The Culture Map

Travel with cultural insights and destination guides at The Culture Map's blog.

Articles: 38

The Culture Map

18 Aug 2025, 18:25

Travel

The Wonders of Sainte-Cecile Cathedral in Albi

The Wonders of Sainte-Cecile Cathedral in Albi The Culture Map Sainte-Cecile Cathedral in Albi is famously the largest brick cathedral in the world. It has towered over the city like a fortified castle for the last 545 years. On my recent trip to Toulouse, I hopped on the train so I could look within its formidable pink walls. Albi doesn’t hit you like Paris or […] The post The Wonders of Sainte-Cecile Cathedral in Albi appeared first on The Culture Map.

The Culture Map

16 Aug 2025, 15:17

Travel

Mont Saint-Michel in Normandy: Guide to Visiting in Winter

Mont Saint-Michel in Normandy: Guide to Visiting in Winter The Culture Map After deciding to spend Christmas with my boyfriend's family in Brittany consuming an ungodly amount of food, I knew that I had to squeeze in a visit to Mont Saint-Michel situated nearby in Normandy. Mont Saint-Michel is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of France's most iconic landmarks – a medieval island-fortress rising into […] The post Mont Saint-Michel in Normandy: Guide to Visiting in Winter appeared first on The Culture Ma...

The Culture Map

09 Aug 2025, 08:42

Travel

Harrogate Weekend Retreat: 12 Best Things to Do and See

Harrogate Weekend Retreat: 12 Best Things to Do and See The Culture Map When I was growing up, Harrogate in North Yorkshire was always referred to as the place where 'posh' people lived. I grew up in a rather deprived town on the outskirts of Bradford, and by comparison, Harrogate was as posh as it could get. Even now that I live in London, where property prices are […] The post Harrogate Weekend Retreat: 12 Best Things to Do and See appeared first on The Culture Map.

The Culture Map

30 Jul 2025, 16:34

Travel

13 Best Things to Do in York, North Yorkshire, England

13 Best Things to Do in York, North Yorkshire, England The Culture Map York is England’s best-preserved medieval city, a place where history doesn’t whisper – it bellows from every stone and timber. I’ve yet to meet anyone who hasn’t been spellbound by its charm, and I’m convinced no trip to the North is complete without stepping into this living time capsule. A city shaped by Romans, sacked […] The post 13 Best Things to Do in York, North Yorkshire, England appeared first on The Culture Map.

The Culture Map

23 Jul 2025, 01:20

Travel

Is Tirana Worth Visiting? Top Things to Do in Albania’s Capital City

Is Tirana Worth Visiting? Top Things to Do in Albania's Capital City The Culture Map Tirana doesn’t make a lot of sense at first glance. Concrete bunkers scar the hillsides. Bright murals splash across crumbling facades. Communist monuments loom over Ottoman mosques. And in between it all: espresso, neon, noise, and a palpable sense of a city still figuring itself out. But that’s what makes it compelling. Tirana is where […] The post Is Tirana Worth Visiting? Top Things to Do in Albania's Capital City appea...

The Culture Map

12 Jul 2025, 06:05

Travel

The Best of Ninh Binh in Vietnam: A Complete Guide

The Best of Ninh Binh in Vietnam: A Complete Guide The Culture Map My favourite place in Northern Vietnam is Ninh Binh, despite it being the place I knew the least about before visiting. If you're thinking of going but feel unsure if it's worth your time, hopefully this guide will help you make up your mind. Ninh Binh is located less than two hours away from Hanoi, […] The post The Best of Ninh Binh in Vietnam: A Complete Guide appeared first on The Culture Map.

The Culture Map

07 Jul 2025, 19:36

Travel

Hiking in the Loita Hills of Kenya With the Maasai Tribe

Hiking in the Loita Hills of Kenya With the Maasai Tribe The Culture Map Before embarking on an overnight hike across the Loita Hills with Martin and Edward, two young men from the Maasai tribe, they presented me with a wooden stick and a bright red cloth. I fumbled around for a minute trying to wrap the cloth known as a shuka around my neck until it draped over […] The post Hiking in the Loita Hills of Kenya With the Maasai Tribe appeared first on The Culture Map.

