![\"Rich](\"https:\/\/otwp-admin.fareportal.com\/going-places\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/shutterstock_347793785.jpg\")
Sainte Chapelle, Paris<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n In Paris, many people head straight to the Eiffel Tower or the Louvre. But you’ll have a much more relaxing time if you visit Sainte Chapelle. Established in 1248 as the personal chapel of King Louis IX, Sainte Chapelle is one of the most beautiful buildings in the City of Light. In the world, really. A fine example of the Rayonnant form of Gothic architecture, Sainte Chapelle<\/a> is located not far from the Notre Dame on the \u00cele de la Cit\u00e9<\/em>, inside the grounds of the Palais de Justice, which formerly served as the residence of the French royal family.<\/p>\n Sainte Chapelle\u2019s biggest draw is its upper chapel, which is adorned with richly colored stained glass windows and radiant vaulted ceilings. Historically important as the place where the king prayed each day, the upper chapel is also home to the church\u2019s signature rose window, a later addition to Sainte Chapelle that depicts scenes from the Book of Revelation. Also of note at Sainte Chapelle is the lower chapel, a separate place of worship for the palace\u2019s workers that is dedicated to the Virgin Mary.<\/p>\n Of course the mother of all New York City museums is the Metropolitan Museum of Art. But everyone knows this, and sometimes it’s hard to even get near the Rembrandts and Vermeers. Try heading north to the Met’s satellite location, the Cloisters. Nestled in Fort Tryon Park — way way up in Inwood, Manhattan’s northernmost neighborhood — the Cloisters is a medieval sanctuary in Manhattan\u2019s concrete jungle. Visitors will be fascinated by the incredible juxtaposition of the Cloisters\u2019 medieval architecture against New York\u2019s modern cityscape.<\/p>\n The Cloisters<\/a> itself was built from five European monasteries dating back to the Middle Ages that were disassembled, moved, and then rebuilt brick-by-brick in the 1930s. Replete with wondrous outdoor gardens, the Cloisters and its calming architecture stand as a testament to the serenity of the monastic life in the medieval era. Indoor exhibits at the Cloisters focus on the great variety of medieval art. One of the museum\u2019s most prized exhibits is The Hunt of the Unicorn<\/i>, a set of 7 tapestries from the 15th century depicting the capture of a unicorn by a group of nobles.<\/p>\n The Cloisters, New York City<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n Instead of rushing to see the Golden Gate Bridge or taking the ferry out to Alcatraz, consider taking a hike up to San Francisco\u2019s Telegraph Hill, one of the city’s quirkiest and most picturesque neighborhoods. One of Telegraph Hill\u2019s defining features — other than the iconic Coit Tower that sits atop the hill — is a flock of wild parrots that call the neighborhood home. Believed to be former pets who escaped from their owner, Telegraph Hill\u2019s parrot flock first appeared in the late 1980s. While originally numbering only four, today\u2019s flock now boasts over 100 birds. Regularly perching on trees and filling the neighborhood with their melodious calls, the parrots of Telegraph Hill have become an enduring part of life in San Francisco, even serving as the subject of several books and a documentary film. Visitors to Telegraph Hill should also consider climbing Coit Tower for panoramic views of the city.<\/p>\n Sydney<\/a> is known for its beautiful beaches. While visitors to the city might be tempted to immediately head for the famous Bondi Beach, or perhaps the surfer favorite Manly Beach, a less crowded alternative is available in the form of Milk Beach. Milk Beach sits in the secluded suburb of Vaucluse, barely a stone\u2019s throw away from Bondi.<\/p>\n Although not as large as Bondi, Milk Beach makes up for its relatively modest size with fantastic views of Sydney Harbor and the city skyline. Milk Beach is further advantageous because of its proximity to two of Sydney\u2019s biggest tourist draws: Nielsen Park, one of the best recreational centers in the city, and Strickland House, a 19th-century mansion that offers tours of its walkable gardens and great views of Sydney Harbor.<\/p>\n San Miniato, Florence<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n While the Duomo might be the most famous building in Florence, the Basilica of San Miniato al Monte offers some of the best views in the city. San Miniato is dedicated to the Armenian martyr St. Minias who, after being beheaded for his faith, allegedly picked up his head and threw it to the spot where the basilica now stands. Built over 1,000 years ago, San Miniato is a fine example of Romanesque architecture, making it a true standout amongst Florence’s more numerous Renaissance-inspired edifices.<\/p>\n The interior of the building is decorated with colorful mosaics relating to the life of St. Minias and St. Benedict, whose order also called the basilica home for several years. The basilica\u2019s placement on a hill overlooking the city allows for great views and exemplary photography opportunities. The site offers particularly amazing views of the Duomo, which is best enjoyed during the early evening and dusk hours.<\/p>\nIn Paris, Try Sainte Chapelle <\/strong><\/h2>\n
In New York City, Try the Cloisters<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"Arches](\"https:\/\/otwp-admin.fareportal.com\/going-places\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/shutterstock_15652630-1.jpg\")
In San Francisco, Try Telegraph Hill <\/strong><\/h2>\n
In Sydney, Try Milk Beach<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"Basilica](\"https:\/\/otwp-admin.fareportal.com\/going-places\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/shutterstock_717360952.jpg\")
In Florence, Try San Miniato<\/b><\/h2>\n
In Rio de Janeiro, Try Parque Lage <\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"Park](\"https:\/\/otwp-admin.fareportal.com\/going-places\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/shutterstock_1950765364.jpg\")