Delights when the world opens

While Kiwis have been in our own little bubble, the world has moved on apace. Here are some of the new delights waiting for us, writes Ute Junker.

New Zealand, for the moment at least, is the sleeping beauty of the Western World as we await word of precisely when our international borders will open. But what we do know for sure is that while we have cut ourselves off, the world has hardly been idle.

Many of our favourite overseas city destinations have opened new attractions, whether it’s the culture hit of a dazzling museum or the groundbreaking technology of a new train station.

Here are many of the delights that have emerged while we’ve been gone.

London, England

So what’s new? The curtain has come up on the two-year, NZ$116 million restoration of the 200-yearold Theatre Royal Drury Lane, bringing back the glamour to the West End. It’s not just the auditorium that has benefited; new dining venues and bars include the opulent Rotunda Bar and the Grand Saloon, where afternoon tea is served under chandeliers.

Tell me more: London is a city for all seasons. Whether you go in the warmer months for the parks and riverside activities, or in the winter to cosy up in pubs and with curries, there is so much to enjoy, from world-class museums, theatre and galleries to buzzing nightlife.

Essentials: Frozen is playing at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, tickets from $38. Visit lwtheatres.co.uk, visitlondon.com.

New York, United States

So what’s new? A floating park on the Hudson River is exciting locals and visitors. Little Island’s 1.1 hectares were built on the pillars that previously supported Pier 54, funded by a US$260 million (NZ$366m) donation from billionaire Barry Diller. The park features an amphitheatre with magnificent sunset views.

Tell me more: There is always plenty happening in the city that never sleeps, but next year promises to be huge. The Museum of Broadway in Times Square will celebrate some of the most memorable musicals, and take you inside the making of a Broadway show. There’s also a new building for the New Museum specialising in contemporary art, which will double its exhibition space, and the Dia Art Foundation will open another campus in Soho.

Essentials: Little Island is open from 6am and is free to visit. Timed entry reservations are required on weekends and holidays.

Visit littleisland.org, nycgo.com.

Rome, Italy

So what’s new? It’s one of Rome’s biggest attractions, and now there is another reason to visit the Colosseum. For the first time, visitors can explore all 15,000 square metres of the monument’s backstage area, walking through the tunnels once used by gladiators preparing for fights.

Tell me more: Lovers of ancient Rome will find more antique treasures on show than ever. Other sites now open to visitors include the Mausoleum of Augustus, the world’s largest circular tomb; an underground mithraeum, or temple, at Circus Maximus; and the tombs of one of ancient Rome’s most revered dynasties, the Scipione

Essentials: The Colosseum’s gladiator tunnels can only be visited on a tour. Book the Full Experience Ticket With Access To The Arena and Colosseum Underground, available for $39 from coopculture.it. Visit il-colosseo.it, turismoroma.it.

Paris, France

So what’s new? It was once Paris’ grandest department store. Now, 16 years after closing, La Samaritaine has been revived by SANAA Architects. The glorious art deco and art nouveau elements have been joined by contemporary elements. Inside, you will find a broad range of shops and restaurants, cafes and tea rooms, as well as the five-star Cheval Blanc Hotel.

Tell me more: If you love strolling through Paris, there are now more places to promenade, thanks to Mayor Anne Hidalgo’s ongoing climate-friendly initiatives, including new walkable areas along the Seine, regular car-free days, and the upcoming greening of the Champs Elysees.

Essentials: Visit lasamaritaine.com, en.parisinfo.com.

Cairo, Egypt

So what’s new? Stop if you’ve heard this before, but this will be the year that the much-delayed Grand Egyptian Museum finally opens. With much of the 100,000 item-strong collection already in place, including the entire contents of Tutankhamun’s tomb on display for the first time, we can’t wait to visit this spectacular museum, the largest in the world dedicated to one civilisation.

Tell me more: Visitors to Egypt typically spend most of their time in the Nile Valley, leaving just a day or two to explore Cairo. The government hopes to lure them into staying longer with plans for tourist-friendly developments in the Zamalek district, while foodie travellers are starting to discover the city’s vibrant food scene, including Road 9 in Maadi, where you can get everything from street food to Egyptian comfort food.

Essentials: The Grand Egyptian Museum is set to open later this year. Visit gem.gov.eg, egypt.travel.

