8 Incredibly Beautiful Places In Latvia

The often-overlooked Republic of Latvia is home to numerous gorgeous places. From its charming small towns to its metropolitan capital city of Riga and everywhere in between, this Baltic gem truly shines.

With its abundant natural beauty, imposing castles, and pretty cities, Latvia is undoubtedly one of Europe’s most underrated destinations. Here are just a few of its must-visit spots.

Old Town in Riga, Latvia. — Nikolay Antonov / Shutterstock

1. Old Town, Riga

The historic center of Latvia’s capital is a truly lovely spot. Riga is known as the Paris of the East due to its huge number of art nouveau-style buildings, many of which can be found in this colorful neighborhood. The intricate architectural style incorporates a variety of natural elements and is quite aesthetically pleasing.

Known as Vecriga in Latvian, the Old Town area also offers pretty river views and gorgeous churches, and it is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s one of the main tourist draws in Latvia.

Venta Rapid Waterfall in Kuldiga, Latvia. — Valdis Skudre / Shutterstock

2. Venta Rapid Waterfall, Kuldiga

This pretty spot on the Venta is actually the widest waterfall in all of Europe. It’s located in the cute town of Kuldiga in the country’s western countryside. Visited by more than 100,000 tourists annually, the waterfall features adjacent pathways for observation.

The Venta Rapid Waterfall is also quite near a pretty red brick bridge known as the Old Brick Bridge. The bridge is the longest of its kind in Europe and dates to the 1800s.

The rest of Kuldiga is beautiful, too, and its Old Town is currently being considered for a UNESCO designation.

Rundale Palace in Pilsrundale, Latvia. — MagicPhotography / Shutterstock

3. Rundale Palace, Pilsrundale

This stately baroque structure is one of the grandest manors in all of Latvia. Designed by the same architect who designed the famous Winter Palace in Saint Petersburg, Rundale Palace deserves a visit, since it’s one of the country’s most impressive attractions. Besides the beautifully appointed and fully restored interior, the palace offers numerous gardens, an amphitheater, and several fountains. Plus, it’s even a museum!

Check out this beauty in southern Latvia if you get a chance. It deserves its nickname of the Versailles of the Baltics.

Kemeri National Park in Jurmala, Latvia. — Sanga Park / Shutterstock

4. Kemeri National Park, Jurmala

Home of the remarkable Great Kemeri Bog Boardwalk, Kemeri National Park, one of four national parks in Latvia, is a must-visit. The misty splendor of the ancient bog makes for a totally unique and stunning backdrop. Visitors should hike the wooden boardwalk to fully experience this natural attraction.

Pro tip: Climb the lookout tower for a bird’s-eye view of this boggy beauty. Some visitors even camp in the area overnight to view the sunrise from this vantage point.

Karosta in Liepaja, Latvia. — Alvydas Kucas / Shutterstock

5. Karosta, Liepaja

The western port city of Liepaja is a truly striking place; it’s known locally as the City Where the Wind Was Born and is now the third-largest city in Latvia.

Karosta, the military port, makes up about a third of the city. This area was closed during the Soviet occupation, but it is now accessible to tourists. The eerie beauty of stone breaking away into the sea and the juxtaposition of cold Soviet architecture with windswept natural features make it a fascinating destination.

Those with extra time in the area should be sure to visit the town’s famous Blue Flag Beach as well.

A beach in Jurmala, Latvia. — Ingus Kruklitis / Shutterstock

6. Jurmala

This pretty seaside enclave rests on the Gulf of Riga, just 30 minutes from the capital. A well-known resort area, this healing center charms in a variety of ways. There are historic and ornate wooden cottages sprinkled around the town, beautiful spa retreats, and a pretty white sand beach with views of the Baltic Sea. Nature lovers will appreciate the hiking options at Ragakapa Nature Park, a pine forest adjacent to picturesque sand dunes. Jurmala was a popular resort area during Soviet times, and it’s easy to see why.

Pro tip: Take the train from Riga for about 1 euro for easy access to Jurmala.

Cesis Castle in Cesis, Latvia. — yegorovnick / Shutterstock

7. Cesis Castle, Cesis

One of the best-preserved castles in Latvia, Cesis Castle, has medieval roots, though it was destroyed and rebuilt numerous times throughout its history.

