6 Great Vegas Restaurants, 2018

Going above and beyond the norm is typical for Vegas, and these six restaurants are out-of-this-world good. Try them next time you’re in town!

1. Once

Pronounced ‘oh-seh’, Once is the product of famed Peruvian Nikkei chef Ricardo Zarate. The name means “eleven” in Spanish and pays tribute to the fact that Zarate was the 11th child in his family.

The chef’s latest meals fuse Peruvian and Japanese dishes to create outcomes like oxtail bibimbap with black mint stew and bigeye tuna sashimi ceviche with black truffles. That’s just a small teaser of the elaborate and highly distinct meals you’ll experience at Once. Suffice it to say: Once is an adventurous food destination, not a place you go for a burger and fries.

In fact, the menu changes constantly, so coming back multiple times is encouraged. You may not see the same meal twice.

It just opened in March of 2018, but it’s frequently booked up, so you’ll want to reserve a table as far in advance as you can.

Once peruvian restaurant Las Vegas. — Once. Eater Vegas

2. Esther’s Kitchen

Widely acclaimed chef James Trees has created his own brand of fine Italian dining at Esther’s Kitchen in the Arts District of Las Vegas.

The selection of bread and pasta changes daily, and custom touches like having an in-house butcher and a self-maintained herb garden add to the personality and the flavor of the meals.

You can expect Italian staples like pizza, pasta, salad, and sandwiches in this quick lunch service style restaurant, and it certainly won’t break the bank with meal options under $15.

The restaurant is named after Trees’ late great aunt, who paid for his education and enabled him to pursue his dream of having his own restaurant. We think Esther’s Kitchen would make her proud!

3. North Italia

As soon as you set foot in North Italia, you’ll experience a modern, wood-styled aesthetic that makes for a very cool and comfortable atmosphere.

The food is no slouch either. There are multiple North Italia locations throughout the States, and each has a different menu. The Vegas menu offers items like prosciutto bruschetta with crescenza cheese and truffles. That’s just the tip of the iceberg in this Italian eatery, with handmade pizzas, extravagant salads, and delicious pasta also on offer.

If you have a hankering for pizza, we highly recommend The Pig Pizza. It’s loaded with Italian sausage, pepperoni with a spicy bite, and soppressata. You can thank us later!

Prices at North Italia are very reasonable. Expect to spend less than $20 on your main course.

Cheese pizza in a box — Unsplash / Alexandra Gorn

4. Raku

You’ve probably had Japanese food before, but you’ll feel like you’ve truly had authentic Japanese food after eating at Raku.

This cozy grill house has incredible small plates with a taste profile that will have you savoring flavors like never before. Even chefs choose Raku for a meal when they’re not working at their own restaurants because they know the quality is off the charts.

Small plates like the Enoki mushroom wrapped with bacon and the apple marinated lamb chops are some of our favorites.

Besides the food, you can expect great service, late hours, and very affordable prices.

5. Eureka!

If you think American food is boring, think again. American is what’s on the menu at Eureka!, but they find a way to make each staple dish taste fresh and starkly different than usual.

Take the mac n’ cheese balls; it’s a concept that’s by no means new, but the beer cheese sauce and Fresno chilis add a pizzaz that we’ve never tasted before.

Between the legendary cowboy burger, bone marrow burger, and bourbon barrel cake, you’ll be leaving Eureka! with a full and satisfied stomach.

6. Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen

If you’re a fan of Hell’s Kitchen and Gordon Ramsay, you should plan a visit to his new restaurant right in front of Caesar’s Palace.

The 8,000 square feet restaurant is lavishly decorated, and the menu is laden with some of Ramsay’s favorite items such as beef Wellington and sticky toffee pudding.

It’s the world’s first restaurant of its kind, so it’s worth trying if for nothing else than the great views of the Strip and the feeling of being on a TV studio set.

Prices are fairly reasonable and extend from $10-25 for appetizers to $30-50 for your main course. Don’t expect to see Gordon Ramsay in the flesh, but fans owe it to themselves to check this concept restaurant out.

Las Vegas is flush with options when it comes to entertainment, activities, and dining, and it can feel a little overwhelming at times. The flashing lights and the abundance of options is what makes it so great and so challenging to choose at the same time. We hope we’ve made at least your dining choices a little easier, and we know that whichever of these restaurants you choose, you’ll have a great meal!

