I Love Culture

Basel

Basel is a place of exciting contrasts. Contrasts such as masterpieces of contemporary architecture set against the well-preserved Old Town or the wonderful harmony between the city's cosmopolitan flair and vibrant traditions. And although classical modernism and street art may seem like they are worlds apart, both have a prominent place in Basel. We are in flux, constantly reshaping ourselves. So every time you come to Basel, you will discover something new.

Hangzhou

Like Yin and Yang, Hangzhou, the capital city of the Zhejiang Province, has two sides that complete each other. This historic city is a showcase for traditional medicine, religion and art as well as a shining example of China’s rapid economic development. Combining idyllic natural beauty, a grand heritage through the ages and an air of affluence, Hangzhou is one of the country’s most livable and pleasant cities to linger in.

Kunming

Known as the City of Spring, Kunming, the provincial capital of Yunnan, is blessed with a mild climate especially favourable to plant cultivation, which becomes instantly evident in the city's vibrant flower markets. The pace of life here is slow: hardly anyone is seen in a hurry. The best thing to do is smell the roses, and wind down gently while exploring this very pleasing city and the breathtaking nature getaways in the environs.

The London Story - Tate Modern

Watch this London Story from Marcus - curator at the Tate Modern art gallery - as he shares his thoughts about London whilst standing outside his famous workplace, opposite St Paul's Cathedral on the South Bank of the Thames.

Guest of Honour

Adaeze won a competition to be London's Official Guest of Honour and spent two unforgettable weeks in London experiencing the very best the capital has to offer. Watch highlights from Adaeze’s trip of a lifetime, from flying first class from her hometown in California; to raising Tower Bridge, attending a Royal Premiere, seeing London from a helicopter, and watching her name appear in the Piccadilly Circus lights! Watch brand new footage from Adaeze’s trip. Look out for some very special guest appearances from Professor Stephen Hawking, Mayor of London Boris Johnson, Downton Abbey star Jim Carter, Michelin star chef Jason Atherton, tennis ace Tim Henman, and British ballerina, Darcey Bussell.

Perugia

Perugia is the provincial capital of Umbria, one of Italy’s most beautiful regions. The ancient heart of the city, packed full of Etruscan and Roman monuments, perches on a hilltop with the modern city spread below. With a prestigious university, the city has a lively student population, good shopping, fun bars and great restaurants. If that weren't enough, Perugia is the setting for one of Europe’s best jazz festivals: Umbria Jazz.

Hannover

Hannover is a modern metropolis set among countless idyllic little towns and cute villages — with its programme of major events and open-air concerts, the baroque Royal Gardens of Herrenhausen and its top-notch artistic and cultural offerings, this city boasts a range of absorbing leisure activities that scarcely any other city can rival. Among the tourist highlights of the area, surrounding its federal state capital, are Lake Steinhude, the ridge of the Deister Hills and the Marienburg Castle.

Hamburg

The Elbe River, lakes and canals, the historic Town Hall, the UNESCO World Heritage Site Speicherstadt and Kontorhaus District with Chilehaus, the nightlife on the famous Reeperbahn and the traditional Hamburg fish market shape the image of Hamburg, Germany’s green city on the waterfront. The HafenCity offers modern architecture and the new landmark, the concert hall Elbphilharmonie. In Hamburg — Germany's second biggest city — prestige, elegance and creativity are combined to create an edgy, modern vibe.

The London Story - Royal Opera House

Watch Marianela and Thiago, principal dancers at The Royal Ballet, as they take you on a journey of love and magic that reveals London's romantic side.

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.

The London Story - The Shard

Watch William Matthews - project architect of The Shard - as he reveals what he likes most about the city in his London Story from the 69th floor of the building he helped to create.