Some cities are like unexpected treasures: we don’t hear their names often, we add them to our plans at the last minute, yet when it’s time to say goodbye, a piece of our heart stays behind. Just half an hour away from Amsterdam’s famous crowds lies a world that is calmer, deeper and undoubtedly more romantic.

Utrecht: A hidden gem

In some travels, certain stops surprise us – or even make us wonder whether we should have visited at all – yet their charm lingers in our memory. Utrecht is one of those cities. I hope one day your path will cross with this delightful city, which I am eager to share with you.

Here’s a fact that might surprise you: Utrecht, often called “Little Amsterdam,” is actually the fourth largest city in the Netherlands. Following Amsterdam, Rotterdam and The Hague, Utrecht stands as one of the oldest cities in the country. Centrally located, it is about 40 kilometers (24.86 miles) southeast of Amsterdam and 60 kilometers northeast of Rotterdam, making it a must-visit on any Dutch itinerary.

Despite being the fourth largest city, Utrecht does not share the hustle and bustle of Amsterdam. Perhaps this is why many visitors, including myself, feel an immediate connection to the city. Its traditional Dutch buildings, charming canal-side cafes and serene atmosphere make it perfect for slow walks, photography and simply savoring the moment. Utrecht is romantic, calm and timeless.

Canals: Heartbeat of Utrecht

The best way to understand Utrecht is through its canals. Unlike those in Amsterdam, Utrecht’s canals exude a unique charm and feel like the city’s lifeblood.

The famous werfkelder, or wharf cellars, give the city a two-level layout. Descending the moss-covered stone steps from street level, you leave the city’s rush behind and enter a tranquil world. Historic cellar doors now open into boutique cafés adorned with colorful flowers, dimly lit jazz spots, or creative art studios.

One of the city’s greatest joys is the feeling of life moving more slowly here. Even as a large city, Utrecht allows you to savor quiet moments. You’ll find yourself taking endless photos on flower-laden canal bridges and wishing your coffee by the water would never end.

Utrecht’s majestic landmark

Dom Square (Domplein) is an ideal starting point for exploring the city. Its centerpiece, the Dom Tower, warmly welcomes visitors with its striking presence.

Built in the 11th century, the Dom Tower is one of Europe’s tallest church towers, standing 112 meters high. Once part of the Utrecht Cathedral, it remains a symbol of the city. The Gothic-style cathedral next to it adds to the historic skyline. From the top of the tower, you can enjoy panoramic views of Utrecht.

Discover history beneath Dom Tower

Did you know the magic of Dom Square continues underground?

Dom Under Utrecht offers a unique journey into 2,000 years of history. This underground museum showcases excavations and Roman-era ruins, revealing the city’s evolution from its earliest days. Archaeology enthusiasts can even witness ongoing excavations during their visit, making it a captivating experience for anyone interested in history and discovery.

St. Martin’s Cathedral

Another medieval gem in Utrecht is St. Martin’s Church, a symbol of the city that has stood the test of time. Hidden within the church is Pandhof Garden, a historic cloister garden adorned with plants, flowers and sculptures. Here, visitors experience a serene blend of history and nature, perfect for reflection and photography.

Rietveld Schröder House

Utrecht is also home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site: the Rietveld Schröder House, designed by Dutch architect Gerrit Rietveld. A global icon of modern architecture, the house features remarkable design innovations:

Movable partitions transform the interior from one large open space into multiple rooms.

The kitchen, living and dining areas can be reconfigured based on need.

The corner window frames the outside view perfectly, with unobstructed sightlines that make the scenery feel like a painting.

The house is one of the most creative examples of functional modern architecture you can visit.

Museum Catharijneconvent

Named after a medieval monastery, Museum Catharijneconvent displays religious art and artifacts, exploring the Netherlands’ spiritual history. Alongside its impressive collections, the museum offers insights into traditions, rituals, and religious life, providing a unique and immersive experience.

Castle De Haar

Just outside Utrecht lies De Haar Castle, one of the most beautiful and grand castles in the Netherlands, ranked among the 22 most beautiful castles in the world. Situated between Utrecht and Amsterdam, it is a testament to history and luxury, transporting visitors into a magical fairytale.

Miffy Museum

The Nijntje Museum, dedicated to the beloved Dutch children’s character Miffy (created by Dick Bruna), offers an educational and entertaining experience for children. Families can explore the colorful world of Miffy and enjoy interactive exhibits.

