We’re all experiencing a little cabin fever. It’s time to get creative with our online social gatherings and armchair travel. Fortunately, museums like The Louvre and the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History have been offering virtual tours to take during your downtime.
Now you can continue your at-home cultural immersion with landmark tours! Even though these popular attractions are closed to the public, it’s possible to do virtual tours from home. Here are 10 notable landmarks you can get familiar with from your spot on the sofa.
Pyramids of Giza
You can check this trip to Egypt off your bucket list with an online tour, which includes the Great Pyramid, the Pyramid of Khafre and the Great Sphinx.
Eiffel Tower
See one of the world’s most visited monuments on this interactive tour. It takes travelers up to the viewing platform, which is the next best thing to being there. Wouldn’t hurt to make some palmiers, too.
Palace of Versailles
Take a tour fit for a king when you look around Louis XIV’s opulent French palace.
Machu Picchu
Drop by Machu Picchu on this virtual tour from Google Arts & Culture. You can see how the individual blocks of stone fit together!
Colosseum
The was once the world’s largest amphitheater—and it’s currently one of Italy’s most popular attractions. You can take a walk inside.
Angkor Wat
This Cambodian “city of temples” is the largest religious monument in the world, and the tour includes many of the most iconic temples.
Taj Mahal
No need to fly to India to see one of the world’s most beautiful buildings and its equally beautiful grounds. The interactive tour includes routes around the mausoleum, reflecting pool and paradise gardens.
Stonehenge
This English Heritage virtual tour includes a 360-degree interactive image from the center of this UK prehistoric site. How did they build Stonehenge? Maybe you’ll find out.
Great Wall of China
Explore some of the most photographed sections of China’s most famous landmark without a passport or a visa.
Colcannon Potatoes
Every Irish family has its own version or this classic dish. My recipe comes from my father's family in Ireland. It's part of my St. Pat's menu, along with lamb chops, carrots and soda bread. —Marilou Robinson, Portland, Oregon
Irish Spiced Beef
The story goes that my Irish ancestors brought this recipe along when they immigrated to the U.S. It takes nearly a week, start to finish, but that gives the meat time to become really tenderized and build up layers of flavor. —Mary Shenk, Dekalb, Illinois
Scottish Oatmeal Rolls
My family likes rolls that can hold up to scooping gravies, sauces and more. This recipe is a favorite. The oatmeal in the dough gives it a Scottish touch. —Peggy Goodrich, Enid, Oklahoma
Recipe Contest: Global-Inspired Dishes
Take our taste buds on a world tour! Send in the best street eats that you tried overseas. Your personalized version of the snacks you adored while studying abroad sound pretty good, too. And how about your first-generation friend’s traditional dessert dish? Enter your best international recipe with 12 ingredients or less for a chance to win $500 for your travel fund! Enter the ContestAlmond Tea Bread
My aunt brought her tea bread recipe with her from Scotland, and a fresh-baked loaf has become a family tradition during the holidays. Each slice is loaded with red cherries. —Kathleen Showers, Briggsdale, Colorado
English Rhubarb Crumble
When I met my English husband and served him just the crumble, he said it was fantastic but really needed a custard sauce over it. We found a terrific sauce recipe from England, and now the pair is perfect together. I wouldn't eat it any other way. —Amy Freeman, Cave Creek, Arizona
Crispy Fish & Chips
A British pub classic turns crown jewel when you add horseradish, panko and Worcestershire. You can also try it with white fish like cod or haddock. —Linda Schend, Kenosha, Wisconsin
German Potato Dumplings
Potato dumplings (called Kartoffel Kloesse in Germany) are a delightful addition to any German feast. The browned butter sauce is delectable.—Arline Hofland, Deer Lodge, Montana
