While they provide a necessary means of transportation in many cities, vehicles can often be a blight on the urban experience. In an effort to improve urban spaces, some cities have fought back against cars by designating pedestrian-only spaces. Whether it is tried as an experiment or a bold and more permanent change, pedestrianization is often a triumph. Walking through these cities becomes a pleasure, and the extra space freed up by banning cars is ideal for accommodating sidewalk cafés, market stalls, and other community endeavors. Take a look at six of the best pedestrian-only streets in major cities around the globe.

Rue du Petit-Champlain – Québec City, Canada

Located in Québec City’s historic walled quarter, the Rue du Petit-Champlain pedestrian street takes its name from the city’s founder, Samuel de Champlain. What you see today reflects the vision of Gerry Paris and Jacques de Blois, who in the 1970s aimed to breathe life back into this part of the city’s old town by creating a European-style community of artisans and traders. The buildings — many of them more than 200 years old and in a poor state of repair — were spruced up to highlight their original features. 

More than four decades later, the neighborhood remains a thriving hub for culture, retail, and leisure. And it’s not difficult to see why Rue du Petit-Champlain has become a magnet for visitors. It’s lined with dozens of charming boutiques selling local textiles, handicrafts, and food from the city’s hinterland. Climb the Breakneck Steps (Escalier Casse-Cou) — the city’s oldest stairway, dating from 1635 — to get a stellar view along the street.

Sannenzaka – Kyoto, Japan

Kyoto has a number of atmospheric stone-paved streets, chief among them Sannenzaka (whose name means “the slope of three years”). This pedestrian route, flanked by traditional wooden townhouses, leads to Kiyomizudera Temple, which dates to 778 CE and is now part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Along with nearby Ninenzaka (“the slope of two years”), Sannenzaka is a popular place to not only admire Kyoto’s historic architecture but also to get acquainted with Japanese culture. 

It’s great for shopping, too — here, you’ll find Kiyomizu-yaki ceramics, Nishijin-ori textiles, and a slew of other handmade souvenirs. Word of caution: Don’t allow yourself to get too distracted, as Sannenzaka is also the focus of a worrying superstition. According to one legend, if you’re unlucky enough to fall down its stone steps, you’ll pass away within three years.

The Shambles – York, England

The Shambles is one of York’s most storied streets, mentioned in the Domesday Book, a 1086 survey of England and parts of Wales ordered by ​​William the Conqueror. Though Harry Potter fans would like to believe otherwise, J.K. Rowling has refuted claims that it was the inspiration for Diagon Alley. Yet, it feels like it could be. Stacked with half-timbered properties dating back to the 14th and 15th centuries, the street is narrow enough in places to allow visitors to touch both sides at once. 

Originally, the Shambles was home to a cluster of butcher shops, and the overhanging buildings on either side would have helped to provide shade on sunny days and shelter from the rain. You can see evidence of this past function in the meat hooks that still hang outside some of the present-day stores and also in the wide, flat window sills from which sales were once made. Meanwhile, the raised sidewalk on either side of this pedestrian street would have allowed waste from the butcher shops to be washed away. 

Las Ramblas – Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona’s most famous pedestrian thoroughfare is technically a succession of connected streets that link Plaça de Catalunya, the city’s central square, to Port Vell (hence the plural “Ramblas”). Some of the city’s most important sights — including the Barri Gòtic, the 18th-century Virreina Palace, La Boqueria Market, and Gaudi’s Palau Güell — can be found on either side of Las Ramblas.

Strolling toward the waterfront, visitors progress from Rambla de Canaletes through Rambla de Canaletes, Rambla dels Estudis, and Rambla de Sant Josep (also called Rambla de les Flors, as it hosts a flower market). Finally, they reach Rambla dels Caputxins — once a Capuchin monastery and now home to El Liceu opera house — and Rambla de Santa Mònica. The different tree-lined sections of Las Ramblas attract not only hordes of both visitors and locals but also street performers and caricaturists. Approximately halfway along the route, look out for a splendid mosaic set into the sidewalk; it’s the work of artist Joan Miró, who was born in Barcelona in 1893.

Qianmen Street – Beijing, China

Qianmen Street, also called Dashilan, is a delightful pedestrian street in the heart of the Chinese capital, Beijing. Here, you’ll encounter some of the biggest global names in retail, but one of the highlights is Changchuntang, a famous drugstore that has been around for two centuries. 

