Every city has a story. Whether triumphant, humbling, dark or just plain strange, there’s no doubt that history shapes the rich and diverse cultures we enjoy when we travel. While most destinations are abundant with museums, which are institutions of well documented histories and cultural artefacts, travellers are equally drawn to the experiences that bring history to the streets, and to life. This fusion generates vibrant and unique travel destinations, and we’ve put together a list of five of the coolest places in the world let your hair down.
Tivoli Gardens – Copenhagen, Denmark
If you have the family in tow, Copenhagen’s Tivoli Gardens is an absolute blast. This Danish landmark infamously inspired the “happiest place on earth” and was a regular destination for fairy tale writer Hans Christian Anderson. The park opened in 1843 and is the second oldest amusement park in the world, but don’t be fooled into thinking the rides aren’t up to scratch. Their main attraction, the Daemon, is as adrenaline pumping as it gets, featuring huge drops, loops and rolls throughout. The park also hosts exotic architecture and lush gardens, and we recommend a night visit where thousands of coloured lights are illuminated to create fairy tale magic.
Old Town – Dubrovnik, Croatia
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The Walls of Dubrovnik’s Old Town have fortified the city since its founding prior to the 7th century, enclosing a city steeped in rich history. Its portrayal as the fictional capital, Kings Landing, in a hugely popular TV series, has seen Dubrovnik experience a fresh wave of tourism. But, don’t be fooled by the regal design of the Old Town; this place is as relaxing as it gets. By day, it is brimming with coffee spots and swimming holes just below the famous wall. By night, the city transforms into a world renowned club scene, occupied by the cruise-ship-crowds making their way in from the harbour.
The Ruin Pubs – Budapest, Hungary
These days it seems every city is jumping on the small bar bandwagon. If that’s the case, then Budapest’s seventh district and its ruin pubs would be considered totally old-school – though each pub is the size of twenty small bars in one. Once home to a flourishing Jewish community before World War II; this spot has unexpectedly emerged as one of the best pub crawl destinations in Europe. The main player is Szimpla Kert, which was the first of many to open and is still regarded as the rowdiest. With an open air garden and rooms bounded by stone walls, DIY madness and even taxidermy bunnies, it can accommodate hundreds of people, making it an ideal choice if you’re travelling in a group.
Golden Gai – Tokyo, Japan
The Golden Gai is a small area of Shinjuku, Tokyo, famous for both its architectural interest and its nightlife, which comprises over 200 tiny shanty-like bars, clubs and eating houses. Just to put the size into perspective; all of these spaces are crammed into six narrow alleyways, interconnected by an even narrower passageway system, which is just wide enough for a single person to pass through. Many of the bars have a 4 to 6 person capacity, and boast a range of interesting themes from R&B to karaoke or flamenco, while others cater to particular interests like horse racing. In the 1980s, many buildings in Tokyo were set on fire by the Yakuza (Japanese mafia), so the land could be bought by developers, but the Golden Gai survived thanks to some of its supporters who took turns guarding the area at night. Would you do that for your favourite pub?
Lapa – Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
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Located in the downtown section of Rio known as “Centro”, the Lapa neighbourhood was once the city’s red-light district. Most of the neighbourhood’s unique architecture dates back to the 1800s, providing a scenic backdrop to all the festivities that now take place in this vibrant part of town. It is home to important historical landmarks like the Passeio Público and the city’s first public park which was built in the 1780s. Since the early 1950s, Lapa has become famous for its many restaurants, bars and clubs where the various forms of Brazilian music can be appreciated.
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