HH The Amir, French President review ties and Gaza situation
7 Historic Forts to Explore in Qatar This Eid By Qatar Living · 0 · 2 months 1 week ago Discover Qatar's rich history this Eid by exploring its iconic forts. From the UNESCO-listed Al Zubarah Fort to the scenic Barzan Towers, each site offers a glimpse into the country's past. Whether you're a history buff or looking for a unique adventure, these forts provide the perfect getaway.
Fascinating Facts About Qatar You Probably Didn't Know By Qatar Living · 2 · 5 months 4 weeks ago Qatar is a land of fascinating stories, rich traditions, and surprising wonders. From its unique flag to ancient purple dye production, there's so much more to discover about this vibrant nation. Read on to explore Qatar like never before!
Beat the Heat: 5 Tips to maintain your car this summer By Qatar Living · 2 · 1 month 2 weeks ago When Qatar's summer temperatures hit extreme highs keeping your car cool isn't just a luxury, it's a necessity. Here are some smart and practical tips to help your vehicle stay cooler and safer during the hottest months.
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Yahoo
6 hours ago
- Yahoo
How to experience 6 of Europe's most musical cities
This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK). While many cities can lay claim to being hubs of musical creativity, only a few become truly synonymous with a certain sound. After all, Vienna will always waltz to the tune of Strauss and few can imagine Seville without the passion of flamenco. In some cases, a city is its music. And, like that of a gifted composer, the European repertoire is vast. Whether for pop or classical, folk or techno, travellers will find no shortage of cities to immerse themselves in Europe's great soundtrack. There are hands-on workshops, interactive museums that chart the story of a genre, and nightly shows at age-old venues — perhaps the closest thing to seeing a city's soul. Whatever your taste, here are six of the best in which to plan a tuneful escape of your own. Seville's heart beats with flamenco. The stirring trinity of song, dance and music has its roots in the city's Gitano communities and has become an emblem of both Seville and Spain; such is its cultural value that it was added to the UNESCO Intangible World Cultural Heritage list in 2010. Tablaos are the place to experience the dance. Packed each night of the week, these venues can range from the casual La Carbonería, where locals come for tapas and a show, to more venerable institutions such as Peña Flamenca Torres Macarena, a stage and cultural hub for new and established performers, or El Arenal, where punters can enjoy a full-course dinner with a show. But the street is perhaps the most authentic stage of all. An outdoor performance might stir into life on the grand Plaza de España; on a tree-shaded patio in the Barrio de Santa Cruz, or in Triana, the buzzy, working class district said to be the birthplace of flamenco. The area is home to the Teatro Flamenco, a bijou theatre that holds nightly performances, as well as the workshop of teacher and guide Eva Izquierdo, who runs hour-long flamenco classes for budding bailadores (dancers). For an edifying experience, the Museo del Baile Flamenco houses costumes, art and interactive exhibits, which chart the history of the genre, with shows in the courtyard or cellar events space. Date for the diary: The annual Feria de Sevilla is a lavish celebration of Andalucian culture with parades, traditional dress, sherry and plenty of flamenco. 20-26 April 2026. Listen to: A Tu Vera by Lola Flores. The rousing sound of a fiddle is never far away on Ireland's west coast. Huddled against the Atlantic, Galway is a bastion of traditional culture, where poets, artists and musicians have long found a place to hone their craft in the city's bustling bars and salty-aired granite streets. More than just watering holes, Galway's atmospheric pubs have a proud tradition of hosting and championing Irish folk (or Irish trad) musicians. The Crane Bar heads up any list of must-visit venues: both floors of this lively Victorian haunt host packed-out sessions each night of the week, while Monroe's Tavern focuses on Irish-language music, and often throws dancing and poetry nights, too. With its charming web of streets festooned with flags and hanging baskets, the Latin Quarter is not to be missed. It's the beating heart of the folk music scene: buskers can be heard on street corners, covering classic ballads or trying out their own original tunes, while the pubs here make a fine place to while away an evening with a whiskey or two. Tigh Neachtain has been trading since 1894 and has platformed several well-known Irish folk artists, including acclaimed accordionist Sharon Shannon. Over at the charming Tig Choili, twice-daily live music sessions come courtesy of local and visiting musicians alike. Date for the diary: Now in its fourth year, the Galway Folk Festival promises a spirited programme of live music