Hidden gems

Busan

Named East Asia Culture City in 2018, Busan has recently risen to prominence internationally, with visitors now flocking to South Korea's second city even outside of the busy International Film Festival week each October. There is more to do and see than can fit in a space of a few days: traditional spas, local eats and endless shopping all leave but a little time to take in the rugged Busan coastline on seaside nature hikes.

Sarajevo

With its stunning natural setting, culturally diverse - and, at times, turbulent - history, and modern vibrancy, Sarajevo is a busy city which now actively welcomes visitors to its eclectic streets. The Islamic, Orthodox, Catholic and Judaic influences and religious traditions live on side by side here, in the formerly contested capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina set against the misty backdrop of the Dinaric Alps.

Pau

Nestled in the corner of rural south-west France stands Pau, the capital of the Béarn province, a bastion of history and culture. The town occupies a unique geographical position in the foothills of the Pyrenées. With its awe-inspiring views of the mountain range, Pau is only a few hundred kilometres from the major towns of Bordeaux and Toulouse and even closer to Spain and the Atlantic Ocean. A springboard to sunny beaches or snow-capped mountains, Pau’s pretty streets, and excellent gastronomy are enough to ensure leaving will be difficult.

VisitBrabant - 's-Hertogenbosch

’s-Hertogenbosch is one of the oldest medieval cities in the Netherlands. The maze of narrow medieval streets and alleyways can be explored on foot. Another option is to marvel at the picturesque bridges and perfectly preserved historical buildings from a small boat: admire Den Bosch from its waterways, the Binnendieze. You will gain an entirely different perspective floating beneath the walls of the fortified city. When you visit the capital city of Brabant, make sure that the Den Bosch delicacy is on your menu. Find a table at one of the many outdoor cafes and order a ‘Bossche Bol’ (chocolate ball) with your coffee. The Korte Putstraat in the historical city centre is a street known across the country for offering culinary treats in a variety of cuisines. Throughout the year, all the eateries have extensive outdoor seating areas. You will find two museums in the middle of the city, the Noordbrabants Museum and the Design Museum Den Bosch. Together, they form the Museum Quarter, already dubbed ‘the Dutch branch of the Guggenheim’. The lovely Sint-Janskathedraal on the corner of the Parade impresses through its size and enormous wealth of sculptures.

Basilica Oudenbosch

Basilica Oudenbosch of the Holy Agatha and Barbara A hidden gem in the Western part of North Brabant. This church is unlike any other church in the Netherlands. Just like the center of Oudenbosch, where the church is located, it’s inspired by Roman architecture. The church and historical center around it are worth the visit. In the Oudenbosch Basilica and the museums surrounding it you’ll discover the special connection that Oudenbosch has with Rome and Vatican city.