The Culture Map

17 Jun 2025, 14:41

Travel

Vai Gioi Cave: A Geological Wonder of Ninh Binh

Vai Gioi Cave: A Geological Wonder of Ninh Binh The Culture Map You don’t stumble into Vai Gioi Cave by accident. It’s buried inside a mountain, hidden from view. In my research of things to do in Ninh Binh, I didn't see it mentioned even once. However, I knew that Ninh Binh was well-known for being home to a vast network of caves so I turned to […] The post Vai Gioi Cave: A Geological Wonder of Ninh Binh appeared first on The Culture Map.

The Culture Map

09 Jun 2025, 18:47

Travel

Bich Dong Pagoda: The Mountain Cave Temple in Ninh Binh

Bich Dong Pagoda: The Mountain Cave Temple in Ninh Binh The Culture Map Ninh Binh is filled with attractions and Bich Dong Pagoda is one of the most enchanting. Its name translates to “Jade Pearl Cave,” and it consists of three tiered Buddhist temples built into, around, and even within natural caves and limestone rock formations. I didn't see any jade or pearls but rest assured, this place is a […] The post Bich Dong Pagoda: The Mountain Cave Temple in Ninh Binh appeared first on The Culture Map.

The Culture Map

05 Jun 2025, 22:33

Travel

10 Best Things to Do in Shkoder: Attractions, Nature & Food

10 Best Things to Do in Shkoder: Attractions, Nature & Food The Culture Map Shkoder is often referred to as the gateway to the Albanian Alps. As a result, I figured it would just be a stopping point to get to where I really wanted to be: the mountains. I showed up expecting a sleepy border town but discovered it is so much more than just a convenient place […] The post 10 Best Things to Do in Shkoder: Attractions, Nature & Food appeared first on The Culture Map.

The Culture Map

20 May 2025, 14:32

Travel

Visit the Best Angkor Temples (including Angkor Wat)

Visit the Best Angkor Temples (including Angkor Wat) The Culture Map For years I often found myself dreaming of visiting Angkor Wat and finally, this year, my dream came true. What I didn't realise, however, is that there are many more temples to explore beyond Angkor Wat all within close proximity to each other. It's a whole complex – much bigger than most people probably imagine. […] The post Visit the Best Angkor Temples (including Angkor Wat) appeared first on The Culture Map.

The Culture Map

01 May 2025, 17:07

Travel

Things to do in Paphos: What to See, Do and Eat

Things to do in Paphos: What to See, Do and Eat The Culture Map Paphos isn’t just a coastal resort town – it’s a time capsule of a thousand stories and historic moments piled on top of each other. While there's plenty of opportunity to bronze yourself on the beach, I encourage you to see what else Paphos has to offer. As I recently discovered, it happens to offer an […] The post Things to do in Paphos: What to See, Do and Eat appeared first on The Culture Map.

The Culture Map

25 Apr 2025, 14:09

Travel

Aphrodite Nature Trail in Cyprus – Hiking & Mythology

Aphrodite Nature Trail in Cyprus – Hiking & Mythology The Culture Map I'm not exaggerating when I say that spring in Cyprus feels like summer. It really does. If you're anything like me, you probably can't wait to hit the trails after what feels like an eternity of hibernation during winter. Across most of Europe, the official hiking season doesn't usually begin until the end of May. […] The post Aphrodite Nature Trail in Cyprus – Hiking & Mythology appeared first on The Culture Map.

The Culture Map

15 Apr 2025, 21:06

Travel

Food Lover’s Guide to Cyprus & Cypriot Hospitality

Food Lover's Guide to Cyprus & Cypriot Hospitality The Culture Map Cyprus doesn’t just serve food. It tells stories. Tucked away in the Eastern Basin of the Mediterranean, with Greece, Turkey and the Middle East within close proximity, the country's flavours have collided, mingled, and marinated for centuries. The result? A cuisine that is aromatic, unpretentious, and deeply rooted in history. Against the backdrop of a […] The post Food Lover's Guide to Cyprus & Cypriot Hospitality appeared first on The Cul...