You’ll find several well-known restaurants on the street, too. For instance, Quanjude specializes in roast duck, while Yitiaolong has been serving mutton the traditional way since 1785. Another favorite is Duyichu, which started out as a tavern more than 250 years ago. Though cars are not permitted on Qianmen Street, an exception was made for two historic trams. They first ran on this route from 1924 to 1966 and have been reintroduced as a heritage attraction for sightseers. 

Stradun – Dubrovnik, Croatia

The limestone paving slabs are what give Stradun, in the medieval Croatian walled city of Dubrovnik, such a distinctive appearance — and they certainly make for a dazzling sight in the Adriatic sunshine. The pale color of the stones provides a photogenic contrast with the terracotta tiles that top the buildings that flank it on either side. Originally, the ground here was marshy, but it was reclaimed in the 13th century. The street connects the city’s famous Pile Gate to the harbor, bisecting the charming old town (a famous filming location for Game of Thrones). Along Stradun, visitors will find a beautiful pair of 15th-century fountains, as well as the Franciscan Monastery and Sponza Palace. 

Part of Stradun’s appeal lies in the uniformity of the buildings that line it. Following a devastating earthquake and fire in 1667, the street gained a new look, with arched shop windows at street level and shutters to keep the sun out of the living quarters above. Today, the cafés and souvenir shops that occupy these historic premises are crowded with appreciative tourists.

Some travelers prefer getting out in nature or exploring historic cities, while for others, relaxation is top of mind. Spas cater to these travelers seeking rejuvenation and other health benefits on their journeys, but not all spa treatments are the same. From Iceland to Japan to the lowest point on the planet, you’ll find a range of far-from-ordinary spa treatments rooted in local landscapes and traditions. These are five of the most unique spa destinations around the world. 

Beer Spa – Iceland

With its famous Blue Lagoon attracting hot springs enthusiasts from all over the world, Iceland is well known for its spa culture. But if you’re looking for an even more unforgettable spa experience in this Nordic country, check out Beer Spa (or Bjorboðin) in Árskógssandur. Trek five hours north of Iceland’s capital, Reykjavik, and spend a luxurious day soaking in one of the spa’s seven beer tubs filled with warm water, beer, hops, and yeast — all while drinking drafts from the tubside beer taps.

Soaking in beer isn’t just a novelty — the hops and barley contain nutrients and antioxidants, while the warmth promotes relaxation. After a soak, head to the steam room, sauna, or outdoor hot tubs complete with breathtaking views over the Tröllaskagi peninsula and Eyjafjordur fjord. 

Dead Sea Soak – Jordan

With an average salinity of 34%, the Dead Sea is one of the saltiest seas on the planet. The salt density allows people who swim in the Dead Sea to float effortlessly in the water, which is a unique experience in itself. Pair that with the otherworldly desert scenery of Jordan’s Dead Sea coast, however, and you’ve arrived at one of the most memorable spa locations around the world. 

Several miles south of Amman, Jordan, resorts and spas line the Dead Sea in villages such as Sweimeh and Ma’in. These resorts offer private access to the sea, where hotel guests can soak in the healing waters to soothe joint and muscle pain and lather in Dead Sea mud. Visitors can also indulge in scrubs, wraps, or a traditional hammam at the on-site spas. Even if you opt not to stay in one of these luxury accommodations, there are public beaches that offer free access to the sea — and plenty of mud for all your natural spa needs.  

Sand Bathing at Ibusuki Beach – Japan

Bathing in beer and salty water is one thing, but have you ever heard of sand bathing (suna-mushi in Japanese)? For more than 300 years, people have come to Ibusuki Beach on Kyushu Island to engage in this healing ritual. The healing properties of the beach’s black volcanic sand come from an infusion of minerals from the nearby volcanic hot springs, and are said to treat a myriad of health conditions.

With the infamous Kaimondake volcano looming in the background, sand bathers make their way from the beachfront spas to the sand — which is heated naturally by volcanic activity to a balmy 120 to 130 degrees Fahrenheit — and cover themselves up to the neck with warm black sand. A typical sand bath lasts 10 to 20 minutes, enough time to reap the benefits of the geothermal steam emanating from the sand and for the body to expunge toxins. Cap off the experience with a freshwater rinse and a soak in one of Japan’s famous onsen, or hot spring pools. 

