Things to Do in Montreal

Housed in the Old Building of Stirling Castle, the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Regimental Museum offers a fascinating insight into one of Scotland’s most important military regiments. Trace the history of the 91st Argyllshire Highlanders and the 93rd Sutherland Highlanders, who merged in 1881 to become the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders and have since battled both on home soil and overseas.

An impressive ode to the regiment’s military evolution, achievements and losses, visitors to the museum can follow the personal stories of soldiers from the Boer War to the WWI trenches to some of WWII’s most notorious battles. A sizable collection of artifacts and memorabilia is also on display, including photographs, uniforms and official documents, alongside medals, weapons and ceremonial bagpipes. 

The Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela is one of the most important shrines in Christendom, believed to be the final resting place of St. James the Greater, one of the Twelve Apostles. The Romanesque, Gothic, and baroque structure is the terminus of the Camino de Santiago (Way of St. James) pilgrimage routes through Northern Spain.

 

Whether you’re a pilgrim wishing to bask in the presence of an important holy site or merely interested in one of the most fantastic spots in Europe, the cathedral is a must-see for the sweep and scope of its art and architecture.

 

Many visitors explore the cathedral and surrounding town on a day trip from Porto just across the Portuguese border. To get a sense of the pilgrimage experience, it’s also possible to take a self-guided walk along the last 62 miles (100 kilometers) of the Way of St. James over the course of a week or opt for a weeklong guided cycling tour of the pilgrimage route.

 

 

Most visitors arrive at the cathedral on foot as part of a pilgrimage, and it’s easy to walk to and from just about anywhere in the relatively small Santiago. The easiest way to get there from other cities in Spain is to take the train; the station is within walking distance of the city center. You can also visit as part of a day trip from Porto, Portugal.

 

The basilica and its museum are both open daily throughout the year, though the museum closes on some holidays. Winter is an ideal time to visit the cathedral, as pilgrimages are rare, so you won’t have to queue up. Arrive early if you plan to attend mass in July or August, the busiest months at the cathedral.

 

On some holidays, a huge incense burner known as a Botafumeiro is hung from the main dome of the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. Eight men use a pulley system to swing the giant censer from side to side some 65 feet (20 meters) above the congregation.

Built in the late 1500s, Forte de Monte Serrat was once known as Castelo de Sao Felipe and today still serves as one of the most iconic military structures in all of Brazil. Its traditional architecture, inspired by Italian traditions, originally housed three working cannons, and later was renovated to contain nine more. During times of war, soldiers were able to protect the whole of Port Salvador from Monte Serrat’s circular interior, although in the mid-1600s, Brazilian military was unable to hold off Dutch forces and ultimately had to surrender the fort. 

Travelers in search of history will find the halls of whitewashed Monte Serrat steeped in military tradition. And those less interested in the nation’s past will still enjoy the picturesque views and incredible sunsets found atop this iconic fort. 

In a leafy park along the scenic banks of Lake Geneva is the Ariana Museum–a palatial, three-story mansion home to over 20,000 glass and ceramic objects. The museum features a private collection of ceramic vases, cups, statues, stained glass windows and paintings, plus a room of contemporary ceramics on the second floor and a display of temporary exhibitions in the basement. Though most descriptions are in French, the free museum is still worth a visit for its beautiful surroundings.

Held in an impressive, Baroque-meets-classical-style building, the museum gives way to high-vaulted ceilings, rich burgundy walls, massive columns and an accessible balcony overlooking the Parc de l'Ariana. There's also a tea room (similar to a cafe) and an outdoor patio offering lunch (though you'll need reservations).

The Ariana Museum is located alongside the entrance to the Palace of United Nations and opposite the Red Cross Museum, so you'll be able visit all three attractions in just a few hours. Visitors with a Geneva Pass can enter the museum for free, with the added benefit of free, unlimited public transportation and admission to over 40 other city attractions, including the Red Cross Museum.

Looking for a quaint escape from the hustle and bustle of Mexico City? Queretaro is the place for you. With the full name of Santiago de Quertetaro, this town is the capital of the small but diverse Mexican state of Queretaro.

A step back into colonial times, Queretaro is known for its history, culture and pink stoned walls. See the Art Museum, the Regional Museum or the odd but pleasurable Mathematics Museum. The city center has some affordable street vendors selling local arts and crafts, and the colonial center of the city has two bullrings. Not too far from Mexico City, here you can find not just stimulating history and good shopping but also great traditional Mexican food as well. Memos, Che Che, and Los Compadres all serve up great traditional Mexican fare at a fair price all in the historic city center.