May 2021 ~ Men's Fashion

Monday, 31 May 2021

Andy Warhol’s Patek Philippe Could Be A Bargain Waiting To Be Snapped Up

May 31, 2021DMARGE, fashion, mens fasionNo comments

Andy Warhol is easily one of the most important artists of the 20th century. A pioneer of pop art, instigator of modern celebrity culture and one of America's most enigmatic cultural icons, the iconoclastic creative's influence can be felt today in everything from graphic design to music videos and even social media.

He was also an avid collector – especially of watches. Warhol owned a large collection of watches, ranging from cheap cartoon character tchotchkes that reflected his obsession with pop culture to real pieces of haute horlogerie et joaillerie from brands like Bulgari, Piaget and Rolex.

But it's one of his most understated pieces that's causing a stir right now: his Patek Philippe Calatrava (ref. 570), the lead lot of Christie’s ‘Watches Online: The New York Edition’ auction, set to take place from the 8th to the 22nd of June this year. The 18ct yellow gold wristwatch, which was sold by the respected Italian jeweller Hausmann & Co. and features its trademark at 6 o'clock (à la Tiffany & Co. Rolexes), is a rather conservative piece, especially considering the reputation of Warhol's art and artistic practice.

What's really surprising, however, is the price. Christie's expects it to sell for between 45,000 and 95,000 USD – which is no small sum, but considering the watch, it might just be a bargain.

[caption id="attachment_292180" align="alignnone" width="920"] L-R: Warhol wearing his Calatrava whilst filming an early scene of 'Women in Revolt' in 1970 (the last film he ever filmed scenes for himself), and a close-up of the watch in question. Images: Getty/Christie's[/caption]

Patek Philippe watches are known for their heady price-points, particularly vintage pieces. Yellow gold Calatravas, of the same or similar reference to Warhol's, regularly sell on marketplaces like Chrono24 for anywhere between 30,000 and 60,000 USD, even without a Warhol co-sign.

Considering the condition and unassailable provenance of this piece, we'd say that it's actually a rather good deal, even at the higher end of that estimate.

When it comes to watches, Warhol is perhaps best known for his love of the Cartier Tank Louis, about which he famously quipped “I don’t wear a Tank watch to tell the time. In fact, I never wind it. I wear a Tank because it’s the watch to wear". Warhol owned a number of Tanks, but none have ever gone up for auction.

Other pieces up for auction at Christie's include rarities like a pink gold Cartier Crash (ref. W1544251), a Rolex Dato-Compax Triple Calendar Chronograph (ref. 6036) and a Patek Philippe Nautilus 'Sigma Dial' (ref. 3800/1).

Another watch auction that drew headlines in recent months for their celebrity pieces was Phillips’ 'Racing Pulse' auction, which saw a Panerai Luminor (ref. 5218-201/A) owned by Sylvester Stallone sell for 214,200 USD, a Heuer Monaco (ref. 1133) gifted by Steve McQueen to his personal mechanic sell for 2,208,000 USD and Paul Newman’s personal Rolex Daytona 'Big Red' (ref. 6263) sell for 5,475,000 USD.

Preview Christie's Watches Online: The New York Edition here.

Qatar Airways Takes Aircraft Sanitation To Futuristic New Heights

May 31, 2021DMARGE, fashion, mens fasionNo comments

Air travel has always had a laissez-faire feel about it – from the classy golden days to the more recent Ryanair Revolution (where planes began to be filled with backpackers and digital nomads).

Likewise, at the pointy end of the plane, until 2020, a sense of hedonism reigned supreme (see: the pointy end cone of trust).

So it was a shock last year when a pandemic hit, and flying became a Serious Business.

From masks to massive fines for misbehaviour to UV lights, hygiene is now front and centre of everyone's mind – from passengers to airline CEOs.

As part of this, we've seen various new cleaning protocols introduced.

Qatar Airways, one of the few airlines to continue operating during the peak pinch of the crisis, has been at the forefront of this. In September 2020, the Doha based carrier announced that they had become the first global carrier to operate Honeywell's ultraviolet cabin cleaning technology.