Sauna and Cold Dipping – Finland

The earliest saunas in Finland are thought to date back to 7000 BCE, and the tradition remains an important part of Finnish culture today. It is estimated that Finland has 3 million saunas for a population of 5.5 million people, and they’re found everywhere from residential apartments to spas and even a Burger King in Helsinki. Finns use saunas for all sorts of reasons, from warming their bodies during the country’s chilly winters, to unlocking a plethora of health benefits and building a shared community with other sauna-goers. 

In Finland, a sauna session is not complete without a cold dip in icy water immediately afterward, and for this reason, many saunas are located near an icy lake or a human-made pool. Finns believe that the combination of hot and cold does wonders for the body, such as improving heart health, relieving pain and inflammation, and boosting the immune and cardiovascular systems. Some of the best sauna experiences can be found in Tampere, considered “the sauna capital of the world” and a must-visit destination for sauna seekers in Finland. 

Temazcal Ceremony – Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico

Also known as a Mayan sweat lodge, the word temazcal means “house of heat” in Spanish, which is a fitting name for these dome-shaped structures made from brick or stone. Traditional temazcal ceremonies are led by a shaman who guides participants on a spiritual journey. To enter, one must crawl through the small entrance, which symbolizes entering the womb of Mother Earth. Inside the temazcal, participants sit or lie in a circle around a pit of hot volcanic stones while inhaling steam from eucalyptus-infused water that’s poured over the stones. The heat, steam, and surroundings are said to purify and cleanse the mind and body of toxins, and have respiratory and circulatory benefits, too. Temazcales are found throughout Mexico, but the ancient practice originates in the Yucatán Peninsula. 

According to the 2024 World Happiness Report, citizens of Northern Europe are happier than ever. This year, all five Nordic countries — Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Sweden, and Norway — made it into the top 10 of the list. And the Nordics are no strangers to being on top — this is Finland’s seventh consecutive year in first place. The World Happiness Report is based on data from more than 140 countries using citizens’ self-assessed life evaluations. One of the most important factors in overall Nordic happiness is that, across the board, people in all age groups are happy. The report reveals that low happiness inequality among citizens makes everyone happier. So, what is making everyone in Northern Europe so content? Here’s a closer look at why Nordic citizens are so happy.

Caring Communities

You might be thinking, how are the happiest places on Earth also some of the coldest and darkest? The World Happiness Report survey reveals a surprise: Weather is not much of a factor in happiness. In fact, those long winter days might have influenced a cornerstone of the Nordic lifestyle, hygge — a Danish word for creating a warm atmosphere and enjoying the good things in life with good people. So if weather doesn’t impact happiness, what does?

For starters, Nordic nations foster tight-knit communities with an emphasis on the well-being of the entire population. Because of this, they ranked highly under the “social support” and “generosity” variables. In the global survey, participants were asked, “If you were in trouble, do you have relatives or friends you can count on to help you whenever you need them, or not?” The majority of respondents replied “yes.” Having a high level of trust and caring among citizens leads to social cohesion, which makes communities happier and more successful.

Nordic residents are also generous, and philanthropy is a pillar of the Nordic lifestyle. Most respondents answered “yes” when asked if they had donated to a charity within the last month. Cultivating a philanthropic lifestyle helps those in need, builds community trust, and creates a more pleasant environment for everyone. 

Wellness-Based Living

Nordic countries have some of the longest life expectancies in the world, averaging between 80 and 85 years. Wellness is woven into everyday life: walking or biking instead of driving, taking saunas and cold showers, and following diets of locally sourced food. Nations such as Denmark and Sweden are also leaders in green living, ranking highly on the list of most environmentally conscious countries, according to U.S. News & World Report. 

Green living goes hand-in-hand with the outdoorsy lifestyle enjoyed in this region, a concept known as friluftsliv (pronounced free-loofts-liv), which translates to “open-air living.” As one Swedish resident explained to the BBC, “Even after we became more urbanized we had this longing to get back to nature, and for the last 100 years, a lot of voluntary organizations like the Scouts and the tourist boards have organized and educated people about how and why to spend time outdoors.” 