How To Make Friends As A Solo Traveler

Cristina Luisa is an award-winning travel writer, photographer, and human/animal rights’ advocate. A native of the Bay Area, California, she possesses a B.A. in American Literature and Culture and an M.A. in Latin American Studies. So far, her solo adventures have led her to teach, volunteer, and travel extensively through 42+ countries. Currently, Cristina is working on her first travel memoir and settling into her new home in Colombia. You can read more about her travel addiction on Chronicles of a Travel Addict.

When I first started traveling alone on the road, I admit that I was terrified. Will I make friends? Will people like me? What if people judge me because of my nationality?

As I found out the first night of my solo trip to Chile, I wasn’t the only one exploring the world by myself. Sitting around the table with new friends from Germany, Australia, and Brazil, I sipped my coffee. Little did I realize that I would end up traveling thousands of miles with these people. In fact, over the years, going it alone has become my preferred mode of travel. It may seem contradictory, but traveling solo is an incredible way to make friends from all over the globe. Let’s take a look at how to make friends as a solo traveler.

If you know that you’re setting off for an extended period of time, or this is your very first solo trip, I’d recommend putting yourself out there before you even land. You can make friends no matter where you travel, but if you’re open about your destination, you might want to consider one of these solo-friendly destinations. If your dream journey isn’t on this list, don’t fret.

Facebook Expatriate Groups

One of the best places to start finding friends is on Facebook. Even if you’re generally against social media, it’s worth joining just to take a peek at the many groups dedicated to travelers exploring or living around the world. FB Expat Groups offer a wealth of information regarding what to bring, the best places for day trips, and any other questions you may have. In addition, most people who frequent these virtual hangouts are eager to meet up for a drink in person. Just go to Facebook groups and search “[City/country of interest] Expats.”

If you’re not keen on using Facebook to make friends, you can also peruse Reddit’s solo travel forum to discover like-minded people. Who knows, they might just be traveling at the same time to the same place as you!

Boutique Tour Operators

If you’re setting out on your solo trip and aren’t sure about organizing everything yourself, boutique tour operators are an excellent option. Not only do they take care of everything from transportation to day activities to meals, they also cater to particular interests and demographics. For example, Living Big Travel designs women-only tours to places as distinct as Iceland, Mexico, and Vietnam. If you are not a woman, or you’re more into traveling with fellow baby boomers, there are plenty of options. No matter if you want to head on a cruise or hike the Inca Trail, fresh options abound.

group of travelers silhouette on a hill — Unsplash / Ms.Sue Huan

Airports

On first glance, airports might seem a lousy place to make friends. People are in a hurry, they’re tired, and sometimes they just want to be left alone. However, there are plenty of others who either have too long of a layover or have arrived super early. Either way, they’re looking to pass the time. While these may very well be three-hour friends, they also might be heading to the same place you are — or know someone who lives there. This can be a hit or miss option, but the trick is to find out where your gate is, then choose a bar or restaurant that’s nearby.

Once you land, your opportunities to make friends will only increase.

Keep an Open Mind

In our daily lives, we get so used to the routine that we often don’t second-guess our choices. If you’re still working, this especially true. You’ve likely gone to the same job with the same people for 10, 20, or 30 years. Often, you’ve had the same colleagues for just as long. Well, traveling alone is an excellent way to break that monotony. You’ll meet people from all walks of life, religions, socioeconomic statuses, and linguistic backgrounds. While you won’t want to become best friends with everyone, in general, this is an incredible opportunity to expand your social circle and your knowledge.

Embark on a Group Tour

Upon arriving at your destination, check out the group tours that your accommodations provide, or head to Tour Scanner online. Whether it’s a free walking tour, an organized bus to the Golden Circle, or a hot air balloon ride above the Valley of Kings, there are always bound to be solo travelers attending. This is the time to strike up a conversation with others, asking why they were drawn to this location, where they’re from, or how long they’ve been traveling. People on the road are most likely to be open and eager to make new acquaintances.