As Qatar Airways announced in a press release at the time: "In clinical tests, UV light has been shown to be capable of inactivating various viruses and bacteria when properly applied."

The size of a beverage cart, the Honeywell UV Cabin System, which is operated by Qatar Aviation Services (QAS), has extendable UV arms that treat aircraft seats, surfaces and cabins without using cleaning chemicals.

"Having already received six of the Honeywell UV Cabin System," Qatar Airways wrote in September 2020, "the devices have undergone comprehensive testing onboard Qatar Airways aircraft, before entering service."

Enter: May 2021. Qatar Airways yesterday took to Instagram to share a video explaining the latest development in their ultraviolet cabin disinfectant technology.

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The video shows how the aircraft is cleaned, from the cabin to the cockpit.

"We are always moving forward... doing what we can to stay ahead of the curve."

Qatar Airways had already announced this move to the latest version of Honeywell technology in April 2021, writing: "Qatar Airways becomes the first global carrier to operate Honeywell’s Ultraviolet (UV) Cabin System version 2.0, further advancing its hygiene measures on board."

"The latest version of the Honeywell UV Cabin System that is owned and operated by Qatar Aviation Services (QAS), has been introduced to add flexibility, improve reliability, mobility and ease of use compared to its predecessor, with extended UV wings that treat both narrow and wide areas on board, reducing the overall disinfection time."

"This version also includes a hand wand that disinfects areas like the cockpit and other smaller spaces and is non-motorised leading to less battery consumption."

"After receiving 17 units of the latest version of the Honeywell UV Cabin System V2, the devices have all undergone comprehensive testing on board Qatar Airways’ aircraft. The airline aims to operate them on board all aircraft turnarounds at Hamad International Airport (HIA)."

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said of the change: “As the first global airline to operate the latest version of the Honeywell UV Cabin System V2 on board our aircraft, it is significantly more user friendly and technologically advanced. QAS has continued to maintain our impeccable service during the outbreak of COVID-19, specifically supporting with repatriation flights and increased cargo workloads."

“As the first global airline in the world to achieve the prestigious Skytrax 5-Star COVID-19 Airline Safety Rating, the first airline in the Middle East to begin trials of the innovative new IATA Travel Pass ‘Digital Passport’ mobile app, and most recently, the first airline in the world to operate a flight with fully vaccinated crew and passengers – it is in our core to continuously be at the forefront of innovation, and to keep implementing the latest safety and hygiene measures on board and on the ground.”

Qatar Airways is not alone in ramping up its hygiene protocols (and sharing the news on social media). As DMARGE recently reported, Air Canada has made similar social media announcements regarding its new amenity kits.

Likewise, as many were relieved to find out last year, most, but not all, commercial aircraft are equipped with HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filters, which mimic the airflow of an operating room, National Geographic reports.

As National Geographic explains: "While industrial pollution has dominated headlines for decades, COVID-19 brings the conversation indoors. The quality of indoor air—which way it flows, how much it does or doesn’t allow for pathogens to disperse or disappear—can make the difference between staying well or getting infected. Among the interiors repeatedly named as potential hot zones for infections (churches, nursing homes, and cruise ships) airplane cabins are a focal point of anxiety."

"So it’s a surprise to find that the air inside a plane is cleaner than you might think. Thanks to HEPA filters and efficient circulation on commercial aircrafts, the air you breathe in flight – though not necessarily entirely virus-free – is much cleaner than the air in restaurants, bars, stores, or your best friend’s living room."

How One Of Switzerland’s Most Innovative Watchmakers Has Always Stayed Ahead Of The Game

May 31, 2021DMARGE, fashion, mens fasionNo comments

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image="291834" img_size="full" alignment="center"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/6"][/vc_column][vc_column width="2/3"][vc_separator][vc_column_text]

This feature has been produced in partnership with Rado.

Few industries are more competitive than luxury watchmaking. Watchmaking is at the very pointy end of advanced manufacturing and brands furiously compete against each other to introduce new technologies and designs; to push the boundaries and the artform forward.

But like any industry, there’s a fair amount of smoke and mirrors, too. Many so-called ‘world firsts’ in the watch world are more a case of great marketing than genuinely boundary-breaking developments.