Oma's Apfelkuchen (Grandma's Apple Cake)
My husband’s German family calls this Oma’s apfelkuchen, "Grandma’s apple cake." They’ve been sharing the recipe for more than 150 years. I use Granny Smith apples, but any variety works. —Amy Kirchen, Loveland, Ohio —Amy Kirchen, Loveland, Ohio
Sparkling Peach Bellinis
Folks will savor the subtle peach flavor in this elegant brunch beverage. — Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Italian Pasta Sauce
As a special part of their wedding buffet, my daughter Kris' husband fixed a big batch of this thick flavorful pasta sauce. The recipe was brought by his grandmother from Italy 80 years ago. —Judy Braun, Juneau, Wisconsin
Hazelnut Macarons
Julia Child had a love of life and French cooking, as she and and Alex Prud'homme described in the book My Life in France. The woman who introduced Americans to the delights of French cuisine would find these crisp, chewy French-style macarons cookies a delight, too! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Cassoulet for Today
Traditionally cooked for hours, this cassoulet recipe offers the same homey taste in less time. It’s easy on the wallet, too. —Virginia Anthony, Jacksonville, Florida
Finnish Pinwheels
When my sister was hosting an exchange student from Finland, she served these cookies I'd made to her guest. The young lady instantly recognized what they were. So I know they're still being made in our ancestors' country! —Ilona Barron, Ontonagon, Michigan
Lemon & Dill Shrimp Sandwiches
Our family took a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Norway, where we got to eat incredible shrimp sandwiches like these. The crustier the bread, the better. —Monica Kolva, Millville, New Jersey
Crispy Norwegian Bows
I've been fixing these cookies for so long, I don't recall where the recipe came from. They're a "must" at our house.—Janie Norwood, Albany, Georgia
Classic Swedish Meatballs
I'm a "Svenska flicka" (Swedish girl) from northwest Iowa, where many Swedes settled at the turn of the century. I think you'll agree that these modern-day "Kottbullar" are very tasty. —Emily Gould, Hawarden, Iowa
Swedish Cream Apple Rings
My mother made this classic coffee cake for every important holiday...Christmas, Thanksgiving and Easter. Now, I carry on the tradition and as I make them, I remember my mom who was a lot like this recipe, soft and tasteful, but full of surprises.—Heather Hood, Hillsboro, Oregon
Dutch Letters
These "S"-shaped super flaky butter pastries filled with almond paste and topped with crunchy sugar are popular in both Iowa and Holland during the Christmas season. Here's a recipe that will let you make and enjoy them all year round. —Shirley De Lange, Byron Center, Michigan
Dutch Baby Pancake with Strawberry-Almond Compote
Pannekoeken, or Dutch baked pancakes, are a treat in my husband's family. You can also try this recipe with vanilla extract, blueberries and lemon peel. —Jennifer Beckman, Falls Church, Virginia
True Belgian Waffles
It was on a visit to my husband's relatives in Belgium that I was given this waffle recipe. Back in the U.S., I served the waffles to his Belgian-born grandmother. She said they tasted just like home.—Rose Delemeester, St. Charles, Michigan
Steamed Mussels with Peppers
Use the French bread to soak up the deliciously seasoned broth. If you like food zippy, add the jalapeno seeds. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Slow-Cooked Spicy Portuguese Cacoila
Portuguese pulled pork is a spicy dish often served at our large family functions. Each cook generally adds his or her own touches that reflect their taste and Portuguese heritage. —Michele Merlino, Exeter, Rhode Island
Rabanadas (Portuguese French Toast)
I find this dish a comforting reminder of my childhood. The creamy custard center contrasts deliciously with the cinnamon sugar crust. —Ana Paula Cioffi, Hayward, California
Chicken Paella
Turmeric lends flavor and a pretty golden color to this Spanish-style entree. Haven’t tried arborio rice? You’ll love its creamy texture.