sessions across the city. 4-8 June. Listen to: My Irish Molly O by De Danann. Ace of Base, Roxette, The Cardigans, Robyn and, of course, ABBA… Sweden's musical exports reads like a festival headline bill. For decades, Stockholm has been a powerhouse of European pop and now, fans can dig into the city's hit-making heritage at the Swedish Museum of Performing Arts, which explores the history and future of music, theatre and dance. The Avicii Experience tells the story of the late, chart-topping DJ with a collection of unreleased music and virtual-reality karaoke, while the club Trädgården sees revellers dance beneath Skanstullsbron bridge. And, in the city that gave the world Spotify, vinyl still has its place; Bengans, Snickars and Mickes record stores are a music-lover's dream, while Pet Sounds sells used records beside a cocktail bar. But no trip to the city would be complete without a whirl around ABBA The Museum, where the career of Sweden's most successful act is celebrated through interactive exhibits and memorabilia. Date for the diary: Drömmen Festival will bring together pop legends from Sweden and around the world, including Ronan Keating, Gipsy Kings and Shirley Clamp. 7 June. Listen to: It Must Have Been Love by Roxette. Just like the Danube, music flows through the heart of the Austrian capital. Some of history's greatest virtuosos — from Mozart to Haydn, Beethoven to Strauss — lived and worked in Vienna, leaving a musical legacy that's as rich as a Habsburg palace. When it comes to live music, the Vienna State Opera shines as one of the world's most opulent music venues, while the Golden Hall at the Musikverein is home to the Vienna Mozart Orchestra. Mozart's legacy lives on in performances at the Orangery at Schönbrunn Palace, the space where he premiered The Impresario in 1786. The House of Strauss, meanwhile, is the world's only remaining concert hall where all four Strausses performed. Not everything takes place in palatial surrounds though. Intimate piano recitals are held at the Mozarthaus, where the composer lived, while the Annakirche is a baroque jewel of a church that hosts affordable concerts. Date for the diary: 2025 is the bicentenary of Johann Strauss's birth. A special concert by the Vienna Philharmonic, Vienna Symphony Orchestra and violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter will mark the big day on 25 October. Listen to: The Blue Danube by Johann Strauss II. When American troops were stationed in Paris during the First World War, they brought with them the improvised rhythms of jazz. In the years that followed, this sound took Paris's music halls by storm and has become entwined with the city's soundscape. The French capital is peppered with old-school jazz clubs, and few are as hallowed as Le Caveau de la Huchette, on the Left Bank. The building dates to the 16th century and has staged countless stars of swing in its time, including Sidney Bechet and Lionel Hampton. On the Right Bank, life on the Rue des Lombards saunters to the sound of jazz, for it's home to three of the city's finest bars: crowds squeeze into the Duc des Lombards, Sunset/Sunside and Le Basier Salé for late-night jam sessions. But, if one figure epitomises the French jazz era, it's Josephine Baker who turned heads in 1926 when she performed at the Folies Bergère wearing a banana skirt. The legendary music hall remains an art deco icon of Paris's musical heritage. Date for the dairy: Jazz festivals include Jazz à La Villette, held in the Parc de la Villette. August/September 2025, dates TBC. Listen to: Black Trombone by Serge Gainsbourg. If German reunification had a sound, it would be one of wavy synths and drum machines. After the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, the underground electronic music scene offered West and East Berliners a way to come together. Since then, the city has become the pounding heart of European electronica. Venues have popped up in disused landmarks across the city, harking to the 1990s when students began squatting in abandoned buildings. A fine example is Tresor, which began in the cellar of a former department store in 1991. Now housed in a decommissioned power plant, its killer sound system draws fans from across the world. Kater Blau — a former soap factory — is a popular, open-air summer spot beside the River Spree, while ://about blank takes a political approach to techno, offering 'hedonistic, insurrectionalist dialectic'. Top of any list, however, is Berghain, the cathedral-like club where (almost) anything goes. Top-quality sound and performances aside, the mysterious entry policy is all part of the appeal and has revellers queuing for hours. Date for the diary: Rave the Planet Parade mixes rave culture with political demonstration. 12 July. Listen to: Autobahn by Kraftwerk. Published in the European Cities Collection 2025 by National Geographic Traveller (UK).To subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine click here. (Available in select countries only).