Rado, however, is one of those rare watchmakers who actually have some substance to their claims. Most Australians know the brand thanks to its strong connections to the tennis world: Rado is the official timekeeper of over a dozen international tournaments and supports athletes like our very own world #1 Ash Barty.

But there’s more to the Swiss brand than just tennis. Known as the ‘Master of Materials’, Rado boasts over a century of innovation and creativity and is responsible for a number of genuine watchmaking revolutions. It’s easily one of the most unique watch brands on the planet and definitely a name you should have on your lips in any serious discussion about luxury watches.[/vc_column_text][vc_separator][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/6"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_single_image image="291835" img_size="medium" alignment="center"][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_single_image image="291836" img_size="medium" alignment="center"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/6"][/vc_column][vc_column width="2/3"][vc_separator][vc_column_text]Short history lesson. Rado can trace its origins back to the Schlup & Co. firm, founded by the brothers Fritz, Ernst and Werner in 1917 in Lengnau, about an hour away from the Swiss capital Bern. Producing their first finished watches in the 1920s, the family-run concern grew into one of Switzerland’s biggest watchmakers, with the brand eventually falling on the name Rado to sell their watches back in the 50s.

Rado quickly became known for its material innovations, the brand focusing on scratch resistance as its core mission. Research into high-tech ceramic, advanced sapphire crystal and complex forging techniques. Rado even brought the world's first scratch-proof watch to market – the DiaStar 1, made with a tungsten carbide alloy the brand calls ‘hardmetal’.

All brands have their gimmicks or hallmarks, but Rado’s pursuit of scratch resistance really sets them apart from the competition – and it’s no mere conceit. When you’re buying a luxury timepiece, you want it to last: not only are the high-tech materials Rado crafts its watches from comfortable and durable, but they age marvellously, its trademark ceramics and hardmetals continuing to look brand-new years down the line.

Another hallmark of the brand is its unique design language. In a market where many brands are guilty of copying common designs and offering little variation within their own ranges or even between themselves, Rado offers a refreshing contrast. From striking angular designs like the True Square to the masculine utility of the Captain Cook, Rado watches stand out amongst the pack.

Rado hasn’t rested on its laurels, either. The brand continues to break new ground – whether that’s ultra-thin timepieces, crownless watches, advanced ceramics or forward-thinking partnerships with the world’s best designers – in order to truly make watches that stand the test of time.

Watches are an investment, so it’s worth throwing your lot in with something that’s going to reward you for ages to come. That’s what makes Rado watches so special: they’re incredibly modern, but also timeless in a way that few watch brands can hope to be… And ‘special’ is exactly what Australians want out of a watch.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/6"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/6"][/vc_column][vc_column width="2/3"][vc_separator][vc_column_text]

Discover the Rado universe at their online boutique here.

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Lil Nas X Gets Scotland Hot Under The Collar With Jimmy Fallon Appearance

May 31, 2021DMARGE, fashion, mens fasionNo comments

Lil Nas X has, in a very short amount of time, become one of the most successful musicians of the 21st century.

Catapulted into international stardom thanks to the runaway success of his 2019 single Old Town Road – which spent 19 weeks atop the Billboard Hot 100 chart, becoming the longest-running number-one song since the chart debuted – the 22-year-old rapper, singer/songwriter and media personality (real name Montero Lamar Hill) defied being a one-hit-wonder and has gone on to release a slew of other hit singles, while also breaking boundaries as one of the few openly gay rappers active in music today.

He's also shaping up to be a truly impressive style icon.

Just take this outfit he wore on a recent episode of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. White blazer, no shirt, black patent leather Dr Martens platform boots and a fiery red tartan kilt – it's both incredibly iconoclastic yet bizarrely dapper, and demonstrates that he's definitely someone you should be having your eye on style-wise.

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While you'd think that such an unconventional use of Scotland's most iconic fashion garment would ruffle some feathers, it seems as if his Scottish fans were surprised in a positive way.

"[You've got the] Scottish stamp of approval," hip-hop producer John Cunningham quipped, with another commenter jumping in to say "from a fellow Scot you're rocking that kilt". There's consistently been love for the outfit on social media, although many Americans seem to think it's just a skirt...