Nowadays, visitors can tour the structure on foot. There is a small garden on the grounds, as well as dungeons and towers to be explored. Visitors should pay particular attention to the Western Tower, which offers nice views of the town and the nearby Gauja River Valley. It is a tradition to climb the Western Tower with a candle in hand.

A cow statue in Ventspils, Latvia. — Junik1976 / Shutterstock

8. Ventspils

There’s a lot to love about Ventspils, one of Latvia’s oldest port cities. But perhaps the most interesting attraction in the area is the public art. This industrial center is home to more than two dozen quirky cow statues, among other installations. They are mostly clustered on the riverside promenade, making it a hip and beautiful setting.

These are just some of the gorgeous spots to visit in the Baltic nation of Latvia. For even more ways to experience this beautiful country, spend time in its capital of Riga.

8 Reasons To Visit The Apostle Islands In The Winter

Wisconsin’s Apostle Islands are a nature lover’s paradise, and nearly 184,000 people visit the area each year. Tourists tend to visit in the spring and summer, when the waters of Lake Superior warm to swimmable temperatures.

That’s all well and good, but if you’re looking for a gorgeous destination for a winter trip, the Apostle Islands certainly qualify, provided that you know where you’re going (and you’re willing to dress in plenty of layers).

Here are a few reasons to put this gorgeous natural area at the top of your winter to-do list.

The ice caves at the Apostle Islands. — Bryan Neuswanger / Shutterstock

1. You Can Only See The Ice Caves In Winter

The ice caves are the Apostle Islands’ most breathtaking landmarks, though they’re not exactly easy to access (nor are they always accessible). Visitors must walk over the ice of Lake Superior to visit the caves, which requires… well, ice. That means that you’ll need sustained periods of wintery weather to make the trip.

The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore staff regularly evaluates ice thickness, and visitors can only traverse the ice after several weeks of below-freezing temperatures. Major weather events can also compromise the stability of the ice, so prior to your trip, check this page to determine whether or not the ice caves are open. We can’t stress that enough — most Apostle Islands travelers head here for the ice caves, but the conditions need to be absolutely perfect for the ice to be traversable

If the weather cooperates, the mainland ice caves are enchanting. They’re located on the western end of the Mainland Unit in northern Bayfield County. Set your GPS to 90500 Meyers Road and prepare for a lengthy 1.1-mile walk in each direction. Consider bringing ski poles and heavy-duty winter boots along with heat packs, warm drinks, and other essentials.

While there are no authorized tours, visitors can explore the caves on their own during low-risk conditions. Be sure to carry cash, since there’s a small fee (currently $5 per person per day) to visit the ice caves.

A frozen waterfall in the Apostle Islands. — Alize Tran Photo / Flickr

2. You Can Photograph Frozen Waterfalls

During your approach to the ice caves, you’ll also get the opportunity to see frozen waterfalls lining the cliffs of the area. Bring your camera and make sure you know how to photograph in bright conditions. Most modern cameras (and smartphones) have a “snow” setting, but you can also set your camera’s aperture and shutter speed manually to ensure the best possible shot.

If you’re not a photography buff, the aperture setting controls the depth of the field, while the shutter speed controls the duration of the exposure. When shooting snowy landscapes, you’ll generally want a small aperture setting and a long shutter speed, but play around with the options in bright lighting to get a sense of how your camera works.

While the frozen waterfalls and icicles are beautiful to behold, resist the urge to stand near them. Icicles can come crashing down without warning, potentially causing injury, so you’re better off staying near the established cave paths.

3. You’ll Love Spending Time At The Nearby Ski Hills

Mount Ashwabay is a family-friendly recreation area with affordable day rates, well-kept slopes, and fantastic views of Lake Superior. Here, you’ll find 12 alpine runs over 65 acres, perfect for downhill skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and other winter activities. There’s even a dedicated tubing hill, so if you’re traveling with family, this is a must-visit destination.

As with the ice caves, weather affects the available activities, so check the website when planning your trip. With that said, most of the trails and mountains remain accessible throughout the winter, even during short periods of unseasonably warm weather.