Bangkok, Thailand

So what’s new? Take it to the river with luxurious Loy Pela cruises, which lets you charter a two- or four-cabin luxury vessel for a three- or fourday cruise along the Chao Phraya river. The return itineraries to the ancient capital of Ayutthaya include plenty of excursions, as well as onboard experiences such as cooking classes, massages and muay thai (kickboxing) lessons. The sumptuous meals range from Royal Thai cuisine to meals courtesy of a Michelin-starred chef. Alternatively, book a cabin on a two-night cruise themed around wellness or food.

Tell me more: It’s the buzz of Bangkok that we miss most, the energy of a metropolis that offers Michelin-star dining and stellar street food, bustling night markets and luxury retail, as well as colourful temples and palaces.

Essentials: From $4100 a cabin for a two-night Culinary Voyage cruise, or $15,000 for an exclusive three-night cruise. Visit loypelavoyages.com, tourismthailand.org.

Tokyo, Japan

So what’s new? Why are we excited about the opening of a train station? It’s not just the fact

Tokyo’s train stations are destinations in their own right, complete with bars, restaurants and shops, nor that this particular station, Takanawa Gateway on the Yamanote Line, was designed by star architect Kengo Kuma, with an angular roof inspired by origami. What we are most excited about are the futuristic touches, including cleaning robots, a fullyautomated convenience store, and digital signage that can give information about train routes.

Tell me more: The Shibuya district, a favourite tourist destination, has seen some major changes, including the Shibuya Scramble Square tower, filled with shops and an exhibition deck, and the redeveloped Shibuya Miyashita Park. Cruisers will also be pleased to learn that the new Tokyo International Cruise Terminal is only 20 minutes from the city centre.

Essentials: Takanawa Gateway Station is now open. Visit gotokyo.org.

Edinburgh, Scotland

So what’s new? Locals have high hopes the Johnnie Walker Princes Street will match the success of Dublin’s Guinness Storehouse, which was Ireland’s biggest attraction in 2019. Spread over eight storeys in the West End, it features two rooftop bars and experiences such as rare whisky barrel tastings.

Tell me more: With its elegant New Town, atmospheric Old Town and vibrant port district of Leith, there is always a lot to discover in Edinburgh. Next year will also see a striking new W Hotel open in St James Quarter, with rooftop bar and terrace.

Essentials: Experiences at Johnnie Walker Princes Street from $48. Visit johnniewalker.com, edinburgh.org.

Mexico City, Mexico

So what’s new? Mexico’s hippest hotelier, Grupo

Habita, is known not just for creating cool hotels, but for channelling the energy of the sites where they open. The new hotel, Circulo Mexicano, is bringing a buzz to the city’s historic downtown area. Apart from the pared-back Shaker-style bedrooms, favourite features include the seafood restaurant and rooftop pool.

Tell me more: There is plenty to explore in downtown, starting with the Templo Mayor and the Zocalo square, relics of the former Mexica city of Tenochtitlan. Catch the mariachi bands at Plaza Garibaldi, and snack on delicious street food. Essentials: From $336.

Visit circulomexicano.com, cdmxtravel.com.

Los Angeles, US

So what’s new? It’s the museum that Los Angeles had to have. The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, which opened last month, celebrates the art, technology, history and social impact of the movies. The opening Stories of Cinema exhibition includes galleries developed with film-makers such as Pedro Almodovar and Spike Lee.

Tell me more: LA has one of the most exciting food scenes in the States, a stellar array of museums (The Broad, LACMA, Getty Centre), and lively neighbourhoods such as Downtown and Venice Beach.

Essentials: Entry to the ground-floor Spielberg Family Gallery is free, but for other exhibitions, tickets (from $35) must be booked. Visit academymuseum.org, discoverlosangeles.com.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

So what’s new? Dubai has added a new item to its list of world’s biggest things: the 250-metre Ain Dubai observation wheel. Twice as high as the London Eye, its cabins include Social Cabins, with a bar in the centre of the pod, and Private Cabins, where you can settle in for a three-course dinner.

Tell me more: If you want to tick a bunch of bigger and better items off your list, Dubai is the place to go. There’s also the world’s tallest tower (the Burj Khalifa, also home to the highest restaurant in the world), the world’s highest infinity pool (at the Address Beach Resort) and the world’s largest fountain (Palm Fountain).

Essentials: From $49. Visit aindubai.com, visitdubai.com. – traveller.com.au

Staying safe

New Zealand is under Covid-19 restrictions.

Stay home and follow the instructions at covid19.govt.nz.