Dating back to the 16th century, the kilt forms part of the traditional dress of Gaelic men and boys in the Scottish Highlands. It's perhaps the most iconic piece of Celtic/Scottish fashion and indeed culture known worldwide. Often considered rather kitschy (or as just a 'skirt for men' by less enlightened folk), kilts are actually a rather versatile and practical clothing item.

You still need to be rather confident to pull one off in public – but Lil Nas is nothing but not confident. Hats off to you, cowboy.

$2.2 Million In 10 Minutes: Man Sets Sydney Sale Record On House He’s Barely Seen

May 31, 2021DMARGE, fashion, mens fasionNo comments

With the Sydney property market as bananas as it is right now, fortune (again – for now) favours the bold. You've got to move fast and act decisively if you want to secure your dream home (or next investment property...)

And that's exactly what one Eastern Suburbs man has done, dropping a cool $2.18 million on a property after only seeing it for the first time ten minutes before it went to auction. Talk about cojones.

23 Queen Road Paddington, a classic inner-city terrace that recently saw a lavish renovation, was already pretty hot property (pun entirely intended), with the agent – Ray White TRG’s Evan Williams – having brought forward the auction from June 8 due to the insane demand, news.com.au reports.

It's a move that's clearly paid off for the sellers, considering it sold for $230,000 above the reserve. (You could buy a new Porsche with that sort of change.) The property also set a record price for Paddington per square metre, according to Williams.

[caption id="attachment_292128" align="alignnone" width="920"] Modern appliances and a minimalist aesthetic elevate this terrace beyond your usual inner-city fare. Image: realestate.com.au[/caption]

While it seems like a rather impulsive way to go about buying a house, the buyer didn't go in completely blind. According to feet on the ground, the mysterious buyer was actually the local veterinarian – who lives in the area and knew the property was on the market. They were evidently quite a keen bean, having opened the bidding for the terrace at $1.9m; $100k above the $1.8m price guide.

We can understand why they were so keen, too: according to realestate.com.au, the median price for a two-bedroom in Paddington is a rather hefty $1.8 million (about half a million above the Sydney-wide median) – so in the grand scheme of things, $2.18 isn't outrageous. Or maybe Sydney's just cooked and our perspectives are completely warped.

You think $2.18 million is tough? Get this: the sellers bought 23 Queen Road for just $280,000 about 27 years ago. Sure, the place has been renovated since, but bloody hell – it really brings into sharp focus how much property prices have ballooned over the last three decades.

Sydney's one crazy town, that's for sure.

Qantas Offering ‘Mega Awards’ For Certain Kind Of Passenger

May 31, 2021DMARGE, fashion, mens fasionNo comments

Australia is now going down the 'USA route' of rewarding vaccinated citizens for their efforts. Rather than mayors offering burgers, chips and cash, however, here we have Qantas offering pricked passengers the chance to win free flights for a year.

Qantas boss Alan Joyce has called for more Australian companies to introduce vaccine incentives.

As 9news.com.au reports, Qantas is encouraging passengers to get the jab by offering several deals. These will include unlimited travel for a year for 10 fortunate families, as part of a scheme that will launch in July.

"We are looking at giving 1000 points flight vouchers, credits and we are going to offer ten mega prizes, at least one for each state and territory, where a family of four get unlimited travel on the Qantas and Jetstar network, anywhere in the network for a year," Mr Joyce told Today.

Qantas is working with hotel business Accor Group, which Joyce said will offer a million points and free accommodation to the chosen families.

"We are trying our best to help with this rollout – it will be retrospective and will include anyone who has already been vaccinated and will apply to anybody that is vaccinated until the end of 2021," Joyce said.

"I'm encouraging a 'Team Australia' moment where every corporate out there helps with this vaccine rollout and to reward people that have had the vaccine."

Mr Joyce also commented on a number of other issues of interest to Australians, such as travel bubbles and the resumption of international flights.

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"We are still planning to be ready at the end of this calendar year [to resume international flights]," Joyce told Today. "We are activating the aircraft, we are training our crew, the government has given us a support package to do that and have asked us to be ready."

