Imagine a fairytale city embraced by the chilly northern winds, cold yet welcoming you with the famous philosophy of “hygge” that warms your heart the moment you step inside. This is Copenhagen, a place where Hans Christian Andersen’s mermaids, colorful brick houses and the quiet reign of bicycles come to life.

As the modern world moves faster every day, Copenhagen gently reminds us of the value of slowing down, enjoying a cup of hot coffee and sharing sincere moments with friends.

When we arrived in Copenhagen from the airport, we were greeted by the city’s unique rhythm. As we reached our hotel, the calm atmosphere in the lobby and the sight of people deeply engaged in conversation by the fireplace, drinks in hand, made us truly believe that time would slow down here.

Even in March, Copenhagen proved itself a northern city with its harsh winds and cold weather. Despite the cold and wind, we were ready to explore every street of this city.

Nyhavn, dance of colors on water

After settling into the hotel, we headed to Nyhavn to watch the sunset and end the day peacefully.

Nyhavn, those iconic postcard images everyone associates with Copenhagen, became the starting point of our journey. This 17th century harbor, once a hub for sailors and merchants, is now one of the city’s most recognizable faces.

As we walked slowly along the waterfront, the colorful reflections dancing on the water created unforgettable scenes etched into our memory. The vibrant houses lining the canal became the backdrop of lasting memories and their warm tones seemed to warm us even in the freezing air.

Nyhavn is also home to number 20, the house where Hans Christian Andersen once lived. Seeing this inspiring setting, it’s easy to understand how he may have drawn inspiration from it and that his world-famous works were no coincidence. With that thought, we eagerly looked forward to our next stops.

‘Little Mermaid,’ Kastellet

The next stop after the harbor can be the “Little Mermaid” statue and Kastellet. About a 15-minute walk away, by the water, the melancholic and proud figure of the mermaid awaits you.

It’s worth noting that the statue is smaller than expected. According to legend, this bronze figure carries the longing of an impossible love and a world beneath the sea.

Just behind the statue rises Kastellet, one of the best-preserved star-shaped fortresses in Europe. When we added it to our route, we expected a challenging climb. After all, castles are often built on high ground with steep paths. We remembered how exhausting it was to climb castles like Eltz, Neuschwanstein and Bled.

However, since Copenhagen is relatively flat, Kastellet is not situated at a great height. Instead, it features strategic defensive design elements. The star-shaped structure is surrounded by lush green moats, one of its key defensive features.

The star design is said to provide defenders with a continuous 360-degree field of vision. The fortress complex also includes a windmill in its garden. Built in the 17th century to supply flour and oatmeal during sieges, this windmill is now one of the most iconic photo spots. It is the last remaining original windmill in the area and has been preserved as a historical symbol.

Today, although it still retains its fortress identity, it also offers a peaceful space for walking and relaxation.

Amalienborg Palace, Marble Church

Copenhagen is home to several palaces, but if you plan to visit Amalienborg Palace, you should time your visit carefully.

We planned ours at 12 p.m. If you arrive early, you can first visit the Marble Church (Frederik’s Church), located just behind the palace, with its massive and striking dome.

This church was one of the most impressive structures we saw in the city. Its grandeur from the outside alone proves it is one of Copenhagen’s most magnificent buildings.

After visiting the church, make sure to be in the palace square before noon. A large crowd gathers to watch the changing of the guard ceremony, forming a semicircle around the square. The ceremony takes place behind the large equestrian statue in the center, so if you stay too far back, it may be hard to see.

Rosenborg Castle, King’s Garden

Located in the heart of the city, Rosenborg Castle shines with elegance. It was once used as the royal family’s summer residence and now houses the royal jewels.

The King’s Garden (Kongens Have), where the castle is located, is a lush green retreat for those looking to relax in nature within the city.

Freetown Christiania

If you think Copenhagen is only about order and aesthetics, think again. This area proves that a rebellious spirit also exists within the city.

Founded in 1971 on a former military site, the residents of Christiania created a self-governing community with their own rules, flag and unique lifestyle. At the entrance, you’ll even see a sign that reads: “You are now leaving the European Union.”

From the moment you step inside, it becomes clear that Christiania is a creative pocket of chaos within Copenhagen’s otherwise perfect order.

Stroget Street

If you want to feel the pulse of Copenhagen, Stroget is a must-visit. It is known as one of the longest pedestrian streets in the world.

Stretching from City Hall Square (Radhuspladsen) to the elegant Kongens Nytorv, this street offers everything from luxury brands to local designer boutiques and allows you to encounter the best of Danish aesthetics.