Go to a Local Event

Whether you’re traveling long-term or are on a weekend business trip, local events are always great for meeting other people. It may be a concert, a language exchange dinner, or a drink-and-draw group, conveniently scheduled at night. Choose something that interests you and chances are you’ll meet like-minded locals and foreigners looking to interact. Two websites that are geared toward just this type of event are Meetup and InterNations, which host a variety of activities around the world.

man painting oudoors — Flickr / BagoGames

Hang Out at the Local Bars and Cafés

Depending on what your palate favors, what mood you’re in, and where you’re visiting, bars and cafés are some of the best places to meet people. Even if you don’t like coffee or spirits, go anyway and order a water (although, if tipsy people annoy you, just go to the café). Grab your notebook or the latest novel you’re reading, head over to the local watering/caffeinating hole, and hang out. Don’t be shy; engage in conversation, buy someone a drink, or politely ask to join someone else’s conversation.

Ask a Local for Directions or Suggestions

No matter where you go, it’s advisable to learn a bit of the local language. Making an effort to speak on their terms will always put you in a favorable light and open doors. If you’re not sure how to approach a local — whether you’re on the bus, at the weekend market, or simply walking down the street — try asking for directions or suggestions on what to do. People inherently love talking about their lives and interests, and this could easily lead to forming a bond. Many times, after asking someone about the best museum in town, they’ll be keen to go with you — or at least walk you in that direction.

Share Your Food

It’s no secret that food brings people together, and traveling alone is no exception. You might be on a walking tour, decide to take a cooking class, or arrange to dine with a specific chef. No matter the occasion, breaking bread with others will surely bring you closer, lighten the mood, and help you make friends. EatWith is a particularly helpful website for finding food-driven events.

man reading at counter in restaurant — Unsplash / Alva Pratt

Hostels

Ok, this option may have you wincing. When many people think of hostels, they think of kids aged 18-25 crammed into one room after hitting a pub crawl. Granted, there are hostels like this. On the other hand, there are many boutique hostels geared toward all ages that provide elegant private rooms. Think of it as staying in your hotel room, except almost every other guest is looking to make friends.

These establishments are geared toward socialization, offering events, tours, meals, and more, allowing you to get to know many people at the same time. Just make sure to look at the hostel’s description (beware of party hostels or those offering pub crawls) and check to see that there isn’t an age limit.

Not up for the hostel adventure? Try staying with a local through Airbnb or Homestay. While some hosts are just looking to make money off their property, others will be happy to show you around their city.

Do What Interests You

Possibly the most important tip on how to make friends as a solo traveler is simply to do what you love. Be it hiking, birdwatching, or trying the local fare, use the above suggestions to do what you normally would while traveling, but in a social atmosphere. You’re unlikely to make friends by visiting a gallery if you hate art, so embrace your interests. You’ll find like-minded people wherever you go in the world if you’re friendly and non-judgmental. Don’t worry too much about making friends; you might be surprised at how organically it happens while on the road.

Have you traveled alone before? What are your tips for meeting new people while on the road? Let us know in the comments.

Why 2018’s Hurricane Season May Be Quiet

In May, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) issued its annual hurricane forecast. It suggested that this year’s hurricane season, spanning from early June through November, would again be an active one.

Last season, was an unmitigated disaster, producing 10 hurricanes that visited more than $280 billion of damage on the Atlantic Basin. The two most infamous storms, Harvey and Maria, devastated Texas and Puerto Rico respectively. Puerto Rico alone may have suffered a death toll as high as 4,600; the island still has not fully recovered.

Earth’s climate is a tricky and subtle mistress. But this year, NOAA may have got it wrong. Not to jinx it, but it looks like we may be in for a surprisingly calm hurricane season.

Here is everything you’ll want to know if you’re planning to visit Florida, the Caribbean, or the Gulf of Mexico in the next six months.

Why this year might not be so bad

Basically, it all has to do with water temperature.

Most hurricanes begin their lives in Africa — particularly in Northeastern Africa where winds blowing through mountainous regions create pockets of low pressure. These systems are then blown across the Sahara Desert until they reach the Atlantic.

Warm water and a low pressure fronts form thunderstorms over the ocean. As these evolve, they begin to spin due to the Earth’s rotation. Plummeting air pressure in the middle of the growing system creates an ‘eye’. The eye functions as a sort of vacuum, sucking warm air and moisture in toward the center, where they rise, forming enormous cloud walls.

