Cultural Experiences to Explore with iBestTravel
Cities abound with sights, tours, and activities for travelers to enjoy. However, not all of them deliver an authentic experience, affording a real insight into the soul of a place. Therefore, we asked a team of iBestTravel local writers across the globe to give us tips on how to get under the skin of their own cities.
From trying traditional dishes at under-the-radar eateries to rubbing shoulders with residents at market stalls to swaying through the night to the sound of samba, these recommendations will get you closer to the cultural heart of these compelling destinations.
Find a slice of paradise in Venice
Those looking for the cultural heart of Venice should head for Paradiso Perduto. This restaurant and bar – whose name translates as ‘paradise lost’ – can be found along Fondamenta de la Misericordia in Cannaregio. Owner Maurizio serves traditional, locally sourced food at reasonable prices. A champion for the city, Maurizio also plays an active role in local politics and is passionate about preserving Venice’s delicate environment.
The atmosphere here is like your typical Venetian: gregarious, cheerfully inclusive, and a little rough around the edges. Young or old, tourist or local – everyone loves it. For over 40 years now, Paradiso Perduto has offered an open and authentic welcome to all who enter, much like the city itself.
Head to Tel Aviv’s heart via its hummus
Besides its breezy beaches and non-stop nightlife, nothing sums up Tel Aviv better than putting the world to rights while dipping some nibbles into a warm bowl of hummus. This humble chickpea dish (usually served with pitta bread, tahini, olives, and pickles) mixes Lebanese, Egyptian, and other Middle Eastern cultures together. Simple yet satisfying, it’s loved by all.
Every Tel Avivian can tell you about their favorite hummus joint, but for the real deal head to Ali Caravan (also called ‘Abu Hassan’) in Old Jaffa. Going strong since the 1960s, this tiny family restaurant overlooking the Mediterranean is always packed, so you can take part in the city’s second-favourite pastime – people watching.
Join the crowds at Cardiff’s spirited Sunday market
Sunday in Cardiff welcomes the Riverside Market to a stretch of the River Taff embankment. From 10am to 2pm, locals and visitors congregate here to shop, socialize, and mingle along the vibrant corridor of multicultural stalls.
Wander through the artisan stalls, food producers, and craft vendors where you’re almost guaranteed to be offered bara brith (Welsh fruit bread) and Welsh cheese to try, hear tales of the city’s past, and learn about upcoming events in Cardiff’s cultural calendar.
Soak up some art and culture in Vancouver
Vancouver’s art scene has always been grassroots. From eclectic small galleries to the annual Eastside Culture Crawl, which celebrates visual arts by opening hundreds of studios to the public, locals seek out the city’s creative edge. However, some of the best artworks here are hidden in plain sight.
August’s Vancouver Mural Festival has triggered a surge in vibrant street art. You don’t have to wait for the festival to see some of the best; self-guided explorations of Gastown, Chinatown, and Main Street will reveal dozens of murals and urban artworks just waiting for you and your camera.
Get down to Rio de Janeiro’s samba sounds
Forget Ipanema and its lilting bossa nova soundtrack – nothing encapsulates Rio’s infectious joie de vivre better than a live samba session at Samba do Trabalhador. Crowds of locals gather every Monday at the open-air Renascença Clube to sing and dance to samba classics. Here, the pleasures are simple: an ice bucket full of cheap beers and the joy of starting the week with a massive sing-along.
See two worlds collide in Shanghai
The essence of Shanghai is found less in individual hotspots and more in the coexistence of traditional Chinese culture alongside a fast-paced modern city. Weave through the backstreets of Old Town, filled with aromas from traditional cooking and the sounds of locals; explore the French Concession, where 1920s colonial villas evoke a European feel; and head to the Bund for iconic views of the Pudong skyline, showcasing modern Shanghai.
Uncover an oasis amid the sprawl of Australia’s Gold Coast
Most visitors to the Gold Coast would never guess that within this glittering city lies a perfectly preserved pocket of nature. The 27-hectare Burleigh Head National Park has been a haven for wildlife since it was established in 1886.
Today, it’s a sanctuary for nature enthusiasts and explorers alike. Hike the Oceanview Walk from Tallebudgera Creek entrance, then transition to the more challenging Rainforest Circuit for stunning views of rainforest, ancient basalt boulders, and that shimmering city skyline.
Shake up the ‘sun, sand, sea’ routine at Nauthólsvík Geothermal Beach, Reykjavík
Forgot your sunscreen? No worries. In the world’s northernmost capital, going to the beach is about embracing cold and refreshing experiences. Little-known Nauthólsvík is an artificial beach where geothermal hot tubs welcome Reykjavik sea swimmers who enjoy the unique hot and cold therapy.
Even in late November, when the ocean temperature is a brisk 6.2˚C, people flock here around lunchtime. Some dive straight into the sea while others warm up in the hot tub first. Regardless of your choice, the invigorating North Atlantic will focus your attention entirely on the moment, creating a truly unique experience.