As you walk along, accompanied by street musicians and performers at every corner, you can stop at one of the iconic squares, enjoy a coffee and experience the “hygge” philosophy firsthand.

And one last tip: Since Denmark is the birthplace of LEGO, don’t miss visiting the LEGO Store on Stroget. The large store in Copenhagen is one of the brand’s most important showcases in its home country.

Rendetaarn, Round Tower

Just a few steps from Stroget rises Rundetaarn (The Round Tower), one of Copenhagen’s most iconic landmarks.

What makes this 17th-century observatory unique is that you don’t climb stairs to reach the top. Instead, you walk up a wide spiral ramp.

Once at the top, you’re rewarded with a stunning panoramic view of the city’s characteristic red-roofed houses and narrow streets. With both its architecture and its breathtaking view, it absolutely deserves a spot on your travel list.

In New York City, the rhythm of global conversations is rarely quiet but this week, it feels especially charged. From sustainability milestones to the looming spectacle of international sport and a reinvigorated art scene, the city is once again reflecting the pulse of the world.

March 30 marks the International Zero Waste Day, a rapidly growing global platform calling attention to one of the most urgent challenges of our time: waste. This year’s focus food lands particularly powerfully in a city defined by both abundance and inequality.

Globally, nearly 1 billion tonnes of edible food is wasted each year, accounting for almost one-fifth of all food available to consumers. Around 60% of that waste occurs at the household level, while the rest stems from inefficiencies across food service, retail and supply chains. The implications are profound, affecting not only food security but also climate systems and biodiversity.

In New York, the conversation is no longer abstract. Across community kitchens, sustainability panels and policy forums, the emphasis is shifting toward circular food systems where waste is minimized, surplus is redistributed and consumption becomes conscious.

What stands out this year is the recognition of Türkiye’s leadership. Originally spearheaded by Türkiye and formalized through a United Nations resolution in 2022, International Zero Waste Day has evolved into a cornerstone of global climate dialogue. The United Nations General Assembly’s endorsement transformed a national initiative into a worldwide movement.

At the heart of this effort is the Zero Waste Project, launched under the leadership of first lady Emine Erdoğan. In New York, policymakers, activists and sustainability leaders are openly acknowledging Türkiye’s pioneering role. The project is increasingly viewed not just as a national success, but as a scalable model for global policy. The message is clear: governments, businesses, and individuals must act in tandem.

World Cup anticipation

If sustainability defines one side of the city’s current mood, anticipation defines the other. With the 2026 FIFA World Cupjust months away, New York is preparing to host one of the largest sporting events in history. Yet, beneath the excitement lies a surprising lack of clarity.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s administration has promised a citywide experience one that extends far beyond stadiums into subways, sidewalks, parks and neighborhood corridors. But when pressed for specifics, officials have struggled to provide concrete answers.

Key questions remain unresolved: the economic impact of proposed initiatives like a five-week free bus program, job creation projections and enforcement measures around labor conditions. Maya Handa, tasked with coordinating the effort, has emphasized ongoing discussions but offered few definitive plans.

Public transit a critical pressure point has become a focal concern. Comparisons to the logistical shortcomings of the Super Bowl continue to surface, raising questions about preparedness and contingency planning.

Financially, the city has already committed tens of millions of dollars toward advertising, logistics and infrastructure. Yet accessibility remains an issue. With ticket prices ranging from $1,000 to $3,000, uncertainty surrounds how inclusive the event will be for everyday New Yorkers.

Complicating matters further are broader geopolitical and social tensions. Travel restrictions affecting several participating countries, coupled with heightened scrutiny of federal enforcement agencies, have introduced an additional layer of unpredictability.

Despite these challenges, one thing is certain: the World Cup will transform New York not just as a host city, but as a living stage where global sport intersects with local realities.

Art world in full bloom

Meanwhile, New York’s cultural heartbeat remains as strong as ever. The city’s art scene is experiencing a moment of renewal, marked by both institutional milestones and bold reinterpretations of art history.

At the Whitney Museum of American Art, the latest Biennial serves as a pulse-check of contemporary artistic expression capturing the anxieties, contradictions and creativity of the present moment. Downtown, the long-awaited reopening of the New Museum signals a fresh chapter for experimental and forward-thinking work.

At the Museum of Modern Art, the enduring provocations of Marcel Duchamp continue to challenge audiences, reminding viewers that subversion remains central to modern art’s legacy.