"I'm hopeful by the time we get to July-August we will have some certainty on which markets will open and when they will open, so we can give certainty to our travelling public and to our people about when they are going to be back at work."

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On the topic of travel bubbles, Joyce said Qantas had seen demand from Australians wanting to travel to New Zealand running at double pre-COVID levels.

He also related: "We're hoping for the Pacific islands – Fiji, Vanuatu - there's potentially a lot of destinations that we could be operating to," as well as talking about how vaccine rates can influence certain destinations' eligibility.

"A few months ago I thought maybe Singapore, Taiwan (and) Japan would be the first cabs off the rank, but with the great progress that's been made in the US and the UK you may actually see those markets opening up before the rest, because the vaccine rollout's been so successful in both countries."

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See more of the latest Australian travel news below.

Australia In The Dark Ages While Germans Get Free Electric Cars

May 30, 2021DMARGE, fashion, mens fasionNo comments

The takeup of electric vehicles (EVs) is quickly gaining steam across the globe, particularly in Europe. Pardon the pun.

Norway leads the world when it comes to EV adoption, both in terms of market share and market penetration per capita. Other countries, including car manufacturing heavyweights like France and the United Kingdom, have set ambitious goals to phase out internal combustion engine (ICE) sales in the coming decades. Electric cars are becoming more and more common on European roads, and the continent has one of the best charging networks in the world.

One of the main driving factors for this move towards EVs are the elaborate and generous incentives that virtually all major European countries offer for consumers looking to buy or lease a new car. For example, if you're looking to buy an EV in Italy, not only do you get an up to €6,000 subsidy towards your purchase, but you don't pay any taxes on it for the first five years and receive a 75% reduction in tax after that. Not bad.

But when it comes to sheer value for money, Germany leads the pack. Europe's most populous country and leading EV market is currently offering incentives so unbelievably generous that one car dealership is now letting customers lease a brand-new EV completely free.

Regardless of what you feel about EVs, it's hard to beat a free new car.

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How is this possible? Mid last year, Germany increased their already magnanimous EV incentives as part of a broader range of economic stimuli in order to combat the COVID-19-induced downturn. This prompted Autohaus König, a dealership chain with more than 50 locations across Germany, to offer leases of new Renault Zoes entirely covered by subsidies, according to Bloomberg.

Naturally, Autohaus König has been swamped with people wanting a car for free, and business is booming. The German government has also announced that they'll continue this temporary subsidy boost until 2025, Deutsche Welle reports, so they'll surely be slinging more free Zoes for a while to come.

The French-made city car has been Europe's best selling plug-in electric car since 2020, and globally ranks as the fourth best-selling EV of all time. Renault briefly sold the Zoe Down Under, but haven't offered the car since its recent facelift – which not only boosts its battery capacity and offers a punchier motor but makes it aesthetically more appealing.

It's no big surprise why: they only sold 63 of them after three years, with Renault citing the lack of Australian government incentives as the main reason for the Zoe's axing. CarAdvice relates that over the same period, Aussies bought two-and-a-half times more Rolls-Royces, seven times as many Lamborghinis and twelve times as many Ferraris than Renault Zoes. Ooft.

[caption id="attachment_292106" align="alignnone" width="920"] The charging port of a Ferrari SF90 Stradale, Ferrari's first hybrid car. The Italian sports car manufacturer plans to introduce its first EV proper in 2025. Image: Autocar[/caption]

When Renault did sell the Zoe here, prices started at an eye-watering $47,490 – a lot of money, considering that the Renault Clio (their comparably-sized ICE that's also been discontinued in Australia) cost less than half as much. For comparison, the cheapest new EV on sale in Australia right now is the Chinese-built MG ZS EV crossover, priced at $40,990.

Meanwhile, Germans are getting to drive around in Zoes for free thanks to this ultra-competitive lease, or can own one for chump change.

Of course, even if Zoes were available for lease or purchase in Australia, it's unlikely we'd be better off than the Krauts, even without considering government EV incentives. The tyranny of distance and Australia's comparatively small auto market means we pay a hefty premium for European cars of all stripes, whereas Germany's right next to France and has more than five times our population.

