Seen the Vatican? Done the Coliseum? Walked the . . . well you get it. From decorative crypts to Jetsons-like malls, here are the top 10 lesser-known sights around Rome you’re unlikely to find in any travel guide.

By Sarah Parker

1. The Hot Air Balloon in Villa Borghese

Villa Borghese may be one of Rome’s most popular destinations during the warm summer months for locals, but not many visitors know about the giant hot air balloon located here. One of the largest in the world, this offbeat attraction allows you and 29 of your closest friends to rise 150 meters into the sky for some of the best views you can get of Rome, short of walking several thousand steps to the top of a cathedral.

2. The Capuchin Crypt

Located beneath the church of Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccini on the Via Veneto, this morbid attraction, perhaps best suited for Halloween time, consists of bones from over 4,000 French monks who are said to have fled their home country for the safety of Rome during the French Revolution, and whose bones can now be found decorating the walls of the church’s many chapels in intricate patterns such as crosses, flowers, arches, and other happy shapes. Wondering what time it is? Check out the large clock on the wall composed of vertebrae, foot, and finger bones. (more…)

With Its Beautiful Daytime Attractions And Its Thriving Nightlife, Budapest Is A City Of Twos In More Ways Than One

By Sarah Parker

Don’t be fooled by the sensible and elegant appearance of the Budapest locals, as soon as the sun goes down Budapesters love to shed their stodgy image and get down at one the many hotspots located in this resurgent, cosmopolitan capital of Central Europe. The word’s been spreading, and Budapest has begun to garner a reputation as a city known not just for its amazing beauty (as seen during the daylight hours), but also as a destination for weekend-goers and young travelers hoping to experience the excitement of a city awakening from its sleepy history.

Budapest is the combination of two ancient towns — Buda and Pest — which are separated by the Danube River. With its breathtaking view, the area known as Castle Hill (on the Buda-side) offers one of the most spectacular sights of Budapest. Given it’s elevated location, this locale has historically been the most important both strategically and culturally and it’s been home to the city’s royalty throughout the years. At the top of the hill is a charming old town with quaint little bars and cafes; a great place to start out the evening on a warm, summer night. From here you can see the Chain Bridge (the suspension bridge that’s one of Budapest’s most notable landmarks) and gaze out over the many lights that seem to float over the Danube and above the city of Pest. (more…)