Views along the lakeshore in winter. — Vince In Wisco / Flickr

4. Experienced Hikers Can See Incredible Views On The Lakeshore Trail

The Lakeshore Trail is a serious undertaking, since it has a number of steep slopes and stream crossings. It extends for about 4.5 miles, but if you’re up for the challenge, it offers some of the best views of the lake during the winter.

The trail starts in the Meyers Road parking lot, so you can add it to your itinerary when visiting the ice caves (or in place of the ice caves, if the weather isn’t cooperating with your travel plans). As with the ice caves, you’ll want to dress in layers and bring a backpack with food, extra clothing, and other essentials.

5. Nearby Bayfield County Has Excellent Nordic Trails

For gentler trails, head to Bayfield County, where you’ll find an assortment of Nordic trails perfectly suited for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. The Drummond Ski Trail system is ideal for beginners, though Nordic trails are always somewhat intense. If you’re not much of a skier, several businesses in Bayfield offer snowmobile rentals, including Adventure North Rentals.

Some of Bayfield County’s trails are free to the public, but others have modest access fees. As with pretty much every other winter activity on this list, weather can affect accessibility, but Bayfield County operates a trail website that makes research easy.

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. — Bryan Neuswanger / Shutterstock.com

6. The Lighthouses Are Beautiful In Snowy Weather

While the Apostle Islands’ famous lighthouses are beautiful at any time of year, you’ll see them in a whole new light (pardon the pun) in the winter. Key stops include the Old Michigan Island Lighthouse, built in 1856 and retired in 1929, and Sand Island Lighthouse, built in 1881 and still in service.

In total, the Apostle Islands are home to eight historic lighthouses (nine if you count Old LaPointe Lighthouse, which is now in ruins, but still viewable), so if you spend a substantial amount of time exploring the area, you’ll inevitably encounter a few. Guided tours of the lighthouses are not available during the winter, but the structures are still quite picturesque.

7. You Can Spend A Romantic Weekend In A Cozy Lodge

Sure, summer resorts are fine, but we’ll just say it: Lodge vacations are underrated. Cozy up with family and friends at one of the many wonderful lodges near the Apostle Islands, and you’ll understand the appeal.

Great accommodations in the area include the Old Rittenhouse Inn, a historic bed and breakfast with 20 guest rooms in two striking Victorian homes. The inn has a gourmet restaurant and frequently hosts wine tastings. Be sure to check the website if you’re traveling around Valentine’s Day, since the Old Rittenhouse offers special packages for romantic getaways. If you’re traveling with a larger group, their Mystery Dinner Weekends (scheduled upon request for groups of 8 to 14 guests) also deserve some consideration.

Another option is The Lightkeeper’s Lodge, a small but luxurious hotel on Madeline Island. Amenities include gas fireplaces, jacuzzi tubs, private decks, and nautically themed artwork to help you appreciate the culture of the Apostle Islands.

Lodging is typically less expensive in the winter, but you’ll still want to plan your trip as early as you can; when winter conditions make the ice caves accessible, lodge rooms tend to fill up quickly.

8. You Can Enjoy Quiet Comfort On Madeline Island

You’ll travel to the Apostle Islands to enjoy the natural beauty, but that doesn’t mean that you’ll spend your entire trip in total isolation. Madeline Island, the largest of the islands, has a wonderful (and slightly weird) local culture with plenty of great restaurants, bars, and other points of interest.

Stop by The Beach Club, a pub-style restaurant known for its whitefish cakes and fish tacos. During the winter, the dining hours vary, but the restaurant is open seven days a week. To ensure a spot, give them a call when scheduling your trip.

You might also grab a cup of coffee at Mission Hill Coffee House, which features a full deli, a large wine selection, and an adjoining gift shop. This little shop has a little bit of everything, and it’s a nice place to relax with friends and enjoy some conversation. This is also one of the few spots on Madeline Island with public Wi-Fi, so most travelers will find themselves heading to Mission Hill at least once.

Wherever you go, you won’t have to fight crowds. Winter isn’t a peak season for tourism on Madeline Island, so you’ll be able to enjoy the welcoming atmosphere without feeling rushed.

