Uyun Al-Jiwa — literally "the valley’s ponds" — is often referred to as the oasis celebrated by Arab poets for its significance in several poetry collections known as the Suspended Odes (Mu’allaqat). The area is known for the ancient Banu Abs communities that lived here since prehistoric times. Depicting the lifestyle of ancient people, several Thamudic rock paintings can be found in the Al-Jiwa region — particularly in Al Hanadir, 15 km outside the city. Be sure to visit the mud-and-adobe Al Margab Watchtower. Take a walk through the Old Uyun — a collection of houses built of clay and mud. Get souvenirs from the vibrant Old Souq and take a photo of the Antarah Rock. Also known as the Lovers' Rock, this precariously perched boulder is rumoured to be the place where the celebrated poet Antarah bin Shaddad met with his sweetheart Ablah.

The Sun Valley Museum of Art (SVMoA), established in 1971, is the hotspot of visual and performing arts experiences in the region. Explore the museum's permanent collection and rotating exhibitions, showcasing a variety of artistic styles and mediums. SVMoA also hosts theatrical and musical performances, lectures, classes, and workshops, providing diverse opportunities for creative exploration and engagement.

Located in the heart of Bremen, the Glocke concert hall has been enthralling audiences since 1928. The unique acoustics of this building have impressed a multitude of famous classical musicians. Every year, the Glocke hosts more than 200 events, including classical music recitals, theatrical performances and jazz concerts.

Once the first free settlement in the Americas, founded by those who escaped slavery during the colonial period, the town of San Basilio de Palenque still stands today, and with it the unique culture of its inhabitants. A portion of the population still speaks palenquero, a creole tongue that emerged from a mix of several European and African languages, now used almost exclusively in San Basilio de Palenque. Music and dance occupy a place of paramount importance in residents' lives, with the Drums and Cultural Expressions Festival held annually in October. The palenque cuisine deserves a separate mention — a culinary tradition upheld by inhabitants of a small Colombian village has garnered international acclaim, with a cookbook written in the town receiving the highest prize at the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards in 2014. If your schedule happens to be too tight for a dedicated day trip (which earns our highest recommendation), try some of the tropical fruit sold by palenqueras in downtown Cartagena. The village was named Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2005.