Spanish Hominy
I received this recipe from a good friend who is a fabulous cook. The colorful side dish gets its zesty flavor from spicy canned tomatoes with green chilies. —Donna Brockett, Kingfisher, Oklahoma
Nana's Italian Roulade
My great aunt from Sicily taught my mother how to stuff and bake a steak in a jellyroll style. It's unique and really special in our family. —Roseanne McDonald, Days Creek, Oregon
Cuccidati
The compliments are well worth making these Sicilian cookies—they're the best recipe I've found! —Carolyn Fafinski, Dunkirk, New York
Kourambiethes
My daughter-in-law gave me this recipe. Her grandmother was born in Greece and bakes these cookies for special occasions, including Christmas.—Carol Dale, Greenville, Texas
Nikki's Perfect Pastitsio
My mother used to work so hard in the kitchen to make this classic Greek dish, and the results were always well worth her effort. My recipe for pastitsio is easier, a bit lighter and every bit as great as Mom's.—Nikki Tsangaris, Westfield, Indiana
Caramel Apple Strudel
My father, who was born and raised in Vienna, Austria, would tell us stories about how his mother covered all of the kitchen counters with dough whenever she made apple strudel. This recipe is a modern, delicious way to carry on part of my family's heritage. —Sarah Haengel, Bowie, Maryland
Austrian Walnut Cookies
Known as palatschinkens in Austria, these rich cookies melt in your mouth. The delicate, tender pastry surrounds a walnut filling that's just sweet enough. The recipe comes from a co-worker who was known for her wonderful baked goods. —Donna Gaston, Coplay, Pennsylvania
Homemade Polish Pierogi
My mother made many dozens of these and measured ingredients using the palm of her hand. We’ve passed the recipe down over the years as the family has grown. —Veronica Weinkauf, South Bend, Indiana
Grandma's Polish Cookies
This traditional khruchiki recipe has been handed down through my mother's side from my great-grandmother. As a child, it was my job to loop the end of each cookie through its hole. —Sherine Elise Gilmour, Brooklyn, New York
Curried Beef Stew
My mother, who was Japanese, made a dish very similar to this. After a lot of experimenting, I came up with a version that is very close to the one she used to make. This beef curry stew recipe is special to me because it brings back memories of my mother. —Gloria Gowins, Dalton, Ohio
Poteca Nut Roll
My mother-in-law brought this recipe from Yugoslavia in the early 1900's. It was a tradition in her family to serve it for holidays and special occasions. Now it's my tradition. Family members often help roll our the dough and add the filling. —Mrs. Anthony Setta, Saegertown, Pennsylvania
Bohemian Kolaches
This recipe was given to me by my mother-in-law, who received it from her mother! It was a standard treat in their family, made nearly every week. Now I make this dish for my own family for special occasions. —Maxine Hron, Quincy, Illinois
Beef Paprikash with Fire-Roasted Tomatoes
Beef cooked Hungarian-style with paprika, peppers and tomatoes makes a marvelous Sunday dinner. We prefer it with Kluski egg noodles, or try mashed potatoes. —Gloria Bradley, Naperville, Illinois
Sour Cream Cucumbers
It's been a tradition at our house to serve this dish with the other Hungarian specialties my mom learned to make from the women at church. It's especially good during the summer when the cucumbers are fresh-picked from the garden. —Pamela Eaton, Monclova, Ohio
Charoset
Charoset with apples, walnuts and spices has a special meaning for the Passover holiday. It represents mortar used for brickmaking when the Israelites were in Egypt. The sweetness represents freedom. —Gloria Mezikofsky, Wakefield, Massachusetts
Lehmejun (Armenian Pizza)
This pizza-style recipe came from my friend Ruby's mom, who is a crazy-good cook. I added my own flair and tweaked it by using flour tortillas instead of making a dough. —Tamar Yacoubian, Ketchum, Idaho
New Zealand Rosemary Lamb Shanks
When I was young my family lived in New Zealand for two years after the war. One item that was always available was lamb shanks. Mother cooked them all the time with root vegetables, and to this day I love lamb! —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada
Shortbread
I live in Missouri, but many family recipes come from New Zealand where I was born. My parents moved there when I was a year old, so I have a "Down Under" heritage. These special-occasion cookies bring back warm memories of my childhood, and I'm going to make sure they're passed on to the next generation in my family…no matter where they live! —Allen Swenson, Camdenton, Missouri
Beef & Onion Piroshki