Tourists exploring the Apostle Islands. — mattckaiser / Shutterstock

The Apostle Islands make a great destination for a winter vacation, and whether you’re hoping to spend your days exploring or relaxing, you’ll find plenty of options. Plan your trip as early as you can, bring plenty of warm clothes, and prepare for a remarkable experience — there’s no place like the Apostle Islands, and the colder the weather, the more you’ll want to extend your stay.

9 Things To Know Before Booking A Long Safari

I experienced the magic of my first African safari this year. It was long: three weeks to be exact. We drove from Cape Town, South Africa, to Johannesburg via Namibia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe. Before going, I thought a safari was a jeep ride to see animals in the wild. It turns out those are called game drives, and are only one part of the safari adventure. I absolutely loved my experience; however, it’s worth knowing a few things before you book yours, especially if it’ll be for two weeks or more.

A safari truck in Africa. — Heather Markel

1. You’ll Do a Lot of Driving And Have A Lot of Early Starts

I hadn’t thought about how big Africa is. The drive from Cape Town to Victoria Falls is over 3,500 miles. This meant we drove all day, most days. In order to arrive at our destinations with daylight, we often had 6 a.m. starts. You can sleep during the long drives; however, roads are usually not paved. This means that the further back in the truck you sit, the more you’ll have “the African massage” — a euphemism for the very bumpy ride. However, there’s usually nothing to do at night, so you’ll happily drift off to sleep by 9 or 10 p.m., making the early rises easier.

2. Safaris Aren’t Great For The Diet (Or The Body)

The real challenge of a safari is that with all the driving, you’ll be sitting most of the day. By the end of three weeks, the arthritis in my knee got so bad I had trouble walking. You’ll be instructed to buy lots of water to stay hydrated, especially in hotter countries, like Namibia. The challenge is, rest stops are only every few hours, and there are no toilets on the safari vehicles. If you request a non-scheduled stop, it will be by the side of the road and nature will be your bathroom.

You’ll also be encouraged to buy snacks for the long drives. Unfortunately, there are lots of enticing things to eat that aren’t good for the waistline. After sitting and snacking for three weeks, my pants became visibly tighter. If healthy or specific snacks like protein bars are important to you, you might consider bringing some from home to cut down on junk food.

3. It Goes Quickly And Covers A Lot Of Ground

I thought a longer safari meant slower travel. Instead, it meant more ground covered. Even a three-week safari went extremely fast because we stopped in so many places. Most safaris are made for the traveler with limited time who wants to see as much as they can in short periods.

Even though my travel agent gave me an itinerary, during the safari, I found it hard to remember where we had been just a few days before. I suggest keeping a journal each day with any specific details you want to recall. Or, print your itinerary with spaces between each location so you can write notes about each place. Photos are also hard to recall if you don’t tag them quickly. Was that gorgeous sunset in Namibia or Botswana? Did I see that huge elephant in Chobe or Etosha? Taking notes is essential for remembering details later.

A safari tour crossing sand dunes in Africa. — Heather Markel

4. Be Honest About Your Travel Preferences

Depending on your budget and travel style, there are many ways to do a safari. Though the driving is always included, the lodging varies.

There are camping safaris, known as “overland” tours and accommodated tours, during which you’ll sleep in a lodge or hotel room. The more expensive the tour, the more luxurious your room. I did a budget accommodated tour. I found the lodges wonderful. They weren’t the Ritz Carlton, but they usually offered a good night’s rest and a decent shower and had mosquito nets.

The camping version is different than glamping (you’ll want to ask your tour company which version it offers). Overland camping safaris typically involve using “bush toilets” (a polite way to say you’ll be digging holes) or shared outdoor toilets. Glamping will offer you a bed in a tent and the possibility of a toilet, though it could be outdoors. You should ask whether or not you need to bring your own camping gear.

The type of tour you book will impact your food, which can range from budget to gourmet. On a budget tour, you’ll have some meals on your own account, meaning you have to buy some of them in a supermarket or at a restaurant. No matter which option you choose, expect the crew to be excellent at handling food allergies and dietary restrictions when they cook your meals.