Elsewhere, exhibitions are reimagining the past in striking ways. Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera are being placed in dialogue with operatic narratives, while Paul Klee’s work is revisited through the lens of “degenerate art,” reclaiming histories once suppressed.

And in a rare cultural moment, Raphael a master of the High Renaissance is the subject of a major exhibition in the United States, offering audiences a chance to engage with his work on an unprecedented scale.

Finally, what emerges from all of this is a portrait of New York at a crossroads where sustainability, spectacle and culture converge.

From kitchens rethinking waste to stadiums preparing for global crowds and galleries redefining artistic narratives, the city is once again doing what it does best: absorbing the world’s complexities and reflecting them back with intensity.

In New York, nothing happens in isolation. Every plate, every platform, every canvas is part of a larger story one that is still being written.

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There’s something undeniably magical about London in spring. After months of grey skies and heavy coats, the city slowly awakens – trees blossom, parks turn into shades of soft green and suddenly, life spills out onto the streets again.

Spring in London isn’t just a season. It’s a mood. And right now, it’s the perfect time to experience the city at its most charming.

One of the first things you should do is simply walk. London becomes a different city when the sun comes out. Strolling through neighborhoods like Notting Hill or Chelsea feels almost cinematic, with pastel-colored houses, blooming wisteria and cafes full of people enjoying their morning coffee outdoors.

Of course, no London spring is complete without its parks. Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens are at their absolute best right now. Think picnics on the grass, long walks by the Serpentine and that rare but beautiful moment when Londoners fully embrace the sun.

If you’re looking for something a little more curated, spring is also the season of events. From flower installations to outdoor exhibitions, London becomes a visual playground. One highlight is Chelsea in Bloom, where entire streets transform into floral art pieces, perfect for inspiration, photos and a touch of escapism.

And then, there’s fashion. Spring in London is when style feels effortless yet expressive. Light trench coats, soft tailoring and bold colors begin to replace winter layers. It’s the season where you can truly see Londoners – and visitors – experimenting with their looks, blending elegance with individuality.

For a more refined afternoon, nothing beats a classic British ritual: afternoon tea. Whether in a luxury hotel or a hidden gem cafe, it’s a moment to slow down, enjoy delicate flavors and take in the beauty of the spring evenings in London, which carry their own quiet magic. As the sun sets later, the city glows in soft golden light. A walk along the Thames, a dinner in a cozy restaurant, or even a spontaneous stop at a rooftop bar can turn into one of those moments you remember long after the season ends.

Because in London, spring isn’t just about what you do. It’s about how the city makes you feel.

And right now, it feels like everything is just beginning again.

Spring in Istanbul

There is something about spring in Istanbul that feels almost poetic.

It’s not just a change of season. It’s a shift in energy.

After the stillness of winter, the city begins to move differently. The light softens, the air carries a hint of the sea and suddenly, Istanbul feels alive in a way no other city does.

One of the simplest – and most beautiful – things to do in spring is to follow the Bosporus. Walking along the coastline, watching the ferries pass, hearing the distant sound of seagulls. It’s a rhythm unique to this city.

Spring is also the season of color. The famous tulips begin to bloom across the city, especially in places like Emirgan Park, where entire hills turn into waves of red, yellow and pink. It’s a reminder of Istanbul’s connection to nature – unexpected, yet deeply rooted.

But beyond the obvious beauty, spring in Istanbul is about rediscovery. Neighborhoods like Nişantaşı come alive again, cafes fill up, windows open and the city’s style becomes visible. It’s where elegance meets everyday life.

There is also a certain ritual to Istanbul mornings in spring. A slow breakfast, shared plates, fresh tea and conversations that stretch for hours. Time moves differently here – softer, more generous.

And then, the evenings.

As the sun sets over the Bosporus, the sky turns into shades of gold and lilac. The city quiets, but never sleeps. A dinner by the water, a walk through a familiar street, or simply sitting outside and watching the night unfold — these are the moments that define Istanbul.

Because in Istanbul, spring is not just seen.

It is felt.

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Belgian artist Nicolas Buissart started doubling as a tour guide as a joke after a newspaper in the neighbouring Netherlands named his city the ugliest in the world.

Some 15 years later, he is still arranging tours of Charleroi for visitors seeking beauty in dilapidated factories and rundown warehouses – the remnants of the city’s industrial past.

“Wallonia used to be prosperous; it’s a cradle of capitalism of sorts,” he says of the surrounding French-speaking region.

“The problem with capitalism is that it leaves a lot of waste behind.”

Yet that’s exactly what the dozen pensioners from the northern French city of Lille he’s driving around Charleroi have come to see on a dreary March day.