Still, Autohaus König's free Renault deal draws into sharp comparison how fundamentally lacking Australia's federal incentives for EV ownership are. We wonder how fast you can drive a Zoe like on the Autobahn...

Study Reveals Unlikely Activity Bringing Australian Couples Together

May 30, 2021DMARGE, fashion, mens fasionNo comments

What brings you closer to your partner? Watching Netflix or going to the Opera? The answer may not be as clear cut as you think.

A new social study released today by Opera Australia has laid some interesting findings bare.

97% of people felt more connected to their partner after experiencing an opera performance together, the study found.

It remains unclear whether this was due to shared suffering, or mutual appreciation... Either way: given the demands buffeting modern couples in these unprecedented times (in 2020, 42% of Aussies experienced a negative change in their relationship with their partner, Opera Australia claims), anything that brings them together is surely worth some applause.

Opera – and its glammed up representation of ~lurve~ has been a powerful aphrodisiac for centuries.

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"Now in 2021," Opera Australia claims, "the findings are clear that an operatic environment can inspire deeper connections between couples in the audience watching."

Certified Australian relationship and sex expert, Georgia Grace, supported the study’s results, saying activities like the opera can “absolutely foster a greater sense of intimacy between partners.”

“Opera music is scientifically proven to stimulate the pleasure centres of the brain, which is the same part that fires up when you fall in love2. It can feel deeply arousing to engage in new behaviours, particularly romantic ones like going to the opera, and I see many couples who find that trying new experiences together has an aphrodisiac impact,” she said.

The study was conducted in collaboration with market research company YouGov, and was designed to measure the effect opera can have on the intimacy of couples. It was developed in response to recent news that many Aussies (42%) have experienced a negative change in their relationship with their partner due to the impacts of COVID-19.

“I would suggest couples try watching an opera performance together, as it is a fascinating way to explore intimacy, eroticism and how your body responds to certain stimuli. The more curious we are about our bodies, and the more we engage in new activities, the greater our capacity for pleasure and intimacy with another person,” Georgia added.

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The social study results also revealed that 91% of participants said a night at the opera was an intimate and romantic experience, with 66% strongly agreeing that it aroused their emotions and stimulated their senses.

Opera Australia’s Artistic Director, Lyndon Terracini, says he has seen the romantic impact of opera first-hand for many years.

“I’ve always said opera has the power to move people, and the impact it can have should never be underestimated. When that experience is shared, it can absolutely bring people closer together," he said.

“The results of this study certainly show that’s the case. I’ve felt it as a performer but even more so as an audience member. When you hear those amazing operatic voices and the emotion behind them, it can hit you right in the chest and be a profoundly moving and emotional experience."

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To mark the commencement of the winter season on the 22nd June, Opera Australia is launching a new ‘Lovers Special’ to help couples experience the power of opera together, from the 31st of May.

Bonus: the first 100 couples to use promo code LOVERS at opera.org.au will get 2-for-1 tickets and a drink on arrival for Aida at the Sydney Opera House from the 22nd of June to the 13th of August.

Secret Lithuania Destinations Only Locals Know About

May 30, 2021DMARGE, fashion, mens fasionNo comments

Whether you think digital nomads are locusts (sucking the globe's free wifi and swarming over its cheap digs) or revolutionaries (liberté, égalité, four hour work week!) no one can deny the remote work appeal is growing.

Even though the pandemic has prevented many new acolytes from joining the movement, it has freed up many to work more independently, made working from out of the office more culturally acceptable, and set the stage for an even greater flow of digital nomadism around the world once travel gets back to normal.

It would appear many tourism operators and national tourism boards around the globe are anticipating this. As DMARGE reported last year, everyone from Portugal to Bermuda has been throwing out enticing offers in order to attract this new wave of self-sufficient workers, offering everything from special visas to (in some cases) healthcare and even monetary grants.

Lithuania is also now also recognising this (slow) resurgence in travel, inviting visitors (both digital nomads and regular tourists) to come and see some of the country's most overlooked gems. As Lithuania Travel (the country’s national tourism agency) recently announced, as part of an effort to promote its nation, "Remote work options now allow millions to stay in their travel destination for a longer period of time."