Lighting in storm clouds over water — Pixabay / jplenio

In so many words, warm water is like breast milk for baby hurricanes. The warmer the Atlantic becomes and the deeper down that warm layer extends, the more hurricanes will tend to form, the larger they will grow, and the longer they will sustain themselves.

But this year, the Atlantic is surprisingly cool.

In March, water temperatures were on par with last season. But since then — nothing. The expected warming has not come to pass. In fact, the Atlantic is about 3° F cooler than it was this time last year. That may not sound like much, but it’s the coldest the water has been in mid-June since 1982.

But isn’t the Earth getting warmer?

Yes, it is. April 2018 was the third-warmest April on record and May 2018 was the fourth-warmest May.

In 1982, the world temperature was 0.13° C above the long-term average; in 2017, it was 0.9° C. That may seem minuscule, but it’s actually really bad.

The change in average global temperatures between the middle of Reagan’s first term and the beginning of Trump’s is well captured in these two NASA infographics:

NASA global warming infographic 1982 — NASA/GISS: NASA Scientific Visualization Studio

NASA global warming infographic 2017 — NASA/GISS: NASA Scientific Visualization Studio

The progression isn’t always uniform, and it isn’t always predictable, but the overall trend is startlingly clear. If the cool water in the Atlantic stays that way, we should think of it as a reprieve, not a reversal of fortunes.

Where to go in the Caribbean in 2018

As noted, last year was not kind to the Caribbean and its pearl necklace of restful island paradises.

The Virgin Islands, for instance, were ravaged by two Category 5 hurricanes, Irma and Maria, in the span of two weeks. Recovery there remains a work in progress to some degree.

But, actually, there’s a lot of optimism about tropical tourism rebounding this year. Not every island in the region was hit hard by storms last autumn, and even those that were have been working hard to rebuild. By traveling, you can stand with the nations and dependencies that were dealt a blow by mother nature last year. Your money and company is always welcome.

Puerto Rico in particular could use your dollars right now. Although the island has undoubtedly been changed by Hurricane Maria, some resorts are open for business and others are taking reservations for later in the year. Check here to read updates and recommendations from the Puerto Rican tourism authority.

You should read Condé Nast’s guide to which Caribbean hotels are open if you’re looking to travel a little farther afield. You might just find someplace alluring to take advantage of this (hopefully) tame hurricane season.

Old fortress on the coast puerto rico — Puerto Rico. Flickr / dameetch

A word of caution

As we all know, meteorology is a finicky business. It can be difficult to predict what the weather will be like this afternoon, let alone between August and October — the peak months of hurricane season. There’s still time for water temperatures in the Atlantic to rise closer to typical levels, although experts say that window is closing.

Even if temperatures stay on the chilly side, that will not mean no more hurricanes; just fewer and less severe ones.

We should also remember that a storm need not be a hurricane to inflict terrible suffering. Subtropical Storm Alberto kicked off the season on an ominous note in late May, causing $50 million in damage and killing 12 people in Cuba and the US.

You should always keep an eye on the weather during hurricane season. It’s so much better to prepare for the worst and be pleasantly surprised.

7 Churches And Temples You Have To Visit

These religious sites, from large churches to modest, but significant chapels and mosques, provide an insight into how we worship and the role of spirituality in human history. Here are seven places of worship to put on your next vacation itinerary.

People visiting the ossuary in Sedlec Kostnice. — Grisha Bruev / Shutterstock.com

1. Sedlec Ossuary, Kutna Hora, Czech Republic

Places are really about people. But in the case of Sedlec Ossuary, the place is quite literally made of people.

For reference, an ossuary is a place where the bones of the dead are stored. At Sedlec, the decision was (somehow) taken to decorate the entire chapel with human bones. As macabre as it is fascinating, the collection includes bone cups, a bone chandelier, even a rather striking bone coat of arms.

While not for the faint of heart, the Sedlec bone collection dates from the 1870s, and it will definitely send a chill up your spine — if that’s the sort of experience your spine is up for.