Public Policy

The majority of citizens in Nordic countries believe in equal opportunities for all, which may be a key factor in why Iceland was the first nation to elect a female president. These countries also provide a social safety net for their citizens, including child benefits, parental leave, health services, hospitals, and care for the sick, unemployed, and senior citizens — all paid for by the government. 

These countries boast some of the longest parental leave policies in the world, with Sweden leading the way and granting citizens 480 days of paid leave. (Each parent receives 240 days, or single parents are entitled to the full 480 days.) Nordic cities are also famously family-friendly, boasting ample affordable public transportation and plenty of playgrounds for children. According to the chief city design officer of Helsinki, Finland, access to spaces for children to play is “something that everyone has a right to — it is like a basic service of urban life.”

Wealth Satisfaction

Money doesn’t necessarily equate to happiness — some countries in the World Happiness Report had high GDPs but low happiness rankings — but in the case of the Nordic countries, it helps. Gross domestic product per capita was one variable used in the report to measure happiness. Economists use it to gauge the prosperity of a nation (as the country’s economic output per person). Countries with the highest GDPs tend to be more developed and industrialized. 

In 2023, all Nordic countries ranked in the top 10 of the highest GDPs in Europe. A high GDP per capita is indicative of an affluent market, meaning that most citizens earn comfortable wages, and luxury goods and high-end services are more available. This drives happiness and satisfaction while bolstering the economy. Because of this, the Nordic luxury goods market is projected to grow even further, earning more than $7 billion in 2024.

Featured image credit: Credit: JaySi/ iStock via Getty Images 

Whether you’re on a long road trip or taking a short drive through the countryside, chances are you’ll need to pull over and refuel before too long. While you can always stretch your legs at any old gas station, why not make a pit stop that’s far more interesting? America is full of unusual roadside attractions, from larger-than-life truck stops to vintage car museums. Heck, there’s even a castle dedicated entirely to dairy. So the next time you find yourself driving down the highway, keep an eye out for some of America’s quirkiest and most fascinating roadside rest stops — including our seven best picks below.

Iowa 80 Truckstop – Walcott, Iowa

2024 is a big year for this roadside trucking mecca, which is celebrating its 60th year in operation. Over those six decades, the Iowa 80 Truckstop has earned its reputation as the “World’s Largest Truckstop,” and for good reason — there are more than 900 parking spots for trucks alone. 

Truckers can venture inside the truck stop — located alongside Interstate 80 in the town of Walcott, just a few miles west of the Iowa-Illinois border — and take advantage of a wide array of unexpected amenities. They range from dentistry to laundry, an in-house chiropractor, a barber, and even a movie theater. But you don’t have to be a professional long hauler in order to visit — the Iowa 80 Truckstop serves 5,000 customers a day from all walks of life. Grab a bite at the family-owned Iowa 80 Kitchen or buy some merchandise at the expansive gift shop to commemorate your visit.

The highlight of this wacky highway oasis, though, is the Iowa 80 Trucking Museum, a vast exhibit hall loaded with antique memorabilia and vintage trucks, showcasing the storied history of the American trucking industry. While the museum is open year-round, July is a particularly popular time to visit and attend the annual Walcott Truckers Jamboree. Highlighted by truck beauty contests and the Trucker Olympics, this popular event celebrated 45 years of festivities in summer 2024.

Hollow Mountain – Hanksville, Utah

Given its location between Capitol Reef and Canyonlands National Parks, you may assume that Hollow Mountain is a stunning natural landmark in itself. But in reality, it’s a roadside rest stop — and one of the country’s more unusual ones. In 1984, 2.5 tons of dynamite were used to carve out space for a convenience store inside a mountain in central Utah. The result was perhaps one of the oddest mini marts you’ll find, as you can purchase snacks, drinks, and beer all within the confines of a giant rock. Even parts of the ceiling are made from low-hanging exposed rock, so be sure to watch your head while winding through the aisles.

Tamarack – Beckley, West Virginia

The Tamarack Marketplace is known for highlighting artistry from local craftspeople in West Virginia. Ground was officially broken on the rest stop in 1994; by 1996, the marketplace was already selling works of art from 1,300 local vendors to the 450,000 visitors who had passed through. Today, Tamarack — located just west of Interstate 64 toward the southern portion of West Virginia — showcases over 20,000 works of art from 2,800-plus artists from all of West Virginia’s 55 counties, making it one of the premier places to go if you’re looking to support local artisans in the Mountain State.

