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This “Palace Greatly Blessed by Heaven” was once the heart of Korea. It was the power center of the Joseon dynasty (1392–1897), and was originally built in 1395—some new digs for a new dynasty. Like the Forbidden City in Beijing, the palace is a complex of buildings—a throne hall, the king’s living quarters and more—a sort of city inside a city, accented by gardens and pavilions. The Japanese flattened the place in the 1590s, and the site remained a ruin until a complete reconstruction in 1867 brought back more than 500 buildings. At the Gwanghwamun Gate, soldiers, beautifully costumed in red robes, still perform the changing of the guard. Seoul has other palaces, but this is the one to see if your time in town is limited.

At the summit of Montmartre, the highest point in the city, you’ll find the Basilica de Sacré-Cœur. Contrasting with the Gothic churches like Notre-Dame, the Romano-Byzantine architecture is both beautiful inside and out. While outside, take in the panorama of Paris and while inside, marvel at the Apse Mosaic—one of the largest mosaics in the world. The Sacré-Cœur website has instructions on how to download the free audio guide on your phone before your visit which is recommended. Also, research the well-known (and apparently tried-and-true) scams before traveling to Paris. Overall, the city seems pretty free of tourist scams, but around Sacré-Cœur especially, visitors should be on alert.

The ‘Village Artistique de la Croix de Bouquets’ is located in a northern suburb in the Port-Au-Prince metropolitan area, about 40mins by car from the Marriott Port-au-Prince. I began to hear the metal clanging way before arriving, and it became a constant background noise accompanying my visit here. The area is comprised of many different artists workshops, specializing in metal sculptures created from old, discarded oil drums. It’s a treat to walk around and accept the polite invitations to visit the various artists and their showrooms. The work is incredible, and the relaxed atmosphere meant a lot to me, as it allowed me to connect with my surroundings, the artists and of course their kids running around. Because I was on a tight schedule, I only spend an hour in the village and for me that wasn’t enough. There’s so much to see, and it felt good to explore on my own for a bit, it safe surroundings. If you buy anything, please don’t bargain to the bitter end, to get the best possible ‘deal’. Remember that your purchase feeds a family, or two. ___________________ A big thank you to JetBlue (http://www.jetblue.com) for flights to and from Haiti, and of course the Marriott Port-au-Prince (http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/papmc-marriott-port-au-prince-hotel/) for accommodations.

On this episode of “View From AFAR,” Stacy Ritter, President and CEO of Visit Lauderdale talks about Greater Fort Lauderdale’s impressive diversity and welcoming mindset.

On this episode of “View From AFAR,” Elliott Ferguson, president and CEO of Destination DC, discusses separating politics from place and D.C.'s record breaking tourism year.

Read articles from this print issue of Afar Magazine.

On this special live episode of Unpacked, Aislyn Greene talks with acclaimed L.A.-based architect Barbara Bestor about the buildings, neighborhoods, and landscapes that define California.

On this episode of “View From AFAR,” Josh Earnest, executive vice president of Communications and Advertising for United Airlines, wants to give customers the best possible experience.

This weeklong journey spans Naples, Capri, and the Amalfi Coast, complete with cliffside stays and superb local specialties like pizza and limoncello.

On this episode of View From Afar, host Michelle Baran talks with U.S. Travel Association president and CEO, Geoff Freeman, about what it will take to welcome the world back to America.

On this episode of View From Afar, host Michelle Baran talks with Wyoming’s new executive director of tourism, Domenic Bravo, about why the Cowboy State is so much more than Yellowstone.

On this episode of Unpacked, host Aislyn Greene sits down with soccer historian Jonathan Wilson to unpack a century of World Cup drama — and what makes 2026 the most complicated tournament yet.

On this episode of “View From AFAR,” Bill Hornbuckle, Chair of the U.S. Travel Association’s Board of Directors and President and CEO at MGM Resorts International, emphasizes the importance of government support for the travel industry

On this Unpacked, America 250, we tune into go-go, the official music of Washington D.C.

Learn more about Puerto Rico through its creativity and rich heritage, from street art to world-renowned paintings and more.