Sonnenborgh Observatory

Located in the northeast of the city, Sonnenborgh Observatory also functions as an astronomy museum. Housed within a historic fort, the observatory was acquired by Utrecht University in 1853 for astronomical research. Public observation events are occasionally held, guided by professional astronomers, making it a fascinating stop for science enthusiasts.

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Tourists hoping to get close to the Trevi Fountain have to pay 2 euros ($2.35) starting Monday as the city of Rome inaugurated a new fee structure to help raise money and control crowds at one of the world’s most celebrated waterworks.

The first tourists to pass through the new ticket check seemed unfazed by the tariff, noting it was a small price to pay for quality access to a fountain made famous by Federico Fellini’s movie “La Dolce Vita.”

“Before, there were problems accessing the fountain. There were a lot of people. Now, it’s very easy,” said Ilhan Musbah, a tourist from Morocco. “You can take photos, you feel good, you’re comfortable, and on top of that, 2 euros is not much.”

The tourist fee was rolled out in conjunction with a new 5-euro tourist ticket fee for some city museums. In both cases, Rome residents are exempt from the fees and the extra revenue will actually expand the number of city-run museums that are free for registered Roman residents.

It’s all part of the Eternal City’s efforts to manage tourist flows in a particularly congested part of town, improve the experience and offset the maintenance costs of preserving all of Rome’s cultural heritage. Officials estimate it could net the city 6.5 million euros extra a year.

The city decided to impose the Trevi Fountain fee after seeing positive results already from a yearlong experiment to stagger and limit the number of visitors who can reach the front edge of the basin by imposing lines and pathways for entrance and exit.

“I think tourists were shocked by the fact that the city of Rome is only asking for 2 euros for a site of this level,” Alessandro Onorato, Rome’s assessor of tourism, said Monday. “I believe that if the Trevi Fountain were in New York, they would have charged at least $100.”

The fee follows a similar ticketing system at Rome’s Pantheon monument and the more complicated tourist day-tripper tax that the lagoon city of Venice imposed last year in a bid to ease overtourism and make the city more livable for residents. The Italian fees still pale in comparison to the 45% price hike that French authorities announced for the Louvre Museum for most non-European visitors, where tickets can now run to 32 euros from 22 euros.

The Trevi fee, which can be paid in advance online, enables tourists to get close to the fountain during prime-time daylight hours. The view for those admiring the late Baroque masterpiece from the piazza above remains free, as it is up close after hours.

The towering fountain features the Titan god Oceanus flanked by falls cascading down the travertine rocks into a shallow turquoise pool, where Marcello Mastroianni and Anita Ekberg famously took their nighttime dip in “La Dolce Vita.”

While bathing is prohibited nowadays, legend has it that visitors who toss a coin over their shoulders and make a wish will return to Rome.

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The Göreme Open-Air Museum in Nevşehir, one of Türkiye’s most visited museums, welcomed 1,187,016 domestic and international visitors last year.

Known for its rock-cut churches, monasteries, chapels and colorful frescoes, the museum attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists annually. It ranks among the top three most visited museums in Türkiye under the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, drawing visitors from around the world.

According to data from the Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism, visitor numbers at the museum were as follows: 55,180 in January, 41,404 in February, 70,516 in March, 129,533 in April, 152,122 in May, 110,234 in June, 93,232 in July, 115,702 in August, 126,265 in September, 148,775 in October, 96,555 in November and 47,498 in December.

For comparison, the museum welcomed 1,133,858 visitors in 2024.

One of the most visited museums

Tour guide Yunus Kervan, who introduces visitors to the site, told Anadolu Agency (AA) that the Göreme Open-Air Museum is a central tourism hub in the heart of Cappadocia.

“The museum draws visitors from all over the world due to its historical sites,” Kervan said. “The original frescoes in the country’s first monasteries and churches date back to the 11th and 12th centuries, making this place particularly significant. There are about 12 churches here, but we typically tour six: St. Basil, Barbara, Apple, Snake and Dark Churches. The most important is the Dark Church. Its name comes from the fact that sunlight rarely enters, which has preserved the paintings exceptionally well. Last year, 1,187,000 tourists visited. Most are from China and South Korea, but visitors also come from Malaysia, Indonesia, Taiwan, Europe and Latin America. This is one of the most visited museums in Türkiye.”

Tour guide Mustafa Soner Menekşe highlighted the museum’s unique structures, carved into volcanic tuff centuries ago.