Qatar Living
11 hours ago
- Qatar Living
HH The Amir, French President review ties and Gaza situation
7 Historic Forts to Explore in Qatar This Eid By Qatar Living · 0 · 2 months 1 week ago Discover Qatar's rich history this Eid by exploring its iconic forts. From the UNESCO-listed Al Zubarah Fort to the scenic Barzan Towers, each site offers a glimpse into the country's past. Whether you're a history buff or looking for a unique adventure, these forts provide the perfect getaway. Fascinating Facts About Qatar You Probably Didn't Know By Qatar Living · 2 · 5 months 4 weeks ago Qatar is a land of fascinating stories, rich traditions, and surprising wonders. From its unique flag to ancient purple dye production, there's so much more to discover about this vibrant nation. Read on to explore Qatar like never before! Beat the Heat: 5 Tips to maintain your car this summer By Qatar Living · 2 · 1 month 2 weeks ago When Qatar's summer temperatures hit extreme highs keeping your car cool isn't just a luxury, it's a necessity. Here are some smart and practical tips to help your vehicle stay cooler and safer during the hottest months.
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Travel + Leisure
3 days ago
- Travel + Leisure
This Popular Asian Island Has UNESCO Sites That Are Typically Closed to the Public—but You Could See Them This Summer
Jeju Island has long been a place of allure, some calling it the "Hawaii of Korea," while others have been enchanted by its set-jetting charms through the long list of K-pop dramas set there. Known for its dramatic volcanic landscapes (from Hallasan National Park to Cheonjeyeon Falls), unique culinary scene (Jeju Black pork, anyone?), and quirky culture (like a teddy bear museum!), the South Korean island is a rare destination that's a triple threat of UNESCO sites, inscribed as a World Heritage Site in 2007, as well as a Biosphere Reserve in 2002 and Global Geopark in 2015. To showcase all of its natural assets, the Jeju World Natural Heritage Village Preservation Association is bringing back its World Heritage Festival from July 4 to July 22. While the purpose of the sixth edition of this event is to 'promote the universal value and significance of Jeju Island's UNESCO-listed natural heritage sites,' for locals and travelers alike, it's also a chance to see the sites like never before, according to Korea JoongAng Daily. Throughout the 19-day event, the UNESCO-honored Hallasan Natural Reserve, Geomunoreum Lava Tube System, and Seongsan Ilchulbong Tuff Cone will all be thrust into the spotlight, while the opening ceremony and performances throughout the celebration will highlight the area's cultural traditions. Perhaps the most unique aspect of the festival are special expeditions that invite visitors inside sections of the sites that are usually off limits. This year's programming includes tours of the geological wonders of the Gimnyeonggul and Bengdwigul lava tubes, both part of the Geomunoreum Lava Tube System, which UNESCO said is "regarded as the finest lava tube system of caves anywhere, with its multicolored carbonate roofs and floors and dark-colored lava walls.' Another festival highlight is the walking tour following the lava path, divided into three sections, starting with following the road carved by lava, then a cave section before reaching a stone section that represents new life, including limestone formations and endemic plants in forested areas, a true immersive journey through the volcanic flow. Other events include Hallasan hikes, including the night sunrise hike through the natural reserve, forums with global leaders, and a heritage village to enjoy 'tours, experiences, and performances, and hear the rough, special, and honest stories of people who were born and raised in this World Heritage site,' the festival site explained.
