and First Generation by Chong Fah Cheong near Cavenagh Bridge. Undoubtedly, art and travel go hand in hand so what are you waiting for? Add all these art destinations to your bucket list and get inspired to create art of your own!...
It’s been a long week and all you need right now is a cuppa and a friend to talk to. On some nights you might even want to shake it up a little with a drink that comes with a fancy name or tone it down with some macchiato as you catch up with your partner in crime. Whether you are hanging out with your squad or yourself, these cafes set the perfect vibe for you to wind down and take a step away from your hectic world. via GIPHY No.57 Coffee Stand Credit: No.57 Coffee Stand on Facebook Away from the hustle and bustle of Haji Lane, this hidden gem is located along Aliwal Street, unleashing the vintage vibe to anyone who walks in. In this small space, you have the baristas doing their thing on the left and on the right you have a mini vintage flea. Take the stairs up and you’ll find a museum and a photography studio all at once. This space is barely big enough for a 100-people crowd but something about it makes you feel at ease. No.57 is the dream come true of three boys who wanted to build a business together. A space where dreams meet and humans reconnect over the simple things in life. So go get your cup of coffee from the barista guys and keep your eyes open for one of their vintage flea markets. Address: 57 Aliwal Street 199933Opening Hours: 10AM to 9PM (Mon-Sat) 10Am to 4PM (Sun) Facebook | Instagram Penny University Credit: Penny University on Facebook This place needs no introduction. Imagine this — eggs benedict with perfectly poached eggs, nature’s best sauce (the egg yolk) oozing out and running down your toasts paired with a cup of affogato. Perfection. Nestled along East Coast Rd, Penny University is the ultimate spot for a brunch. Whether you’re having some me time or a catch-up session with your squad, Penny University is the perfect spot to treat your soul and of course, your tummy. Hmm, part of the Mom Squad? Bring your kids along and have them tap in on your not-so-little brunch escape with their little Babyccino treat. Address: 15 Kennedy Street, Kingston, ACT 2604Opening Hours: 7AM to 4PM (Daily) Website | Facebook | Instagram The Great Mischief Credit: The Great Mischief on Instagram Too fancy for a cup of coffee? Take a ride down to The Great Mischief and start pretending you’re in the great Catalunya, Spain. This Catalan-inspired space scores in its aesthetic interior and exterior. The bold colors, neon lights, wild wallpapers and open, airy concept screams Catalunya to anyone who walks past (or in). If coffees are not your thing, settle in for a sip or two of their mocktails. Topping it off with fancy names like the beautiful Lloret De Mar, Barcelona City, and La Rambla. Dig into some tapas while you’re at it and keep your mouth exercising while you listen to your sidekick’s latest update. Address: 30 Madras Street Singapore 208423Opening Hours: 12PM to 4PM | 6PM to 10PM (Mon-Thu) 12PM to 11PM (Fri & Sat) 12PM to 5PM (Sundays) Website | Facebook | Instagram Wanderlost Lounge Credit: Wanderlost Lounge - By The Halal Mixologist on Facebook On some nights, being high up on the rooftop lets you wind down a little bit better. Located on the 11th floor, the Wanderlost Lounge lets you in on a whole collection of themed non-alcoholic cocktails named after our favorite childhood books. This space sets the mood just right with the little details, completing every corner of the room. Step out to the open area and soak in the chill ambiance of the lounge. And if you're feeling a little hungry, fill up on some grilled tapas and tacos to go with your drinks. Address: 15 Enggor street, #12-01, SingaporeOpening Hours: 5.30PM till Late (Mon-Sat) Website | Facebook | Instagram There you go folks! These are four of our favorite hang out spots for a good ol' cup of coffee or a nice fancy drink. Four is really just a handful so we want to know what is your favorite hang out spot. Be it you're in Singapore, Malaysia or even somewhere across the world, tag us @halaltrip on your social media platforms so that we know your recommendations! ...
Prayer times for Barcelona,Spain
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A must visit if you visit Barcelona