“Göreme Open-Air Museum is historically significant. It is located within a national park that features artifacts from the Byzantine, Roman, Seljuk and Ottoman periods. Visitors can see how people of different faiths – Christian and Muslim – once lived together. We explain this in detail and visitors begin to appreciate and love the site as they explore it,” Menekşe said.

Argentine tourist Dario Adler, visiting Cappadocia for the first time, described the museum as a powerful experience.

“There is a very strong feeling here,” Adler said. “The story is so compelling that it makes you reflect on history. I highly recommend that everyone visit this museum.”

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Rising above the Bosporus slopes in Mecidiyeköy, Fairmont Quasar Istanbul is one of the city’s most convenient luxury addresses perfectly positioned for both business travelers and weekend escape seekers. With 209 rooms and suites, the hotel combines contemporary architecture with high ceilings and an airy sense of space, creating an atmosphere that feels instantly comfortable and genuinely uplifting from the moment you check in.

The property is entering an exciting new chapter this year with the appointment of its young and dynamic general manager, Cem Akşahin. With a refreshed team spirit and a new communications partnership with Yöntem PR, Fairmont Quasar is clearly set to be one of Istanbul’s most talked-about hotels in the months ahead.

Beyond the rooms, the hotel’s culinary scene is one of its strongest calling cards. Guests can move between different worlds in a single day: from the award-winning Aila, a modern showcase of Turkish cuisine, to Ukiyo, the stylish Far Eastern restaurant located on the terrace floor. For a more relaxed rhythm, Demlique offers a refined setting for afternoon tea, along with all-day coffee, tea and pastries, while the elegant Marble Bar keeps the night going until 1 a.m.

Wellness is equally impressive. The Fairmont Spa, located on the lower level, spans 2,000 square meters, offering a true city sanctuary for those who want to reset between meetings, shopping and Istanbul’s fast-paced energy.

And then there is the name everyone in the culinary scene is watching: Kemal Can Yurttaş, the hotel’s celebrity chef and Executive Chef of Aila. Despite his young age, both he and the restaurant have already collected an extraordinary number of accolades. His passion for the kitchen began at just 15, and after years of training, television experience, and working in some of Türkiye’s leading restaurants, he has created something genuinely special at Aila.

With its striking design, confident menu and flavors that truly stay with you, Aila is the kind of restaurant everyone should experience at least once. A standout detail is the restaurant’s in-house Spice Market, featuring over 100 spices sourced from different regions of Türkiye. These spices don’t just elevate the dishes, they also bring color, character and an irresistible aroma that fills the entire space.

Aila’s success story continues to grow. The restaurant began in 2026 on a high note with recognitions, including a Michelin recommendation, a 4-toque rating and the prestigious Gault&Millau awards, proof that Istanbul’s new generation of culinary talent is not only rising fast, but also redefining the city’s gourmet identity.

Four Seasons Hotel Sultanahmet

A Timeless Icon in the Heart of Old Istanbul set in the very heart of historic Istanbul, Four Seasons Hotel Sultanahmet may be housed in a beautifully restored heritage building, but the moment you step inside, the experience feels effortlessly modern. With its refined architecture, warm atmosphere and a team that welcomes you as if you were coming home, it is undoubtedly one of the finest Four Seasons properties in the world.

With only 65 rooms, the hotel delivers a true boutique luxury experience. It offers an intimate spa, the elegant Avlu Restaurant, the all-day dining concept Lingo Lingo and a rooftop terrace bar that becomes especially magical during the summer months. The entire property gives you the feeling of living inside history, yet without ever sacrificing comfort. For the most unforgettable stay, the terraced suites are simply spectacular.

A major part of the hotel’s charm comes from its general manager, Serap Akkuş. Everything she touches seems to become more beautiful, more thoughtful and more refined. From the guest rooms to the public spaces, you can truly feel a graceful attention to detail, almost like a signature feminine elegance shaping the entire hotel.

The Four Seasons Hotel also hosts one of Sultanahmet’s most impressive culinary destinations, Avlu Restaurant, led by the talented young chef Özgür Üstün. Despite his age, he has already turned Avlu into an award-winning dining address with what can only be described as “magic hands.”