When I lived in Seattle, one of my favorite places was a small stand that sold piroshki—Russian stuffed pocket sandwiches. Whenever I’m missing my former town, I make my own batch. —julie merriman, Seattle, Washington
Roasted Beet Jam
This spicy jam recipe is from my Russian grandmother, who had no written recipes and who gave a few jars of the jam as gifts. I re-created the recipe from memory and think of her each time I prepare it. If you want to increase the yield, it's easy to double the recipe. I like to serve the jam on buttered toast or with cream cheese on toasted pita. The jars, which are dark red from the beets, make a welcome gift.—Susan Asanovic, Wilton, Connecticut
Chicken Tikka Masala
This Indian-style dish has flavors that keep me coming back for more ? a simple dish spiced with garam masala, cumin and gingerroot that's simply amazing. —Jaclyn Bell, Logan, Utah
Thai Red Curry Chicken & Vegetables
The key to this curry chicken is getting complex flavors without a heavy feel. For the veggies, I like colorful pea pods, sweet red peppers and water chestnuts. —David Dahlman, Chatsworth, California
Vegetable Pad Thai
Classic flavors of Thailand abound in this fragrant and flavorful dish featuring peanuts, tofu and noodles. New to tofu? It beefs up protein in this satisfying entree, for a delicious way to introduce it to your diet. —Sara Landry, Brookline, Massachusetts
Thai Chicken Thighs
These very tender and moist chicken thighs come with a tangy peanut butter sauce that is irresistible.—Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Slow-Cooker Malaysian Chicken
Malaysian food has influences from the Malays, Chinese, Indians, Thai, Portuguese and British. In this dish, Asian ingredients combine for maximum flavor, and the sweet potatoes help to thicken the sauce as the dish slowly cooks. —Suzanne Banfield, Basking Ridge, New Jersey
Chinese Scallion Pancakes
Unlike true pancakes, "Cong You Bing" (or Chinese scallion pancakes) are made from a dough instead of a batter. The tasty appetizers are the perfect "sponge" for mopping up extra sauce and can be made ahead of time for convenience. Just wrap in foil and reheat in the oven. —Jenni Sharp, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Sweet-and-Sour Pork
After my sister moved away to the university, I used to visit her on weekends. She often made this wonderful and tangy pork dish. Now, every time I make it for my family, it reminds me of those special visits. Everyone who tries it loves it. -Cherry Williams, St. Albert, Alberta
Vietnamese Pork Lettuce Wraps
These Vietnamese Pork Lettuce Wraps are a perfect and low-fuss way to feed a group. Place the ingredients in separate dishes and let your guests assemble their own wrap, which allows them to personalize to suit their tastes. —Gretchen Barnes, Fairfax, Virginia
Pork & Vegetable Spring Rolls
I thought rice paper wrappers would be a quick, fun way to put salad ingredients into a hand-held snack or meal. I also make this with shrimp or add in cranberries. Go ahead, experiment! —Marla Strader, Ozark, Missouri
Stir-Fry Rice Bowl
My meatless version of Korean bibimbap is tasty, pretty and easy to tweak for different spice levels. Koreans usually eat this rice dish with some beef, but I decided to top it with an egg. —Devon Delaney, Westport, Connecticut
Korean Sausage Bowl
When we hosted a student from South Korea, she shared some of her favorite Korean dishes. We especially like bibimbap. I created a variation on the dish with Italian sausage. —Michal Riege, Cedarburg, Wisconsin
Filipino Adobo Aromatic Chicken
This saucy chicken packs a wallop of flavor—salty, sweet, sour, slightly spicy and even a little umami. It can be made on the stove, too. Any way I make it, I think it tastes even better the next day served over warm rice. —Loanne Chiu, Fort Worth, Texas
Aussie Sausage Rolls
I was born and raised in Australia, but moved to the U.S. when I married my husband. When I long for a taste of home, I bake up a batch of these sausage rolls and share them with neighbors or co-workers. —Melissa Landon, Port Charlotte, Florida
Zimtsterne
During December, homes and bakeries in Switzerland are filled with the aroma of classic cookies like these "Zimtsterne." —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Slow-Cooker Chickpea Tagine
While traveling through Morocco, my wife and I fell in love with the complex flavors of the many tagines we tried. Resist the urge to stir this dish too much, as it will break down the veggies. Add shredded cooked chicken in the last 10 minutes, or serve with grilled fish. —Raymond Wyatt, West St. Paul, Minnesota
Moroccan Pot Roast