Urban exploration, or “urbex” for short – the underground pastime of exploring abandoned places, at times skirting the law in the process – has grown into a global movement over the past two decades.

Haunting complexes with shattered windows and moulded ceilings draw amateur photographers, selfie takers and thrill seekers from as far away as Berlin or Detroit.

Buissart’s “city safari” takes visitors up close to the slag heaps and giant ruins of steel and concrete that shape Charleroi’s landscape.

“There’s an aesthetic here that I really like,” Veronique Moussu, a member of the Lille expedition, tells Agence France-Presse (AFP).

“These spaces are enhanced by the play of light, shadows and street art,” adds the retiree, who is on her second visit to Charleroi in four years.

The southern city was once a coal-mining hub.

More than 40 years after the last pit shut down, it is now mainly known for its airport – a major European hub for low-cost airline Ryanair.

‘Dead’ but attractive

For the first stop of his tour, Buissart takes the group to an abandoned 1930s swimming and leisure complex that has become a playground for graffiti artists.

Built by a Belgian industrialist, the “Solvay Pool” aimed to provide workers with relaxation and entertainment a stone’s throw from a 19th-century manufacturing site for soda ash that is no more.

The pool’s old roof no longer holds water; rain and wind rush into the building, and the tiled floor is now an ankle-spraining, cracked mess.

Buissart, 46, a former design student, issues safety instructions as he guides visitors inside, giving them half an hour to explore and snap photos.

The same happens at the second stop on the route, a massive warehouse that was used for treating stainless steel sheets but is now also falling into ruin.

Once owned by steel giant ArcelorMittal, the site has been closed for about 15 years.

“You can imagine all the workers who toiled here and brought these places to life; now it’s dead, it’s destroyed,” says Pascale Dufour-Floor, who lives on the French-Belgian border and joined the Lille group on the tour.

Tourism promoters are hoping to turn these vestiges of a bygone era into an asset.

“This heritage is what sets us apart and attracts tourists,” said Valerie Demanet, director of the Charleroi Tourist Office.

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Spring has quietly, almost ceremoniously, arrived in London. The city, dominated by gray clouds and early-darkening evenings during the long winter months, now plays host to the slow but determined rise of colors and sounds. The streets are still the same streets, the buildings in their places; yet, when the light changes, everything feels transformed.

In the mornings, the parks are the first to reveal this transformation. Trees have not fully donned their green, but the buds at the tips of branches show nature’s patient yet inevitable progress. Cherry blossoms bloom as if aware of their brief existence, displaying all their elegance. When the wind stirs, pink petals drift to the ground, forming a delicate carpet over the grass.

The ponds tell another story. Swans glide across the water with composed grace, while ducks dart around them in faster, more scattered movements. Occasionally approaching each other, occasionally changing direction abruptly, these small waterbirds keep the pond’s surface in constant motion. Unlike the city’s usual rush, this scene follows its own rhythm unhurried, yet never still.

With the arrival of spring, London’s parks become not only spaces for nature but also gathering spots for people. Those who spent the colder months confined indoors seize the first sunny days to step outside. Blankets spread on the grass, coffee cups in hand, someone reading a book in a corner, friends chatting in another each expressing the same need in their own way: the urge to be outdoors.

Tourists swiftly join this tableau. In front of Buckingham Palace, crowds gather throughout the day. Some queue to take photos, others wait to watch the Changing of the Guard and some simply absorb the atmosphere. The palace grounds and nearby parks soften and disperse these crowds, giving the city room to breathe.

Large green spaces like St. James’s Park and Hyde Park offer spring’s most vivid experiences. Anyone walking there observes not only nature but also the city’s diversity. People speaking different languages, from various age groups, with different habits all under the same sun, on the same grass. London becomes not only a capital but also a meeting place.

The streets reflect the change as much as the parks. Crowds that hurried through the winter with heads down now move slower, more attentive, more present. This shift creates space for street performers. A guitarist strumming on a corner, a violinist playing classical pieces a few meters away, an artist drawing on the pavement with chalk all add their own rhythm to the city.

Street performances are more than entertainment; they are an essential part of London’s cultural fabric. People stop, watch, and sometimes join in. Even briefly, a connection is formed, preventing one from getting lost in the crowd.

Spring’s effect in London is emotional as well as visual. Longer days, softer light and milder air affect the mood of the city. Smiles are more common, cafes less rushed, walkers slower. The city seems to consciously slow its pace.