The Culture Map

04 Feb 2025, 19:02

Travel

Art Guide to Vienna | Museums, Galleries & Architecture

Art Guide to Vienna | Museums, Galleries & Architecture The Culture Map Vienna's art scene is a sprawling mosaic of imperial grandeur and ongoing creativity. At the turn of the 20th Century, Vienna nurtured artistic expression with figures like Gustav Klimt and Egon Schiele, whose work defined Austrian Modernism and the Secessionist movement. Today, the city continues to amaze with its treasured attractions from past to present, […] The post Art Guide to Vienna | Museums, Galleries & Architecture appeared f...

The Culture Map

19 Nov 2024, 12:12

Travel

Hike From Little Petra to the Monastery

Hike From Little Petra to the Monastery The Culture Map Sometimes you just want to get from A to B as quickly as possible, but there are times when taking the long way, however more tiring, will provide you with some of life’s greatest adventures. Taking the back route through Petra is without doubt one of the best adventures you can do in Petra. It's […] The post Hike From Little Petra to the Monastery appeared first on The Culture Map.

The Culture Map

16 Nov 2024, 12:59

Travel

3 Days in Budapest | Culture Guide & Highlights

3 Days in Budapest | Culture Guide & Highlights The Culture Map There’s lots to see in the historical city of Budapest, so how should you divide your time? I recommend spending at least 3 days in Budapest. If you have more time, that's even better. This itinerary has been made with lovers of culture and history in mind. However, I have weaved together a little bit […] The post 3 Days in Budapest | Culture Guide & Highlights appeared first on The Culture Map.

The Culture Map

13 Nov 2024, 16:53

Travel

Walking from Tower Hill to Canary Wharf | Thames Path

Walking from Tower Hill to Canary Wharf | Thames Path The Culture Map Are you looking to explore London away from main tourist attractions? Do you love walking and history? If the answer is yes to both, I think you will love the walk from Tower Hill to Canary Wharf. Along this section of the Thames Path you will find many hidden gems away from the crowds. Once […] The post Walking from Tower Hill to Canary Wharf | Thames Path appeared first on The Culture Map.

The Culture Map

01 Nov 2024, 10:47

Travel

Walking from San Sebastián to Bilbao | Camino Del Norte Route

Walking from San Sebastián to Bilbao | Camino Del Norte Route The Culture Map I don’t mind admitting I’ve been dreading writing this post, not because I didn’t enjoy walking from San Sebastián to Bilbao, but it feels impossible to do the experience justice in one blog post. There are so many captivating parts to this walk, and we're talking almost a week of walking, so it’s hard to […] The post Walking from San Sebastián to Bilbao | Camino Del Norte Route appeared first on The Culture Map.

The Culture Map

18 Oct 2024, 11:04

Travel

Lofoten Islands Guide: Attractions, Accommodation & Restaurants

Lofoten Islands Guide: Attractions, Accommodation & Restaurants The Culture Map The wild and rugged beauty of the Lofoten Islands is a highlight of any trip to Norway. Yet due to its location in the far-reaching corners of the Arctic Circle, this rugged chain of islands is often missed off Norway travel itineraries. Are you thinking of visiting Norway and wondering if the trip northbound is […] The post Lofoten Islands Guide: Attractions, Accommodation & Restaurants appeared first on The Culture Map.

The Culture Map

18 Oct 2024, 11:04

Travel

Lofoten Islands Guide: Attractions, Accommodation & Restaurants

The Culture Map

17 Oct 2024, 23:49

Travel

2 Days in Tangier Itinerary | What to See, Do & Eat

2 Days in Tangier Itinerary | What to See, Do & Eat The Culture Map Tangier, Morocco's vibrant port city at the crossroads of Europe and Africa, is a place where the city’s past is intertwined with legends and real historical events that make every street and building feel like part of a larger story. Located at the northern tip of the country, just across the Strait of Gibraltar from […] The post 2 Days in Tangier Itinerary | What to See, Do & Eat appeared first on The Culture Map.