Visitors can even try their own hand at crafting goods, like booking some time with the resident glassblower to learn how to blow glass. After a long day of driving you may be feeling peckish, so head over to the onsite eatery and try some of their legendary chicken pot pie or a fried green tomato sandwich, which has been delighting guests at Tamarack since it opened 30 years ago. 

Russell’s Travel Center – Glenrio, New Mexico

Driving down Historic Route 66 is a bucket list item for many Americans, and you’re bound to encounter many memorable sites along the way. But one of the more unusual landmarks along this legendary route is Russell’s Travel Center in Glenrio, New Mexico, which first opened back in 1971.

While this rest stop may appear to be fairly normal on the outside, the real highlight is the free vintage car museum on the inside. Upon walking in, you’ll feel like you’re back to 1950s America when you see the statues of iconic legends such as Elvis Presley. Highlights of the museum include the vintage chrome-plated vehicles, antique gas station paraphernalia, and classic car posters lining the walls from floor to ceiling.

If retro cars aren’t your thing, the onsite vintage-themed diner is known for serving up delicious hatch green chile sauce — a local favorite using New Mexican-grown chiles — to accompany any dish. Popular menu items include ribeye steaks and chicken fried steaks, which will fill you up and keep you energized for the long drive ahead.

Mars Cheese Castle – Kenosha, Wisconsin

The sight of this giant roadside castle along I-94 between Milwaukee and Chicago might come as a surprise. But once inside, you’ll realize what makes Mars Cheese Castle so special. The business first opened in 1947, though it wasn’t until 2011 that the building was fully renovated to look like a medieval fortress. This includes faux stained glass windows, suits of armor on display, and large feasting tables that are straight out of King Arthur’s Court. 

But the medieval-style decor is just one piece of the puzzle. When it comes to cheese, your options include everything from Wisconsin-made cheddar to international cheeses that are harder to come by. The store also gets a shipment of locally-made, farm-fresh cheese curds each morning, so be sure to arrive early and grab a bag for yourself. There are also plenty of craft beers for purchase, including brews from the locally-loved (and Wisconsin-exclusive) New Glarus Brewing Company.

Pops 66 Soda Ranch – Arcadia, Oklahoma

On Route 66 in Oklahoma, you’ll often find yourself driving for hundreds of miles and only see open sky. But then, you may notice a glowing beacon on the horizon — in the shape of a 66-foot-tall, four-ton LED soda bottle. If you see that unusual sight, that means you’ve arrived at Pops 66 Soda Ranch in Arcadia. 

This full-service eatery is best known for its vast selection of over 600 bottled sodas, pretty much guaranteeing that you’ll find a flavor to quench your thirst. Since the rest stop opened in 2007, the top seller has proven to be root beer, of which there are over 80 varieties sold in-house. If you’re feeling adventurous, Pops is also known for its untraditional flavor offerings, including teriyaki beef jerky and ranch dressing sodas.

Peggy Sue’s 50’s Diner & Diner-Saur Park – Yermo, California

In 1954, a restaurant opened just off I-15 in Yermo, California, serving hungry drivers until closing down several years later. In 1987, a husband and wife team reopened a new restaurant in the same space, though the decor was anything but modern. Peggy Sue’s is a retro diner that looks straight out of the ‘50s — think vintage diner booths, a working jukebox, and a wait staff dressed in retro garb from head to toe.

The new owners hoped to recapture the classic feel of the original diner, and the menu takes that notion one step further. It’s full of dishes named after old pop culture icons, such as the Buddy Holly bacon cheeseburger and the Sid Caesar hot pastrami. And, of course, you can treat yourself to some old-fashioned milkshakes made from real ice cream.

If the 1950s vibes are unique enough, things get particularly odd outside. That’s where you’ll find the punnily named Diner-Saur Park, containing several 10-foot-tall metal dinosaur statues, plus one of King Kong. Peggy Sue may be the first — and only business — to combine 1950s retro with dinosaurs, so be sure to add it to your next road trip itinerary.