Traveling
Restored Villa Lante: Contemporary Finnish design in a 16th-century Roman villa
Villa Lante, used by the Finnish Institute in Rome, reopened in autumn 2025 after an extensive renovation. In this story, Helka Parkkinen from the design studio KOKO3 talks about how contemporary Finnish design finds its place within an Italian Renaissance villa.
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Where design meets rest – unique accommodations for design lovers
A memorable place to stay can transform your travel experience – or inspire a staycation right in your own city. Design Stories rounded up a selection of design-driven accommodations, from Finnish hideaways to Mediterranean escapes, from cityscapes to countryside serenity.
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Mondo’s quick city guide: Brussels
The Belgian capital has plenty to offer for architectural aficionados and those who enjoy comics and beer. You might also visit some of the interesting museums in Brussels or take a trip to the neighboring areas by tram.
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Mondo’s picks: 6 enchanting cave adventures
Travelers venturing underground are sure to be greeted by wondrous sights: millions of glowworms, golden pavilions, endless tunnels and stalactites hanging majestically from the ceiling. Take a tour of six fascinating caves with Mondo!
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Mondo’s picks: 6 natural wonders from a bird’s eye view
Some natural attractions look particularly stunning from above. Mondo picked six places also worth seeing from a bird’s-eye perspective.
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Accommodation near water – three new experiences in Finland
Mondo picked three excellent choices for accommodation in a beautiful setting in Finland. Visit the luxurious Haasi Mirror House cottages on Lake Päijänne, the historic Carlsro Badhotell on the Åland Islands and The Barö in Ingå tested by Mondo.
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Oslo’s maritime experiences – see Mondo’s favourites
The capital of Norway is already competing with Stockholm and Copenhagen for the title of the most interesting city in the Nordics. Mondo chose what’s relevant in Oslo: in addition to the inexpensive restaurants and new cultural and architectural sites, they recommend you to take a fjord cruise and visit the great maritime museums.
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What’s new in Oslo – discover Mondo’s architecture and restaurant picks
The capital of Norway is already competing with Stockholm and Copenhagen for the title of the most interesting city in the Nordics. Mondo picked the most essential spots in Oslo: affordable eateries and new cultural and architectural attractions, such as the largest art museum in the Nordics.
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Mondo’s picks: 6 sister cities of Paris
Many cities have been nicknamed the Paris of their country or the surrounding area. Mondo picked six destinations that exude a charmingly Parisian atmosphere.
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Bilbao, the gem of the Bay of Biscay
The port city on the north coast of Spain is once again flourishing, offering bold architecture, distinctive culture and tasty food. Join Mondo on a tour of Bilbao!
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Christianshavn’s time to shine
It seems that everyone in Copenhagen is now talking about Christianshavn, the district of the Danish capital that includes the famous Freetown Christiania. Mondo went to spend a sunny day with the locals.
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Mondo’s picks: 6 excellent alternatives to super-popular destinations
Did you know that the Croatian city of Šibenik is every bit as lovely as Dubrovnik, but without the crowds? In this article, Mondo presents six superb alternatives to some of the world’s most popular travel destinations.
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This summer’s most fascinating museums and exhibitions in Finland – see our tips
Design treasures, local history, architectural gems, art in a sauna... There’s no end of places to visit in the Finnish summer. Design Stories’ editorial team picked their must-see exhibitions for summer 2022 – grab the best tips for your own summer adventures!
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Mondo’s travel tips to Nice, part 2
The beautiful city in the French Riviera is known for its atmosphere of luxury. However, Nice also has so much more to offer: neighborhoods with character, cultural experiences and interesting destinations for excursions. Mondo’s picks invite you to admire the splendor of the past in Cimiez and to take a day trip to the famous Cote d’Azur.
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Mondo’s travel tips to Nice, part 1
The beautiful city in the French Riviera is known for its atmosphere of luxury. However, Nice also has so much more to offer: neighborhoods with character, cultural experiences and interesting destinations for excursions. Join Mondo on a tour of the famous boardwalk Promenade des Anglais, charming Old Town and atmospheric harbor.
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Mondo’s picks: 6 fantastic gardens
Parks and botanical gardens provide both a feast for the eyes and an ideal place for a breather during your travels. Mondo chose fabulous destinations from Africa, Asia and the Americas.
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Mondo’s picks: 6 curious works of outdoor art
Why is Sigmund Freud hanging from the edge of a roof in Prague? Why is there a Prada boutique in the middle of the Texas desert? Mondo introduces six pieces of surprising art.
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Mondo’s picks: 6 delicacies worth the trip
Where can you enjoy the best afternoon tea in London or the tastiest cinnamon roll in Finland? Mondo chose the delicacies that are worth taking a trip.
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New York on foot: Bedford Avenue
Already walking the streets of New York is an experience in itself. Mondo picked three streets leading to the best places in Manhattan and Brooklyn, each worth experiencing. Bedford Avenue, which runs through trendy Williamsburg, is one of the best shopping streets in the city.
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New York on foot: Mott Street
Already walking the streets of New York is an experience in itself. Mondo picked three streets leading to the best places in Manhattan and Brooklyn, each worth experiencing. The narrow Mott Street is bursting with nostalgia and authentic flavors.