5. Single Supplements Could Kill Your Budget

If you’re traveling solo, single supplements (the cost associated with participating solo on a tour that generally assumes the participation of couples) can be as high as one-third of the safari price. If you meet a fellow solo traveler and get along, you could share a room and get some of your money back. If you do more than one safari with the same company, you should be eligible for a discount. Always ask.

Wild elephants in Africa. — Heather Markel

6. Don’t Overpack

This is not the time to bring your entire wardrobe with you. Your safari truck has cubby holes for your bags or a small luggage vehicle at the back. There are strict size limits because your bag won’t fit if it’s too large. If your safari is full, there won’t be room on a seat for it. Soft duffel bags are better than structured suitcases with wheels unless they’re carry-on size. Another thing to consider is that every night you’ll have to take your luggage off the truck to access clothes and toiletries, and every morning, you’ll have to put your bag back on the bus. I ended up putting my daily essentials into a tote so I could leave my larger bag in its cubby hole. Some lodges have laundry facilities, so it’s best to wash clothes and wear them again rather than packing something different to wear each day.

A wild leopard in Africa. — Heather Markel

7. You Might Not Get Along With Everyone

Longer safaris mean a substantial amount of time with strangers. While that can be great if everyone in your group gets along, it’s not so fun if you don’t. During a long ride, when days can be tiring and everyone needs to stretch, personality conflicts may happen. Consider that you’re likely to have people of different ages and several different nationalities on the safari. Having compassion is a must.

Acacia trees in Africa. — Heather Markel

8. Choose Your Route According To The Experience You Want

Africa is huge. Depending on your available time and budget, you’ll need to choose what you’d most like to see. If you plan to start in South Africa, for example, there are different safaris available out of Cape Town than there are out of Johannesburg. You may want to choose the countries you’ll visit by types of animals you’re likely to see, the countries that’ll be visited, or even by malaria risk. Many tours also feature a visit to a local tribe, which, in my opinion, was one of the most fascinating activities we participated in.

A wild giraffe in Africa. — Heather Markel

9. Animal Sightings Are Not Guaranteed

The greatest thing about the wildlife in Africa is that its in the wild, not a zoo. That means the animals are free to roam anywhere they please, whenever they want, and it won’t always be in front of your safari truck. I was outrageously lucky to see all the wildlife I did. Our tour guide told us he had been to Etosha in Namibia the week before, and they saw only one lion and a few elephants, whereas we saw almost every animal possible. If your goal is to see all of “The Big 5,” your best bet is to go to one of the national parks, like Kruger in South Africa, spend a week there, and do a game drive every day to increase your chances.

Long safaris are one of the most amazing life experiences you can have. I highly recommend doing multiple! If you know what you expect to see and do, and the type of travel you want to have, you’ll create memories you’ll cherish for the rest of your life.

Want more on safaris? Here’s why a Tanzania safari should be at the top of your bucket list, plus what happened when one of our writers finally went gorilla trekking in Uganda (and why it was worth the wait).

5 Reasons To Rent Out A Luxury Car For Your Next Vacation

There’s no better feeling than heading out on vacation. You’ve saved your money, done your homework on your destination, and planned well for your break. If you’re heading out on an extended road trip, or simply going from Point A to Point B once your flight lands, one way to really boost your vacation experience is to rent a luxury car. Here are a few reasons — some fun, others practical — why you might want to consider it for your next vacation.

1. You’ll Save Miles On Your Vehicle

Heading out on a cross-country road trip can be tough on your car. It obviously racks up the miles, but can also really add to wear and tear, and even push an older vehicle over the breaking point if you’re headed through challenging terrain like mountains. The last thing you want is to have a stall or blow-out cut into your vacation time and budget! Renting a luxe car will keep your main ride at home, and you cruising on through whatever the road might throw at you.

Hertz services with chauffeur driving luxury BMW car. — Abdul Razak Latif / Shuttertsock.com

2. The Safety Features And Tech Are A Major Plus

A top-of-the-line luxury vehicle looks great, rides like a champ, and will help keep you safe. That’s because loads of new top-of-the-line safety tech comes standard in top car brands. Rear cross-traffic, blind-spot, and forward-collision monitoring, plus automatic emergency braking are among the safety features you’ll want to have, and they will be included in luxe car models. Many of these vehicles will also have state-of-the-art GPS systems, which will keep you well-navigated and on the right track when you’re on the open road. Also, look for built-in GPS-based emergency call services in a vehicle. These will give you peace of mind if you need roadside or other assistance.

