Author Archives: Arwa Nakara

Dubai – A History Unveiled

By Arwa Nakara

A world-class tourist destination known for its innovative architecture, spectacular amusements and luxury resorts, Dubai’s rich, native culture is often overshadowed by the glitz of its contemporary facade. Yet, it is the humble beginnings of this prosperous Emirate that lends Dubai its unique flavor.

It was with the discovery of oil in 1966, along with the visionary leadership of Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, that Dubai’s meteoric rise began. Nevertheless, the emirate has carefully preserved markers of its past, most commonly seen along both banks of the Dubai Creek. To the north, Deira and its bustling markets beckon to the curious traveler. An invaluable resource, the Creek is where Dubai originally took root as a pearling, fishing and trade port; it’s wind-swept teal waters still plied by colorful boats.

Here’s a list of must-visit historic sites along the Creek that unveil a very different side of Dubai.

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The Cultural Gems of New Orleans: A Cityseeker Guide

(Original Image Source: marchinileo0)

By Mili Doshi

The sheer charm and eclecticism of New Orleans is nearly impossible to gauge from a bird’s eye view. Boasting a booming arts scene and a seamless merger of African and Franco-American influences, there is more to the ‘Crescent City’ than meets the eye. From multicolored Creole townhouses and speakeasy cafés that line its winding thoroughfare to centuries-old mansions like the LaLaurie that validate its antiquity, New Orleans is a city waiting to be devoured, a vibrant little world which is a brilliant union of culture, history and ‘The Big Easy’ way of life. Alongside, a long-standing Jazz heritage dominates its soundscape and vivacious festivals like Mardi Gras and the Jazz & Heritage Festival attest to its carnivalesque tenor.

A striking testimony to the city’s vivid canvas of cultures, colors, cuisine and heartwarming architecture, are its pockets–the quaint and seemingly obscure neighborhoods that embody the splendor of New Orleans, breathing life and a new-found charisma into its very fabric. With each dramatically distinct from the other, we have marshaled a list of the city’s neighborhoods to saunter through.

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A Weekend in Bangkok – A Cityseeker Guide

(Original photo: Public Domain @ Pixabay)

By Advaita Raut

An ever-evolving city, Bangkok’s dynamism is infectious. While skytrains zip through the city’s
vivid cityscape and giant flashing screens hold you in rapture, small Buddhist shrines, miniature
temples and idols of the warrior Ganesha instantly warm the heart. Despite its frenzied pace, this beaming metropolis ensures that your time here is fruitfully divided between culture,
entertainment, history and leisure. Here’s a list of things you can do if you find yourself in
Bangkok over the weekend.

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Cityseeker Presents: Experiential Dining Around the World

By Nisha Gopakumar

Dining out has evolved over the decades. From being an occasional celebratory outing to a part of our everyday lives, we cannot escape the pull of a chef-cooked restaurant meal. The presentation, ambiance, cutlery, cuisine and aroma add to the overall experience.

That said, patrons are always looking for bigger and better options to explore and restaurant owners and chefs do not disappoint. From lesser-known cuisines and scientific inspirations to adventure dining and downright weird and wonderful options, the restaurant scene around the world has seen a distinctive shift.

Here are some of our suggestions for experiential dining that every adventurous gourmand should make a point to visit.

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Romance in Venice: A Cityseeker Guide

(Source: Gellinger @ Pixabay)

By Brent Fernandes

With mesmerizing views of floating masterpieces, narrow by-lanes and cozy boats swaying on the canal, Venice satiates one’s appetite for romance and art. Take a look at some of the best ways to explore the romantic side of this gorgeous city.

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