The Culture Map

17 Oct 2024, 23:49

Travel

2 Days in Tangier Itinerary | What to See, Do & Eat

The Culture Map

15 Oct 2024, 13:42

Travel

Wildlife Encounters on the Kinabatangan River in Borneo & Hornbill Lodge

Wildlife Encounters on the Kinabatangan River in Borneo & Hornbill Lodge The Culture Map Imagine drifting along the mist-shrouded waters of the Kinabatangan River at dawn, surrounded by the sounds of the Bornean rainforest waking up. The air echos the calls of hornbills and monkeys, while the rainforest canopy above hides majestic creatures waiting to be revealed. Nature puts on a show, but you never know who exactly will make an appearance. All kinds of animals peak out […] The post Wildlife Encounters on...

The Culture Map

15 Oct 2024, 13:42

Travel

Wildlife Encounters on the Kinabatangan River in Borneo & Hornbill Lodge

The Culture Map

11 Oct 2024, 10:03

Travel

Guide to Sandakan and Sepilok: Wildlife Conservation in Borneo

Guide to Sandakan and Sepilok: Wildlife Conservation in Borneo The Culture Map Sandakan is considered the gateway to Borneo's wildlife, located in the eastern part of Malaysian Borneo. The city and surrounding vicinity offer a remarkable combination of wildlife encounters, historical sites, and tropical rainforest experiences. About 25 kilometres west of Sandakan, the small town of Sepilok is famous for its efforts to conserve Borneo’s endangered species, including orangutans. For anyone that […] The post G...

The Culture Map

11 Oct 2024, 10:03

Travel

Guide to Sandakan and Sepilok: Wildlife Conservation in Borneo

The Culture Map

06 Oct 2024, 08:01

Travel

2-Day Melaka Itinerary | A Local Guide to Top Attractions (Malacca)

2-Day Melaka Itinerary | A Local Guide to Top Attractions (Malacca) The Culture Map Melaka (Malacca), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a charming and historically rich city in Malaysia that offers a unique blend of cultures, architecture, and cuisines. I have a particular affinity to this city because it's where my dad grew up and where many of his family still live. I attribute my early childhood visit […] The post 2-Day Melaka Itinerary | A Local Guide to Top Attractions (Malacca) appeared first on The Cu...

The Culture Map

06 Oct 2024, 07:59

Travel

2-Day Melaka Itinerary | A Local Guide to Top Attractions (Malacca)

The Culture Map

03 Oct 2024, 15:01

Travel

Le Corbusier’s Chandigarh: A Modernist City Built From Scratch

Le Corbusier's Chandigarh: A Modernist City Built From Scratch The Culture Map If you think of India, it's likely that your mind will drift to images of colourful temples, ancient monuments, chaotic cities, spiritual ceremonies, red-hued spices and vibrant festivals. The ordered streets and concrete buildings of Chandigarh probably do not spring to mind. I've long been interested in the work of Le Corbusier, the pioneer of […] The post Le Corbusier's Chandigarh: A Modernist City Built From Scratch appeared ...

The Culture Map

03 Oct 2024, 14:56

Travel

Le Corbusier’s Chandigarh: A Modernist City Built From Scratch

The Culture Map

02 Oct 2024, 07:13

Travel

Inside the Bodleian Library in Oxford – Tour Review

Inside the Bodleian Library in Oxford – Tour Review The Culture Map Oxford University attracts visitors from all over the globe who want to pay homage to the people who came to study, many of them shaping the way we see the world. From the hallowed halls to grand architecture, and from honorary statues to commissioned portraits, the whole city is like a living, breathing museum dedicated […] The post Inside the Bodleian Library in Oxford – Tour Review appeared first on The Culture Map.