Audi A3 interior design. — Schnitcelpirat / Shutterstock.com

3. You’ll Have More Comfortable Ride

Even in the closest families or relationships, you still need your space, especially when you’re on an extended road trip. There’s nothing more miserable than being squished up and uncomfortable when you’re logging big-time miles on vacation. A luxe rental will likely provide you extra room with a larger cabin — and that means more leg space and storage options. Also keep in mind that the space has been specifically engineered for maximum comfort. From better supports, heating options, and even massage choices in the seats to a smooth, comfortable, and quieter ride, luxury cars will take your driving experience to the next level.

4. It Might Be Cheaper Than You Think

Rental car companies routinely offer deals and steals — including free upgrades — especially for repeat or preferred customers. Do your homework online beforehand, and you might be surprised by your options. Stack them up side by side with the wear and tear costs on your personal vehicle, and you very well might find that it will actually cost less to rent a luxury vehicle for your next road trip.

5. It Ups The Fun Factor On Your Whole Vacation

Finally, there’s no denying the fun factor when it comes to renting and riding along in a luxury vehicle while you’re on vacation. The thrill of driving a top-end model is going to boost your holiday experience, no matter if you’re road-tripping or grabbing your rental once you’ve reached your destination. It will have a superior entertainment system, giving you multiple options for music, podcasts, or even movies to keep you occupied on the go. It will handle the road well, be a joy to drive, and make the miles zip by. Finally, don’t underestimate the thrill of a new-car smell and turning heads in it while you’re on vacation. We love hopping into a brand-new luxe car that we don’t get to enjoy every day at home; it’s the terrific way to start your vacation off on a fabulous foot. Besides, taking it over the top is part of what vacation travel is all about, right?

Whether your rental will be your chief mode of transportation or is simply getting you from place to place once you land, it can be worth it to explore a luxury option for your next trip. If you’re taking the plunge, further cut your costs by limiting drivers and educating yourself on the best insurance options. If you’re lucky, your pre-existing car insurance policy and credit card might provide you with all the coverage you need.

Hertz’s Ultimate Collection and the Exotic Car Collection by Enterprise are popular options, and depending on where you’re traveling, you may be able to rent from a high-end local fleet as well.

Want to go all out? Here are eight luxurious perks you might get with hotel butler service.

9 Stunning Architectural Wonders In Baku, Azerbaijan

A unique blend of Eastern and Western architecture can be found in Baku, Azerbaijan. In the captivating capital city, ultramodern, glass-and-steel high-rises stand next to buildings that are much older.

After decades of political strife, Azerbaijan gained its independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. President Heydar Aliyev wanted to make Baku a center of modern architecture. In 1998, Aliyev designated the area touching the Caspian Sea a national park, and a landscaping and building initiative began in Baku. In 2001, Azerbaijan became a full member of the Council of Europe, paving the way for collaboration with other member countries and allowing for a flood of new architectural possibilities.

Here are just a few of the marvelous works of architecture you’ll find in the city today.

The Heydar Aliyev Center in Baku. — saiko3p / Shutterstock

1. Heydar Aliyev Center

The Heydar Aliyev Center represents a complete departure from the traditional Soviet rigid, functional design aesthetic; its fluid, sweeping curves ushered in a more modern era in Azerbaijani architecture. World-famous architect Zaha Hadid designed this showstopping, ultramodern building, which is now the nation’s cultural center.

The Heydar Mosque in Baku. — Melander / Shutterstock

2. Heydar Mosque

In 2012, President Ilham Aliyev announced the construction of the Heydar Mosque. Completed in 2014, the mosque was intended to be a symbol of peace, tolerance, and unity and was named for President Heydar Aliyev. Built in the ancient Azerbaijani architectural style, the mosque is at the center of Baku’s revitalization.

