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Where to eat the best tapas in Madrid, Sevilla, Barcelona, and San Sebastián—plus how to order them like the locals do.

A journey through one of the world’s last, best travel secrets.

The Porte de Hal (or Hallepoort in Flemish) may look like there should be a long haired princess trapped in the attic, (There isn’t. I checked.) but its function was much more important. Built in 1381, the Porte de Hal was one of the seven main entrances through the Brussels city wall. It was named Porte de Hal, as it faces the direction people would travel to and from the city of Hal (the door to Halle). Since its opening, in 2008, the Porte de Hal (or Halle Gate) museum has been telling visitors the story of Medieval Brussels. There is a strong focus on the city’s defence, with collections of weapons, armour (pieces of which you can actually try on) and exhibits on the former city walls. A highlight of the museum’s collection is a cradle said to have been used by Charles V. But by far the most interesting (and somewhat disturbing) artifacts in the museum are the horses ridden by Archduke Albert and his wife, Infanta Isabelle. They look rather ghoulish but are prized possessions of the museum nonetheless. Head to the tower’s roof for a beautiful view of the St. Gilles neighbourhood of Brussels.

Montreal is famous for its music scene, and not just because of exports like Arcade Fire, Halfmoon Run, Grimes, Stars and, yes, Celine Dion. There is an inordinate number of bands here, and enough people interested in seeing live music to fill bars, clubs and concert halls literally every day of the week. The scene is vibrant and enthusiastic, running the gamut from world-class electronic music (this is the birthplace of the Mutek festival) to renowned classical music, and everything in between.

Wondering where to eat traditional Bavarian cuisine in Munich? Well, all the breweries and beer gardens in Munich serve Bavarian food, and if you’re looking for dining options other than a beer hall, you can find both family and upscale Bavarian restaurants all over Munich. A word to the wise: Even though you won’t find hamburgers on the menu, Bavarian cuisine is hearty, so go hungry!

Hawai‘i is the 50th state, but really it’s its own planet. Soar above hot lava in a helicopter, surf waves as tall as your house, or take a music lesson from a member of the Ukulele Hall of Fame! These are just a few of Hawai‘i’s top attractions.

Budapest’s culture scene reflects the city’s centuries-long history as a hub for thinkers, artists, writers, and musicians—after all, the city enjoys more than 40 theaters and upwards of 100 museums. It’s wonderful to wander through halls of luscious art or take in concerts at the Liszt Academy (the composer was a native). Even better is to simply gaze at the stunning architecture spanning eras and design elements that remain innovative whether they were made yesterday or centuries ago.

One traveler discovers a tradition even richer than the cuisine.

Originally built as a residence for Prince Philip of Württemberg in 1863, this grand structure was opened as the Hotel Imperial in 1873. It indeed still resembles a palace, with Greek statues, chandeliers, and high, intricately designed stucco ceilings. The rooms bring imperial Vienna back to life, particularly in the suites. Visitors here feel like royalty, and sometimes they are. Guests have included a who’s who of celebrities and dignitaries, including Queen Elizabeth II, Indira Gandhi, and Michael Jackson.

It’s rumored that an apprentice chef at the hotel invented the well-known Imperial Torte in honor of Emperor Franz Josef I, a must-have for any sweet tooth. For some sweet sounds, be sure to check for Bösendorfer piano concerts in the 1873 HalleNSalon.

Charlotte Amalie is the capital of St. Thomas, and Frenchtown is a settlement just to the west of the capital. The name St. Thomas is rooted in the Dutch word Taphus, meaning “beer halls”—stemming from this once notorious port’s reputation as a lair for pirates and scoundrels. The name still fits these days, albeit not so scandalously, in Charlotte Amalie.

In search of a flightless, sex-crazed, and rarely seen parrot in a land once ruled by birds.

Budapest is a historic city, full of parks, cafes, and noteworthy sights, but it isn’t always obvious where to go if you only have a few days. Treat your senses with authentic goulash and stuffed cabbage at the Great Market Hall, and check out the famous thermal baths that permeate the city. Visit the old castle, the statues at Memento Park, and the museums and myriad delights of Varosliget. If you get the chance, take a night cruise down the Danube to see the city lit up along the river.

After a string of personal losses, a writer heads to Tamil Nadu seeking solace from her sorrows. It takes two temples, a palm leaf astrologer, and the driver of a velour-lined taxi to make her feel whole again.

An aspiring bluegrass fiddler from London discovers much more than music on a trip to North Carolina.

While Jamaica has several “great houses"—former plantation houses—the Rose Hall Great House, outside Montego Bay, is one of its most visited. Set on beautiful grounds towering over the Caribbean, this 18th-century Georgian home was once owned by Annie Palmer. While touring, you’ll hear the legend that tour guides like to tell—that Palmer, nicknamed the “White Witch of Rose Hall,” was a cruel slave owner who tortured and killed many of her workers, some of whom were her lovers, before eventually being murdered in her sleep. There’s no truth to that story, but it adds to the eerie atmosphere of the property. In fact, haunted house night tours of Rose Hall Great House are offered.