"Combining both the duties of work and the pleasure of travel, people are given the unique opportunity to immerse themselves in a different culture and experience it like a true local."

[caption id="attachment_292082" align="alignnone" width="920"] Image: Lithuania Travel[/caption]

To that end, Lithuania Travel has prepared a list of locals’ favourite places and activities in each of the country’s three biggest cities – Vilnius, Kaunas, and Klaipėda.

Check out what's on offer, courtesy of Lithuania Travel (who recently released the below list of "secret places to visit in Lithuania's biggest cities – as recommended by locals,") below.

Vilnius – the cozy capital

Filled with culture and life, Vilnius city centre is only a 15-minute drive from the airport. This is where Paupys, one of the historical districts of the old-town, and one of the most culturally diverse, blooms. While it is still off most tourists’ radar, a freshly open area – Paupys market – has already become an acclaimed modern gastronomic space that houses many cultural events.

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The locals’ old-time favourite, Barbakanas, is a spot situated just a short walk away from Paupys area. This original renaissance bastion – part of the UNESCO World Heritage List – offers a full view over the red-roofed Vilnius old-town and serves as a hang-out spot for the residents and visitors alike. Another short walk away, surrounded by picnic grass fields, basketball courts, and a skate park, The White Bridge square attracts countless spectators as hot air balloons rise above daily to catch the sunset.

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MO Museum is the most residents’ go-to place for a modern art experience offering a collection of over 5,000 modern and contemporary pieces dating from the 1960s to this day. For those keen to spend some time surrounded by nature, Belmontas – a common choice of local joggers and hikers – offers a showcase of waterfalls on the dam and verdant forest trails. It is also home to a host of unique geological wonders, such as the Pučkoriai outcrop – the largest one in Lithuania.

Kaunas – an urban open-air museum

The second-biggest city of Lithuania has plenty to offer as a city-break destination. The recently redeveloped Unity Square serves as a skate park for local skateboarders and families, and is filled with lunch spots for the local students and workers. Marked by its extravagant architecture, it has been awarded a prestigious iF Design award. Lastly, the square is littered with 40 fountains—a spectacle that the youngest country’s visitors particularly enjoy.

The Book Ministry is a bookshop cafe adored for its unique book selection and the seven types of Arabica coffee – a selection that is sure to appeal to each taste. The bookshop’s terrace is located right on the main pedestrian boulevard in the city – Liberty Avenue. Just a short walk away, Courtyard Gallery is a tiny, self-managed open-air gallery that has been built in cooperation with the residing neighbours and perfectly captures the unique charm of the city.

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For a green break, Panemunės Šilas is just a short (bike) ride away from the city centre. Being the largest park in Kaunas, it is frequented by the local joggers and bike enthusiasts for its beautiful scenery of Nemunas – the largest river in Lithuania.

Klaipėda – among pine forests and white beaches of the Baltic Sea

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Sitting pretty on the shore of the Baltic Sea, Klaipėda offers a variety of nature activities for its residents (and tourists) and is perfect for those looking to spend more time in nature. The Baltic breeze on the white beaches in Giruliai and Melnragė accompanies those sunbathing, swimming, or riding a bike along the seashore – the most common choices for a weekend activity, especially during sunny weather. Just a few minutes away – Melnragės pier provides a perfect spot to watch the sunset.

Located by the river Danė, Žvejų street offers its visitors the chance to discover the city’s less-known old-town charm, and is where many locals gather to have a dinner out or simply enjoy a warm afternoon. This cobblestone street leads towards Smiltynė terminal, the only place to catch the ferry and visit the magnificent dunes of Curonian Spit that lure people from the whole country and abroad.

Balancing various natural and urban attractions, Vilnius, Kaunas, and Klaipėda, Tourism Lithuania says, provide visitors with a different lifestyle experience.

Their catchphrase? Feel the true, authentic soul of these cities and immerse yourself into the real urban environment by living this real local experience – because “Real is beautiful.”

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Monday, 31 May 2021

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Vilnius – the cozy capital

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