Yet this slowdown is not stagnation; it is intentional movement. People notice more the blossoming of a tree, a child feeding ducks, or a street performer’s act. Spring reminds us to pay attention, to stay present.

In a vast, fast-moving city like London, such moments are rare. That is why spring is more than a season; it is an opportunity. A period when the city redefines itself and its inhabitants. Shedding winter’s weight, it emerges lighter, more open, more alive.

Ultimately, spring in London does not happen in one place or moment. It spreads across parks, palace grounds, street corners and pond edges. This transformation encompasses not only nature but people as well.

Perhaps that is why describing spring in London is less about a season and more about a feeling, the sense of renewal, the gradual return of movement, color and sound, and, most importantly, the fleeting yet powerful reminders of how graceful and vibrant life can be, even in a crowded city.

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There are mornings when the world feels paused, as if the day is holding its breath. The sky is pale, the air sharp and everything seems quieter than usual. This is how the north welcomes you. Some moments visit a human life only once. The sky suddenly turns green, violet, then soft pink; the earth falls silent and time loosens its grip.

This year, all the signs are aligned. Solar activity is strong, nights are long and the skies are clear. We believe it: this is the year we will catch that impossible moment. We are heading north, into the cold heart of winter, to witness a phenomenon that feels less like weather and more like a message from the universe. Our destination is Arvidsjaur, deep in the Swedish tundra. The plane touches down, the door opens and there it is.

The aurora, already waiting. No transition, no warmup. Just arrival and wonder. It feels unreal, almost unfairly beautiful, as if the sky decided to offer a private welcome. I’ve seen many beautiful things, but this kind of greeting stays with you. It rearranges your sense of scale. Imagine a day that begins with aurora and ends on ice.

Speed on ice

If one experience has defined this journey, it’s driving on ice. I mean literally – on a frozen lake that becomes a racetrack, a car beneath you and nothing but ice stretching in every direction. As a guest of Volkswagen Türkiye, I recently had the chance to try ice driving with their cars and it was more than just a drive. It was something you felt rather than analyzed.

Sliding across a white expanse, extreme conditions became a playground. Intuition met instinct and every lap felt like a dialogue between me and the car. Before hitting the track, we had a briefing and some training, but once out there, the car showed its character without charts, specs, or numbers. Every drift, every correction, demanded focus and poise and the cold quickly became part of the experience rather than a distraction.

Here, in one of the world’s most respected winter testing grounds, it wasn’t about showing off or chasing speed. It was about feeling performance in its rawest, most demanding form and discovering how much the car and driver can really communicate when there’s nothing but ice between them.

Snowmobiles

Mornings begin with snowmobiles. Engines hum, helmets close and suddenly you are flying across glaciers and forests wrapped in white. The cold is biting, but the movement keeps you warm. Snowmobiles here are not about adrenaline alone; they are about access. They take you deep into landscapes that feel untouched, where the only sounds are wind and your own breath. It’s a reminder that in the North, distance is measured differently not in kilometers, but in silence.

Tour with huskies

Then there is the husky tour. No engine this time. Just dogs, runners on snow and a rhythm that feels older than any modern adventure. The dogs know the way. You learn quickly to trust them, to relax into the motion. Gliding over frozen lakes and through forests, you realize how travel used to feel before speed became obsession. It is simple, physical, honest and unexpectedly emotional. Sweden is the right destination for an exceptional driving experience. Here, the tundra becomes a classroom.

Different drive systems, bare ice, controlled conditions but raw nature all around. Over four days in Arvidsjaur, you don’t just test cars; you test perception, patience and presence. Aurora is never guaranteed. That’s part of its power. Some believe that seeing the Northern Lights grants a wish, that in that moment, you breathe in sync with the universe. Maybe it lasts minutes, maybe hours. But once you’ve seen it, really seen it, it stays with you. Some experiences can be repeated. Others belong to a single chapter of your life. Speed on ice, silence on snow, and light dancing above you in the Arctic sky how many times do we truly get moments like this?

What to eat in Sweden?

Swedish cuisine may look simple at first glance, but it’s rich in tradition and comfort. If you’re in Sweden, these are the must-try dishes that truly define the local food culture:

Köttbullar: The iconic Swedish meatballs, served with creamy gravy, mashed or boiled potatoes, and lingonberry jam. Classic, balanced and deeply comforting.

Gravlax: Cured salmon with dill, sugar, and salt, usually paired with mustard sauce. Light, fresh and unmistakably Nordic.

Cinnamon Buns (Kanelbullar): The star of fika, Sweden’s daily coffee ritual. Soft, fragrant and impossible to stop at one.

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