Ancient Chapel Saint Michel de Aiguilhe standing at a very steep volcanic needle (Le Puy en Velay, France). — Aleksandr Sadkov / Shutterstock.com

2. Saint-Michel d’Aiguilhe, Aiguilhe, France

More extraordinary than the church itself (which dates from the 10th century AD), is the mound upon which it was constructed. The Chapel of Saint-Michel was constructed atop a 280-foot volcanic plug, which had been a site of local worship for centuries. But be prepared to climb: you’ll have to reach the church via a series of 270 steps etched into the rock itself. But the views of the surrounding hamlets are lovely, and the chapel itself is sufficiently historic to warrant a little climbing.

See-through church Borgloon at sunrise. — Sylvia Adams / Shutterstock.com

3. Reading Between the Lines, Borgloon, Belgium

You may be thinking, “‘Reading Between the Lines’ is an odd name for a church.” It sure is. But Reading Between the Lines both is and is not a church. It’s really more like an art installation.

Constructed by two cheeky architects in a field in Belgium, this is a church you can look right through. It was built using a hundred or so layers of razor thin steel, which causes an unusual optical illusion at ground level: the church is at least partly see-through, offering a glimpse of the trees and valleys beyond.

Supposedly, this is a commentary on the ambivalence of Western European society to its churches. On the one hand, there is an incredible legacy of faith and architecture in all the old cities of Europe, but on the other hand society is increasingly secular.

Reading Between the Lines offers no services or sacraments, but you are free to pray there in any manner you wish. Religious or not, it’s a compelling mirage.

Las Lajas Sanctuary - Ipiales, Colombia. — Diego Grandi / Shutterstock.com

4. Las Lajas Sanctuary, Colombia

Legend has it that in 1754, an Amerindian woman and her young daughter were caught in a storm in Colombia near the Guaitara River and witnessed an apparition of Mary, the mother of Jesus. The presence of the Virgin calmed the woman and her daughter, and some even say that the woman revisited the site some time later when her child was deathly ill. At that second visit, the child was miraculously healed, according to the legend. This story was embraced by locals, who enshrined the area and constructed houses of worship at the site in the 1800s. The current massive and ornate Las Lajas Sanctuary was constructed between 1919 and 1949 and was designated a minor basilica by Rome in 1994.

Beth Sholom Congregation Synagogue. — Beth Sholom / Shutterstock.com

5. Beth Sholom, Pennsylvania

Famed American architect Frank Lloyd Wright designed several iconic structures, from the Guggenheim Museum in New York City to a host of impressive residences. He only designed one synagogue in his career, however, in Philadelphia. The Beth Sholom Congregation in Philadelphia is not only a temple to God but also a shrine to Wright’s architectural significance in America and the world.

Temple of Prambanan near Yogyakarte, Indonesia. — Simlinger / Shutterstock.com

6. Prambanan, Indonesia

The most massive Hindu temple in Indonesia, the Prambanan in Central Java dates to the 9th century. The site has UNESCO World Heritage designation and is a complex of 240 separate temples. The entire place is a shrine to both Shiva and Buddha as well, an inspiring example of two religions peacefully coexisting in one sacred site.

Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (Il Duomo di Firenze), Florence, Italy. — Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (Il Duomo di Firenze)
Photo credit: InnaFelker / Shutterstock.com

7. Il Duomo, Florence, Italy

The religious history of Italy is dense and pervasive, from ancient Roman temples to the spiritual and artistic grandeur of Vatican City. But one of the most impressive churches is the beautiful Duomo, in Florence. This cathedral was built in the gothic style from the 1200s to the 1400s and its iconic dome is the largest brick structure of its kind. It’s built upon the ruins of an even older church, the 7th-century church of Santa Reparata. Visitors can also see the ruins of this ancient church as part of a Duomo tour. The Duomo’s exterior is gilded in white, pink and green marble, and its stark but vast interior is adorned with intricate mosaic tiled floors.

Religion has historically played a vital role in the development of civilization. Religious sites are impressive to visit, and they can teach us about religion – either those with which we identify or those of other cultures. These sites contain some of the richest examples of human history since community and collective worship has guided the people of every nation.

9 Things To Do When You Visit Singapore

The city (and country) of Singapore is bursting at the seams with activities, and there’s a wide range so that every traveler will find something they enjoy. Here are our suggestions!