The towering minarets and spectacular domes are especially beautiful at night. The strategically placed lights illuminate the delicate curves of the revered house of worship.

Interior dome of the Bibi-Heybat Mosque. — Alizada Studios / Shutterstock

3. Bibi-Heybat Mosque

The current-day Bibi-Heybat Mosque is a recreation of a 13th-century mosque of the same name that was destroyed by Stalin in 1936 when he abolished religion. The mosque opened in 1997.

Legend has it that the mosque contains the tomb of Okuma Khanim, a descendent of the prophet Muhammad. Bibi means “aunt,” and Heybat was the name of Khanim’s servant. The landmark is an important house of worship in Baku.

The Baku Flame Towers in Azerbaijan. — kerenby / Shutterstock

4. Baku Flame Towers

This unique landmark rises above the city of Baku, dominating the skyline day and night. The HOK architecture firm designed the Baku Flame Towers complex. The towers represent the wealth generated by the natural gas reserves that fuel the Azerbaijani economy.

LED lights embedded in the exterior of the building flicker at night, presenting a fire-inspired display that features the blue, red, and green colors of the Azerbaijani flag.

The tallest of the three buildings is a 39-story residential building. The second building is prime office space. The third building is the Fairmont Baku Hotel, a luxurious five-star hotel with views of the city and the Caspian Sea.

The Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum in Baku. — saiko3p / Shutterstock

5. Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum

The Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum houses centuries-old carpets and other textiles. The museum is dedicated to the work of Latif Karimov, Azerbaijan’s leading carpet artist and teacher.

The fascinating example of literal architecture, which resembles a rolled carpet, opened in 2014. The ultramodern building was designed by Austrian architect Franz Janz. The interior of the museum is also curved, allowing visitors to view the carpets and other art installations from a unique perspective.

In 2010, Azerbaijan’s traditional art of carpet weaving was inducted into the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, giving special status to this national museum.

The Little Venice water park in Baku. — Ungvari Attila / Shutterstock

6. Little Venice

Located near the Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum, Little Venice is a delightfully kitschy attraction. The water park is meant to mimic the canals of Venice. It is a fun tourist destination with beautifully maintained canals surrounding man-made islands with restaurants serving traditional Azerbaijani cuisine.

Visitors can rent a gondola for a relaxing ride and meander through the gorgeous gardens.

The Park Bulvar shopping center in Baku. — Elena Odareeva / Shutterstock

7. Park Bulvar

The exterior of the Park Bulvar shopping center is representative of the modern architectural wave moving through Azerbaijan. The mall’s offerings, however, are traditional, including high-end stores and a large food court.

Across from the mall is Milli Park. Situated on the Caspian Sea, it offers sculptures, gardens, and exquisite views.

Baku Crystal Hall in Azerbaijan. — ArtNat / Shutterstock

8. Baku Crystal Hall

Originally constructed to host the Eurovision Song Contest final and semifinal competitions in 2012, Baku Crystal Hall is the work of GMP Architekten.

The multifaceted structure serves as a concert hall and sports stadium and holds 25,000 fans. The building facade has embedded LED lights that can be programed to produce unique visual effects. This is a must-see, day and night.

The Government House of Azerbaijan in Baku. — ET1972 / Shutterstock

9. Government House

Facing Baku Boulevard, the Government House is home to the state ministry offices of Azerbaijan. The building was designed by Lev Rudnev; it was originally called the House of the Government of the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic and was completed in 1952.

Renovations on the building were completed in 2010. The beautiful baroque-style building is an example of ornate Eastern architecture. The Government House is best viewed at night, when its plethora of magnificent archways are highlighted by lights.

This architectural mix of old and new, East and West, modern and traditional aptly represents Azerbaijan’s rich history and culture. If you’re an architecture buff, a visit to Baku should be in the cards.

Planning a trip to Azerbaijan? Here are more of the country’s most beautiful places.

Meet The Highland Cattle, Scotland’s Majestic Cows And Bulls

Highland cattle are Scotland’s adorable signature animals: shaggy, friendly representatives of the moors and highlands. Also known as heilan coos, Highland cattle have a close and fascinating relationship with the people of Scotland and are a tourist attraction in their own right.

