Tunis reveals its scholarly heritage through a collection of beautifully preserved madrasas, each bearing witness to centuries of intellectual pursuit. Over 20 madrasas are spread over the Medina of Tunis, some of them seven centuries old. The role these madrasas played has evolved over time. The Madrasa Slimania, founded by 18th-century ruler Ali Pasha, stands out with its ornate prayer hall and elevated entrance porch. Where student cells once housed scholars, medical professionals now work beneath the same vaulted ceilings. Nearby, the Madrasa El Bachia has transitioned from Quranic school to artisan workshops, its courtyard fountain silent but its creative spirit alive. The Madrasa Palmier (or Madrasa Ennakhla) maintains its original purpose as a centre for Quranic studies, its namesake palm still shading the courtyard behind formidable studded doors. Meanwhile, El Khaldounia represents a bridge between tradition and modernity. Established in 1896 near Souk Al Attarine, this progressive institution now serves as a bilingual library, honouring Ibn Khaldoun’s legacy of critical thought.

What began as a coordinated Thursday-night event has evolved into a year-round, self-guided art experience that celebrates Downtown LA’s creative community every day. Galleries, studios, and cultural spaces follow their own schedules now, so you can put together your own “art walk” whenever you’re in the neighborhood.

Moored in San Pedro, the Battleship USS Iowa Museum lets you wander through one of the most magnificent and surprisingly personal pieces of U.S. naval history. Known as the “Battleship of Presidents,” the Iowa once carried FDR across the Atlantic and later served through WWII, Korea, and the Cold War. As you move through the ship’s narrow corridors and out onto the decks, you get a real sense of what life was like for the crew: giant gun turrets towering overhead, cramped bunks stacked in rows, and glimpses of the command centers that once buzzed with activity. Veteran volunteers are often on hand to share stories or point out easy-to-miss details.