Clarke Quay in Singapore. — leungchopan / Shutterstock

1. Clarke Quay

Seeing the local nightlife is always worth doing, and never more so than in Singapore’s Clarke Quay. This bustling development is full of trendy restaurants, bars, and is generally known as the “party scene” in Singapore.

Not only is it great for cutting loose, it’s also great for taking in some beautiful sights, since water fully surrounds this futuristic hotspot.

The pier is host to party boats that offer dining and music, and you won’t have any trouble finding a great eatery underneath the jelly-like roofs that reflect the colorful lights from the Quay.

A cable car in Singapore. — BoyCatalyst / Shutterstock

2. Private Sky Dining On The Singapore Cable Car

Looking for a romantic experience for you and your special someone that you’ll never forget? You can’t get much more special than the private dining experience on the Singapore Cable Car.

You’ll enjoy a 4-course gourmet meal while sitting 330 feet above the sea in your own private dining car. Take in the bright lights of the cityscape and the starry sky on a 90-minute ride that will take you from Mt. Faber to Sentosa and back again.

If you want an intimate dining experience, rest assured that you really can’t get any more intimate than this.

Universal Studios in Singapore. — Food Travel Stockforlife / Shutterstock

3. Universal Studios Singapore

The first amusement park of such scale in Southeast Asia, the Universal Studios Singapore edition is a grandiose park with 20 different attractions and themed areas like Hollywood, New York, the Lost World, Ancient Egypt, and Madagascar.

Whether you have children accompanying you or not, Universal Studios can fill a day with a wide variety of activities. The Singapore park currently holds the record for world’s tallest dueling roller coasters, and there’s an assortment of good food and other entertainment options once you’re through the gate.

The Raffles Hotel in Singapore. — Iryna Rasko / Shutterstock

4. Raffles Hotel

If you’re planning a trip to Singapore and want to see some of the most important landmarks, you have to include the Raffles Hotel on your list. Dating back to 1887, the hotel has hosted some of the most famous names in the world including Queen Elizabeth II, Michael Jackson, and Elizabeth Taylor.

You don’t have to stay in one of the hotels 103 suites to experience the atmosphere — you can also check out one of its 18 unique restaurants and bars, or shop at some of the high-end boutique stores.

If you’re having a drink, try the Singapore Sling — a specialty cocktail that was invented at Raffles Hotel and has been a staple for nearly 100 years.

Chinatown in Singapore. — GTS Productions / Shutterstock

5. Chinatown

Souvenirs are part of nearly everyone’s vacation experience, albeit an unpleasant one at times. But the best place to get souvenirs is in Chinatown.

Of course, souvenirs aren’t the only reason to check out Chinatown. There are also lots of authentic Chinese food options and attractions like the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, Maxwell Road Food Centre, and the oldest temple in Singapore, Thian Hock Keng Temple.

6. Singapore Flyer

The Singapore Flyer is basically an enormous Ferris wheel with similarities to the London Eye, but it offers some spectacular views of Singapore.

It takes about 30 minutes to do a full circle, and doing it at night is highly recommended as the wheel lights up to complete the lit skyline of the city.

Marina Bay Sands in Singapore. — Vichy Deal / Shutterstock

7. Marina Bay

Marina Bay is one of the city’s most reputable areas as it’s undergone a breathtaking transformation and includes wonders like the $5.5 billion Marina Bay Sands complex which you can see from miles away. The hotel, with its massive ship mounted atop three beaming towers, will leave you staring with your mouth agape.

Other fun stops include the Science Museum and casino, but you can spend hours shopping the boutiques, eating at the restaurants, or watching the famous light show.

Gardens By The Bay in Singapore. — S-F / Shutterstock

8. Gardens By The Bay

Crowned as the World Building of the year at the 2012 World Architecture Festival, Gardens by the Bay showcases immense seashell-shaped greenhouses with gardens that can be observed via a skywalk overhead.

If you have a bit of a green thumb, you’ll love learning about the hundreds of different trees and plants. The park has a futuristic design to it that makes greenery as thrilling as it could possibly be.

9. Singapore Zoo

The Singapore Zoo is world-renowned and well-worth a visit. It mimics a rainforest environment and caters to over 300 species of mammals, birds, and reptiles while housing more than 2,800 animals overall.