A Highland calf in Scotland. — Qvist2000 / Shutterstock

You can spot these magnificent creatures wandering the misty moors or at various farms across the country. Swanston Farm and Trossachs Woollen Mill are two excellent places to interact with Highland cattle up close.

These beasts have a distinguished history, a fantastic temperament, and a special place in the hearts of all Scots. Here are some incredible facts about Scottish Highland cattle.

Highland cattle in Scotland. — trotalo / Shutterstock

They Were The First Bovine Breed In The World To Be Registered

Highland cattle are as old as Scotland itself. The breed was the first bovine breed on the planet to be registered, with the first herd recognized in 1884. These creatures have called the Highlands their home for centuries and have adapted to the chilly climate by developing thick, shaggy coats. Over the centuries, Highland cattle have evolved into hearty animals with the courage to face the fierce Scottish winters, and they are probably descendants of ancient oxen. It’s an understatement to say that their Scottish roots run deep.

They Have A Long Lifespan

Highland cattle’s ability to adapt to the cruel climate of the Scottish Highlands might have contributed to their impressive longevity. They live an average of 15 to 22 years, substantially longer than most other members of the bovine family. In terms of human years, these impressive animals live well over 70 years, and some even exceed 90 years! They have also been known to give birth well into their later years, making these creatures coveted livestock.

Different colors of Highland cattle. — Jonas Carlberg / Flickr (CC BY 2.0)

They Come In A Rainbow Of Colors

When people envision Highland cattle, they tend to think of thick auburn coats of fur, and while many cows and bulls do sport this ginger hue, Highland cattle come in a wide variety of colors. These robust creatures are sheathed in red, yellow, white, black, and even brindle fur. What’s more, it’s also possible for them to give birth to calves of different colors. Although it’s common for different breeds of cattle to come in different colors, it’s far less common for a specific breed to have coats of multiple colors.

Two Highland cattle in the snow. — defotoberg / Shutterstock

They Have Waterproof Coats

The colorful coat of the Highland bull or cow has two distinct layers that protect it from the stormy elements and keep it toasty warm. The underlayer is thick and acts almost like the inside of a down jacket. The top layer is covered in a slick oily film that repels rain and snow. Their useful coat is another example of how the Highland cattle have evolved to cope with Scotland’s weather. On average, the Scottish Highlands get 100 days of snow during the winter months, and the coat does double duty keeping these animals dry and comfortably warm.

A Highland cow in Scotland. — Menno Schaefer / Shutterstock

They Were Once Housepets

Once again, truth is often stranger than fiction. Even though their utilitarian coats kept Highland cattle snug during the rough winter months, they were still routinely invited into the homes of Scottish people of yesteryear. The family bull or cow was given its own special area and protected from the elements. Although Scottish people do have a special affection for the hairy Highland cattle, this practice of bringing them indoors might have been a little more practical. Highlanders were predominantly farmers, and their herds were essential assets. Still, it’s cute to think of a sweet little Highland calf hunkering down with its people.

Both The Cows And Bulls Have Horns

Large horns are a key element of Highland cattle’s signature look, and both cows and bulls sport them proudly. Cows’ horns tend to point up and taper off, while bulls’ horns are thicker and point forward. As with most animals, the size of the horn indicates the general age. Although plenty of bovines have horns, very few can match the stunning curved crowns that grace both sexes of Highland cattle.

They Are Confident And Calm

Highland cattle have fantastic temperaments and are known for their unflappable demeanor and intelligence. Their charming personalities and friendliness have made them a popular breed far outside of the Scottish Highlands. It’s clear that these animals evolved significant coping mechanisms alongside their thick coats, and people all over the world are falling in love with these iconic creatures of the north.

Two Highland cattle in Scotland. — Gary Bruce / Shutterstock

At first glance, Highland cattle seem merely cute, but beyond their shaggy coats is a deep history rooted in the Scottish Highlands. Highland cattle fostered an alliance with the Scottish people long ago, and they are iconic symbols of the country today. Indeed, these magnificent beasts are well worth a trip across the pond.

Planning a trip to Scotland? Don’t miss the hidden gems of Edinburgh, Scotland’s hilly capital.