My husband loves his meat and I love my veggies, so we're both happy with this spiced twist on the beefy pot roast. With chickpeas, eggplant, honey and mint, it's like something you'd eat at a Marrakech bazaar. —Catherine Dempsey, Clifton Park, New York
Tomato-Garlic Lentil Bowls
An Ethiopian recipe inspired this feel-good dinner that's tangy, creamy and packed with hearty comfort. —Rachael Cushing, Portland, Oregon
Argentine Lasagna
My family is from Argentina, which has a strong Italian heritage and large cattle ranches. This all-in-one lasagna is packed with meat, cheese and veggies. —Sylvia Maenenr, Omaha, Nebraska
Lime and Dill Chimichurri Shrimp
Chimichurri is a very popular condiment in Argentina and Uruguay and is most often used as a dipping sauce or a marinade for meats. My chimichurri shrimp version incorporates dill and lime, which give it a brighter flavor and makes it ideal for spring and summer entertaining. —Bonnie Landy, Castro Valley, California
Colorful Avocado Salad
I appreciate the crisp, fresh vegetables and bright colors in this nutritious salad. A friend gave me the idea for this recipe while we were discussing salads. —Bev Lehrman, Gijoca, Brazil
Brazilian Pork & Black Bean Stew
During high school, I spent a year in Brazil and fell in love with the culture and food. One of my favorite dishes was feijoada, a chili-like stew served over white rice. I introduced this version to my family, and it has become one of our favorite comfort foods. —Andrea Romanczyk, Magna, Utah
Cazuela
I learned to make Cazuela while we were living in Chile for a few months. We grow extra butternut squash in our garden just for this favorite recipe. —Louise Schmid, Marshall, Minnesota
Easy Cuban Picadillo
My girlfriend gave me this delicious recipe years ago. I’ve made it ever since for family and friends, and they all love it. My daughter loves to take leftovers to school for lunch the next day. —Marie Wielgus, Wayne, New Jersey
Easy Ropa Vieja Stew
Use your slow cooker for this meaty Cuban classic, which offers bold flavors without a lot of hands-on time. —Denise Nyland, Panama City, Florida
Lemon & Garlic New Potatoes
This is a simplified version of a dish my Costa Rican host sister used to make when I was in the Peace Corps. It has become a favorite side dish at my house. —Katie Bartle, Parkville, Missouri
Caribbean Curried Chicken
Coconut Mango Bread Pudding with Rum Sauce
All of the fun flavors of Puerto Rico come together in a dessert that's both exotic and familiar. Topped with a brown sugar rum sauce, it's even better with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. —Jennifer Jackson, Keller, Texas
Peppered Cilantro Rice
This colorful confetti rice is a traditional dish in Puerto Rico. We enjoy it in the summer alongside grilled shrimp kabobs, but it is good with most any entree. -Laura Lunardi of West Chester, Pennsylvania
Jamaican-Style Beef Stew
This delicious stew makes a hearty supper with a lighter touch. The leaner cut of meat, herbs and seasonings and fresh vegetables make it so flavorful, you'll want another bowl! —James Hayes, Ridgecrest, California
Jamaican Chocolate Cookies with Caramel Creme
I made these for an office party cookie contest—and not a crumb was left on the platter! Sweet potatoes are the secret ingredient. Canned sweet potatoes will work, too, if you're short on time. —Noelle Myers, Grand Forks, North Dakota
Quick Tacos al Pastor
My husband is a high school football referee and gives my version a thumb's up. —Lori McLain, Denton, Texas
Slow-Cooker Pork Pozole
When the snow begins falling, I make a heartwarming stew with pork ribs and hominy. This is a fill-you-up recipe of lightly spiced comfort. —Genie Gunn, Asheville, North Carolina
Poutine
The ultimate in French-Canadian junk food, poutine commonly features warm fries topped with cheese curds and gravy. This side dish is quick to fix with frozen potatoes and packaged gravy but has all the traditional greasy spoon comfort. —Shelisa Terry, Henderson, Nevada
Calgary Nanaimo Bars
This version may claim roots in Alberta, but the original was said to be dreamed up in a Nanaimo, British Columbia kitchen. They're three delicious layers of Canadian goodness. —Carol Hillier, Calgary, Alberta
All-American Hamburgers
We do a lot of camping and outdoor cooking. Hamburgers are on our menu more than any other food. —Diane Hixon, Niceville, Florida
All-American Pie
With apples, cherries and blueberries, this patriotic slab pie even tastes American. If the day doesn't call for stars and stripes, feel free to use any shaped cookie cutters you like for this awe-inspiring potluck dessert. —James Schend, Editor, Taste of Home
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Krista Garcia