Located on the eastern side of Sultanahmet Square, the hotel itself is a landmark. The building once stood as the grand Sultanahmet Prison, built over the ruins of the Byzantine Palace, and today has transformed into one of the city’s most iconic luxury hotels. Avlu Restaurant sits in the hotel’s lush green courtyard, surrounded by the property’s striking architecture, its vivid yellow exterior, tower, arched windows and traditional tile details.

Avlu’s menu celebrates classic Anatolian cuisine, reimagined through modern techniques, and the restaurant’s stone oven adds both authenticity and character to the experience. The setting is completed with bronze accents, dome-like transitions, and a spacious garden decorated with seasonal flowers. The stone oven pays nostalgic tribute to traditional cooking methods, while candlelit tables bring a romantic glow to evening dinners.

Many of Avlu’s natural products are sourced from women entrepreneurs across different cities in Türkiye, turning every plate into not only a culinary pleasure but also a story of local craftsmanship and community. From its Michelin recognition to the many awards that followed, Avlu has truly earned every bit of its success.

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The Basilica Therma Roman Bath, also known locally as the “King’s Daughter,” welcomed approximately 50,000 visitors in 2025, according to officials. The bath, listed on UNESCO’s Tentative World Heritage list, is located in Sarıkaya, a district of Yozgat province in Central Anatolia.

Dating back to the Roman Empire, the bath is believed to have healed the daughter of a king who once ruled in nearby Kayseri. The princess, said to have suffered from a relentless illness, gave the site its enduring nickname, “King’s Daughter.” The bath is renowned for its unique architecture and thermal waters, which have flowed at around 50 degrees Celsius (122 degrees Fahrenheit) for more than 2,000 years.

Following environmental and restoration work that began in 2022 under the supervision of the Yozgat Museum Directorate and was completed in August 2024, the bath has become a popular attraction. Recent cold weather and snowfall created striking visuals of steam rising from the thermal waters, captured by drones.

Yozgat Governor Mehmet Ali Özkan told Anadolu Agency (AA) that the province is committed to promoting both Turkish culture and ancient civilizations. “In Anatolia, we continue to highlight our own heritage while uncovering the legacies of ancient civilizations for the benefit of the province, the country and humanity,” he said.

Governor Özkan emphasized the bath’s growing popularity. “A facility like this exists only in England as well. With its hot waters and unique appeal, it drew nearly 50,000 visitors last year. We hope this number will rise to 100,000 or even 200,000 in the coming years,” he said, noting that the site also contributes significantly to the local economy and commerce.

Expressing gratitude to those involved in the bath’s restoration, Özkan added, “At the heart of Anatolia, in our ancient city, we continue to develop our tourism resources for the benefit of our people. We also plan to bring the Kazankaya Valley, long discussed in the region, to tourism next year.”

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Efforts are underway to attract more Chinese tourists to Göbeklitepe in southeastern Türkiye, the 12,000-year-old archaeological site described as the “zero point of history” and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Officials anticipate an increase in visitors from China in 2026, following the implementation of a visa exemption for citizens of the People’s Republic of China.

Şanlıurfa Culture and Tourism director Aydın Aslan told Anadolu Agency (AA) that tourists from East Asia generally have a strong interest in cultural tourism.

“This gives Şanlıurfa significant potential for Chinese visitors,” Aslan said. “Starting next year, we expect to welcome more Chinese tourists to the region.”

Aslan added that preparations have already begun.

“We believe that government initiatives such as the visa exemption for Chinese citizens will boost tourism in the region by attracting travelers from the Far East. China is the world’s largest target market for cultural tourism and we are focusing our efforts on this market. In particular, for 2026 and 2027, we will increase promotional activities in China under the Şanlıurfa ‘Taş Tepeler’ Project.”

Tourism sector sees boost

Local tourism operator Müslüm Çoban noted that Chinese travelers are among the world’s most frequent tourists.

“Even before the visa exemption, Chinese visitors showed interest in Şanlıurfa,” he said. “With the visa facilitation in 2026, we expect their numbers to rise further. Recently, Chinese officials have also visited Şanlıurfa. China supports the Taş Tepeler Project both financially and through human resources. We anticipate that more Chinese citizens will visit our region in 2026.”

Çoban emphasized the appeal of Şanlıurfa for Chinese tourists, highlighting its archaeological sites, cultural heritage and cuisine. “Chinese visitors enjoy sightseeing, photography, and fine food. Şanlıurfa offers all of these. We look forward to welcoming our Chinese guests to Şanlıurfa, Göbeklitepe, and other excavation sites.”

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