architecture Archives - Planet Whitley

19 great reasons to visit Munich, Bavaria

Munich, Germany, ranks among Europe's top destinations for overseas travellers. And it's justified. Here are just 19 reasons why... Englischer Garten: World class urban paradise An arguably unbeatable contender for the title of the world's greatest urban green space, Munich's primary natural lung is way…

adventure sports, architecture, Bavaria, beer, food, Germany, markets, Munich, museums, palaces, parks, shopping, sport, stadiums, World War II

5 reasons to add Miami to a round-the-world trip

Miami is a major connecting hub, but it’s worth getting out of the airport to explore further. It’s the gateway to Latin America There are flights that go to Central and South America from Europe, but the vast majority of require flying via the United…

architecture, Florida, Miami, USA

The Tiffany glass dome inside the Chicago Cultural Center's Preston Bradley Hall.

Preston Bradley Hall: The Tiffany Dome at Chicago’s most underrated attraction

Preston Bradley Hall inside the Chicago Cultural Center is home to the world’s largest Tiffany Glass Dome. The mosaics are hugely impressive, too. Chicago brims with top quality attractions. The public art in Millennium Park has become legendary, the Art Institute of Chicago has a…

architecture, art, Chicago, Illinois, USA

The Neptune Pool at Hearst Castle, California.

Inside Hearst Castle, California: The most expensive home ever built

David Whitley is hit by surprise after surprise when he visits Hearst Castle, a publishing magnate’s dream house overlooking the Central California coast. Hearst Castle, in summary Hearst Castle is arguably the world’s most extravagant private home, overlooking California’s coast. It was the pet project…

architecture, California, USA

The art deco National Tobacco Company building in Napier, New Zealand.

Napier: New Zealand’s art deco secret

David Whitley discovers how a devastating earthquake led to Napier becoming one of the most architecturally stunning cities on earth. Exploring Napier’s architectural story At eye-level, Emerson Street looks like your average small city high street. A few cafés, a mix of chain stores and…

architecture, Hawkes Bay, Napier, New Zealand, North Island

Beat the crowds at Casa Batllo, Barcelona, with an early morning visit

An early morning visit to Casa Batllo in Barcelona means higher ticket prices but better photography inside the Gaudi-designed building. The best time to visit Casa Batllo, summarised Casa Batllo can seem crowded. Early morning visits are best if you want good photos of Gaudi’s…

architecture, Barcelona, museums, Spain

The Bergisel ski jump in Innsbruck, Austria.

Is the Bergisel ski jump in Innsbruck worth the entry fee?

The Bergisel ski jump in Innsbruck is worth the entry fee – but it’s not one of the city’s must-sees. Is the Bergisel ski jump worth the entry fee? Summarised The Bergisel entry fee is €10. The views of Innsbruck and the Alps are spectacular.…

architecture, Austria, Innsbruck, sport

A selection of Chicago's architecture from the Chicago River.

Why you should do a Chicago architecture cruise AND walking tour

Do an architecture walking tour in Chicago to see inside the buildings and get more depth. Do an architecture cruise for the magnificent views. To skip the explanation and choose from a range of Chicago architecture tours, head this way. Getting to know Chicago’s architecture…

architecture, Chicago, cruises, Illinois, tours, USA

The Church of Saints Cyril and Methodius in the Karlin district of Prague.

What is the twin-towered church in Prague’s Karlín district?

If you walk through Karlín, one of Prague’s most attractive neighbourhoods, you will quickly notice a large twin-towered church dominating the area. This is the Church of Saints Cyril and Methodius, a major landmark and one of the largest churches in Czechia. The history of…

architecture, Czechia, Prague, religious sites

Do I need to book Casa Vicens tickets in advance?

Why book Casa Vicens tickets in advance Casa Vicens, situated in Barcelona’s Gràcia district, is Antoni Gaudí’s first major architectural work and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its unique blend of Moorish, Art Nouveau, and Modernisme styles makes it a standout attraction, but also an…

architecture, Barcelona, museums, Spain