It’s made headlines with its free-ranging orangutan habitat which is the first of its kind. You can even eat with the orangutans when you sign up for the zoo’s Jungle Breakfast with Wildlife which has won awards for its exciting program.

If you’re looking to fill out your Singapore travel itinerary, these attractions can help to give you a vacation you won’t soon forget!

Photo Credit: Toni Schmidt / Shutterstock

Photo Credit: Boule / Shutterstock

5 Surprising Things To Do In Paris

Intrepid visitors who step off the beaten path of tourist highlights in Paris will be rewarded by a fascinating city filled with quirky and unusual sights.

The Pere Lachaise cemetery in Paris. — Alistair Rennie / Shutterstock

1. Visit Oscar Wilde And Jim Morrison

The Père Lachaise cemetery in the north of the city is one of the most famous graveyards in the world, and yet it is often skipped by tourists. It is perhaps most famous for being the final resting place of several famous figures, the most prominent of which are Oscar Wilde and Jim Morrison. Because of this, it has become a pilgrimage of sorts for fans of literature and music, who come to the cemetery to pay their respects to their idols.

However, Père Lachaise is so much more than a few famous tombs: aside from being a beautiful park, it comprises a stunning collection of intricately carved tombstones and mausoleums spanning the ages. It is a great visit for a chilly winter morning or sunny summer afternoon, where you can take a leisurely stroll amid centuries of Parisian history.

It is a simple 30-minute walk — in a straight line — from Place de la Bastille. Four metro stations are dotted around the park: Pere Lachaise, Phillipe Auguste, Alexandre Dumas, and Gambetta.

A young couple at the Wall of Love. — Nadia Turinsky / Shutterstock

2. Say ‘I Love You’ In Every Language

Hidden in a small park in Montmartre, away from the tourist bustle surrounding the Sacré-Cœur, is one Paris’ most beautiful artworks. It is a 40 square meter tiled wall, created by artists Frederic Baron and Claire Kito in 2000, on which is written the phrase “I love you” in over 250 languages. Completely free and open to the public, the wall celebrates the universality of love across cultures and borders.

The Wall of Love is a quick visit, but one that does not fail to move and inspire those who take the time to go see it. It is a less than 10-minute walk from Sacré-Cœur, and a great stop to incorporate into a visit to Montmartre.

The La Coulée Verte René-Dumont in Paris. — Studio Dagdagaz / Shutterstock

3. Go For A Walk In The Park – Above The City

Paris does not have a shortage of beautiful parks to walk through, but one of them rises above the rest — literally. Starting near Bastille and stretching out into the suburbs, La Coulée Verte René-Dumont (formerly known as the Promenade Plantée) is a garden walkway built on a disused raised railway line. A stroll down it provides a one-of-a-kind view of Paris’ streets and buildings as well as numerous photo opportunities, but it is also a chance to relax and get away from the crowds.

The path starts off raised before leveling out and then becoming below-ground, and is lined throughout with a beautiful array of plants and flowers. It also passes the Jardin de Reuilly, a small local park which is worth a detour for its delightful public water fountain dispensing fresh sparkling water.

Inside the Musee des Arts Forains. — Musee des Arts Forains

5. Visit Some Offbeat Museums

Paris has so many world-class museums that it is difficult to see them all in one visit. Because of this, tourists often skip — or entirely forget about — the city’s quirkier, less traditional museums. And there are a lot of them. Ideal for visitors with some extra time, or for those who have already seen the highlights, these smaller museums and galleries can be a fascinating foray into the more eccentric side of Paris.

Why not visit the Museum of Vampires and Legendary Creatures, the only vampire museum in the world? Run by a self-proclaimed “vampirologist” who gives you a tour himself, the collection houses such objects as a Victorian vampire protection kit and a mummified cat. If that sounds too macabre for you, you may enjoy the Musée des Arts Forains, with its collection of antique carnival objects and attractions, some of which you are even encouraged to ride. Another — admittedly quite niche — option is the Musée du Fumeur, an unusual museum dedicated entirely to the art and history of smoking.

When you visit Paris, you want to see all of the iconic sights. But make some room for these lesser-known marvels to enjoy a side of the culture Parisians experience every day!