A weekend trip to Ghent is simply not complete without a visit to the mysterious ‘Castle of the Counts’. This important sight in Ghent is a castle with a very turbulent past, closely intertwined with the complex—often stormy—political and social history of the city. It is the only remaining mediaeval castle with a moat and largely intact defence system in Flanders. Your visit to the Castle of the Counts will give you a complete picture of heraldic culture in the 12th century. The gatehouse, ramparts, keep, count’s residence and stables are open to visitors. Be sure to go up the long spiral staircase to the museum of torture devices on the top floor of the Castle of the Counts. Here, you will find a unique collection of instruments for torture and coercion, as well as a collection of weapons. The Castle of the Counts also hosts all kinds of cultural activities, events and activities, for example during the Ghent Festivities. It is also a popular place to get married for Ghent’s locals. Let’s not forget the time the Castle of the Counts was occupied by protesting students in 1949! Explore the castle during your weekend trip in Ghent and find out all about the ‘Battle of the Castle of the Counts’. The keep, symbol of the Counts’ power Go back in time inside this majestic fortress. Its history goes back to the time of the Roman occupation, when there was already a settlement on a sand bank by the River Lys. After a brief period of Viking plundering, the Counts of Flanders converted the earlier wooden constructions into a keep (living quarters) in the Middle Ages, with ramparts built entirely of stone, replete with 24 towers. The imposing building with its military architecture was a symbol of the Counts’ power in the turbulent city of Ghent. Do you want to dig deep into the history of Ghent? This is where you need to be. Ghent, full of charming history and modern vibrancy.

The Museum of Folk Art in the historical center of CDMX promotes and preserves part of the Mexican handcrafts and folk art. The old fire house building is filled to the brim with textiles, pottery, glass, piñatas, alebrijes (brightly colored sculptures of fantastical creatures), furniture and much more. Great for a quick visit, but you could also spend hours here exploring all the minute details of artisanal works.

The historic Orpheum Theatre in downtown Phoenix is a cultural gem, hosting a variety of performances from Broadway shows to comedy acts and live concerts. With its exquisite Spanish Baroque Revival décor, the theater’s lobby exudes old-world charm, while the 1,364-seat auditorium boasts grand columns and a stunning hand-painted ceiling that mimics a vibrant desert sunset. Over the years, the Orpheum has welcomed a wide range of talent, including renowned musicians like Bryan Adams and Feist, as well as comedians such as Lewis Black.

Nominated as one of the top five concert halls in the United States by a nationwide industry poll of artists and their management, Ruth Eckerd Hall is a long-standing tradition in the Pinellas County. Highlights include performances by the Florida Orchestra and The Chocolate Nutcracker during the holidays.