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New York on foot: Fifth Avenue
Already walking the streets of New York is an experience in itself. Mondo picked three streets leading to the best places in Manhattan and Brooklyn, each worth experiencing. First up is Fifth Avenue, which runs along Central Park and is known for its glamor and towering skyscrapers.
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Mondo’s picks: 7 fantastic underwater experiences
Top restaurant in Norway under five meters of water, statue park taken over by corals in Mexico. Mondo listed unforgettable underwater experiences around the world.
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Mondo’s picks: 7 biking trips in spectacular places
Interested in a cycling excursion to Tuscany’s charming villages, or mountain biking in the beautiful wilds of British Columbia? Or how about a two-wheeled climb in the dramatic volcanic landscapes of Tenerife? Mondo chose seven cycling routes that are sure to be unforgettable.
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Paris on foot: Rue du Faubourg-Saint-Denis
In Paris, walking around the city is a great experience in itself. Mondo selected three streets that everyone should see at some point in time. They feature memorable sights, attractions and authentic discoveries, loved by the locals. Rue du Faubourg-Saint-Denis, also known as Little Turkey, offers multicultural culinary experiences and rugged but fashionable bars.
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Paris on foot: Rue des Martyrs
In Paris, walking around the city is a great experience in itself. Mondo selected three streets that everyone should see at some point in time. They feature memorable sights, attractions and authentic discoveries, loved by the locals. If you are interested in the free bohemian life and picturesque boutiques, head to Rue des Martyrs.
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Paris on foot: Avenue des Champs-Élysées
In Paris, walking around the city is a great experience in itself. Mondo selected three streets that everyone should see at some point in time. They feature memorable sights, attractions and authentic discoveries, loved by the locals. The first choice is Champs-Élysées, famous for historical monuments and grand culture.
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Mondo’s picks: 6 great ideas for a holiday on a budget
Where in Europe and Asia can you take an amazing, affordable beach holiday? Which cities are great yet cheap destinations? Mondo’s editorial staff chose six different destinations for future trip planning.
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Mondo’s picks: 8 gems in Eastern Europe
Alpine landscapes in Serbia, a Black Sea cruise and the oldest city in Romania. Mondo’s editorial staff gathered less well-known Eastern European sites that are worth exploring when traveling is again possible.
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Mondo’s picks: 6 gems of modern architecture
Where can you find the most fascinating buildings in the world? Mondo’s editorial staff selected six locations ranging from a Chinese metropolis to a less well-known Aalto attraction in Finland.
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Mondo’s picks: 8 winter experiences in Finland
Joyful ice carousels, relaxing saunas, fast rides on a dog sled. Mondo’s editorial staff have gathered tips on fun winter venues all over Finland – take virtual tour with us today and save the list for later.
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Mondo’s picks: 8 colorful cities
Incredibly blue Chefchaouen in Morocco. Striped houses on Costa Nova in Portugal. Mondo’s editors created a list of locations with colors that will enchant you, even on the couch at home.
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Mondo’s picks: 8 fascinating second cities
Marseille, a city of rugged charm. Rotterdam with its modern architecture. Mondo’s editorial staff picked some non-capital-city attractions worth visiting from your armchair.
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On Klovharu Island, Tove Jansson’s spirit and handprint live on
Located far out in the archipelago of Gulf of Finland, the island of Klovharu was Tove Jansson's haven, summertime paradise and source of inspiration for nearly 30 years. The atmosphere of the tiny, rocky islet can be sensed in Jansson's Moomin books and throughout her artistic work. Explore the unique island with Design Stories!
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TOP 3: Restaurants for design lovers in Barcelona
More restaurants than you could ever go to? Check. Delightful design details everywhere? Check. Barcelona is one of the greatest cities for lovers of gastronomy and design. If you are planning a visit, add these three spots to your must-see list.
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Fotografiska Tallinn, a new sanctum of photography
Fotografiska has instantly become Tallinn’s new favourite destination. The photography museum’s concrete surfaces pay homage to the industrial history of the building.
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Trip of a lifetime to Muuto's showroom
In the spring of 2019, Finnish Design Shop arranged a prize draw for customers, in which the first prize was a visit to Muuto's headquarters in Copenhagen. Lady luck favored Virve Viitanen, who was flown to the birthplace of modern Danish design accompanied by her friend, Annukka.
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Dine at a museum!
The restaurants of top museums are worth considering when looking for a place to dine in a foreign city. We listed the most popular museum restaurants at the moment in Stockholm, Paris, Amsterdam and New York.
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Traveling on Design Stories
These stories are for the design-aware traveler: the one who plans a city trip around an architecture trail, seeks out the neighborhood that hasn’t made the listicles yet, and considers where to stay as carefully as where to eat. We cover destinations near and far, from a Finnish lakeside hideaway to a 16th-century Roman villa restored with contemporary Finnish design.
In the Traveling category, you’ll find city guides, accommodation picks, and destination features from across the world. Whether you’re planning your next trip or simply dreaming of one, there’s always somewhere worth discovering.
Design Stories is the online magazine of Finnish Design Shop, created to inspire and delight design lovers everywhere. We hope you enjoy exploring with us! Have a story tip or thoughts on our content? We’d love to hear from you.
