Choose from 5,104 Fun Things to Do in Cairns & The Tropical North
ShowingFilter 1-20 of 5104 listings.
99 Steps
In the old days of Imperial Empires and the early colonization of the Caribbean, tall ships would set their ballasts with huge stones and offload them when filling up with spices and other exotic Caribbean goods, leaving the stones as a reminder of their visit. Intrepid residents of Charlotte Amalie in St Thomas have since decided to use these stones as a stairway up the city’s hills, which serves to remind residents of their colonial roots.
What makes the 99 Steps (there are actually 103; 99 Steps has a better ring to it) an attraction, however, is the lush foliage on either side of the stairway and the spectacular view from high atop the mountain once you make the climb. At the top you'll see Black Beard’s Castle. Innovative explorers have learned that a cab can be taken up to the top to avoid walking up 103 stairs. It’s easy, however, to take the 99 Steps downward at a leisurely pace.
Practical Info
99 Steps is located in the town of Charlotte Amalie in St. Thomas and is free for all.
Address: Charlotte Amalie, St Thomas, US Virgin Islands
From $ 40
42nd Street
Times Square is one of New York City’s most-visited landmarks and no street encapsulates all this destination has to offer quite like 42nd Street. It represents the heart of the Big Apple and the ultimate success to actors and actresses looking to make it on stage. But this busy spot has more to offer travelers than just live entertainment.
In addition to being the center of the theater district and a Times Square thoroughfare, this iconic stretch of street that runs from east to west is also home to several of the city’s most impressive sites. First-time visitors to this east coast city can check out the stunning Grand Central Station, Bryan Park’s urban Oasis, the United Nation’s Headquarters and the New York City Public Library without ever leaving 42nd Street!
Since this is the main artery of one of America’s favorite cities, travelers will find it not only easy to access, but also easy to navigate, thanks to the fact that literally all subway lines lead to 42th Street. Travelers can take a west side train and wander by foot to the east, or use the number 7 train to journey across the city. Port Authority Bus Terminal and Grand Central Station also make 42nd Street easy to access for those staying just outside the city, too.
Practical Info
Nearly all subways lead to 42nd Street, so travelers will find easy access using the city’s mass transit. Visitors who want to start exploring 42nd Street at Grand Central Terminal should take the 4 or 5 trains, while those looking to check out Bryant Park can take the B, D or F trains. The N, Q and R and 2 and 3 trains are located in Times Square, while the A, C and E trains stop at 42nd Street and 8th Avenue.
Address: 42nd Street, New York City, New York, USA, USA
From $ 29
Abbey Road
Pop pilgrims flock to this black-and-white-striped crosswalk in north London for the ultimate photo opportunity. Day in, day out, Beatles fans can be seen trying to recreate the iconic 1969 Abbey Road album cover at this pedestrian crossing—their movements broadcast to the world via live webcam. Nearby lies Abbey Road Studios, where the Beatles recorded many of their hits.
The Basics
Having been at the center of the 1960s British Invasion and the Brit-pop explosion of the 1990s, London is a city steeped in 20th-century rock and pop history. Visitors can tap into Beatlemania during guided tours by bus and black cab. These tours make the rounds of London locales associated with the group, from Abbey Road to the site of their famous 1969 rooftop concert.
Alternatively, opt for a broader half- or full-day music history tour that goes to neighborhoods including Soho, Camden, and Notting Hill, and covers sites connected not only with the Beatles but also with other British musical legends, such as the Rolling Stones, Jimmy Page, Jimi Hendrix, The Clash, Queen, David Bowie, and Pink Floyd. Most music-themed tours focus on England’s capital, but it is possible to do a music-themed day tour of London and nearby Cambridgeshire.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The recording studios are closed to the public, so visitors can only view the heritage-listed building from outside.
- Graffiti messages paying homage to the Fab Four can be seen scrawled on the wall outside the studio.
- The popular crossing can be very busy, so be careful when stepping out.
How to Get There
Abbey Road is in Saint John’s Wood, north London. To get there, take the tube to Saint John’s Wood (Jubilee line) or Maida Vale (Bakerloo line). Note that the Abbey Road DLR station in West Ham, east London, refers to a different Abbey Road and is nowhere near the crosswalk.
When to Get There
If you want to get a photograph at the crossing, avoid congested weekday rush hours (around 7:30–9:30am, and 4:30–7pm). For those determined to get the perfect shot, try coming at 7am on a Sunday when traffic is quiet.
Tips for Getting the Perfect Photograph at Abbey Road
The Abbey Road zebra crossing is located in a heavily trafficked part of London, which can make getting the perfect shot difficult. Cars won’t hesitate to honk the horn at tourists taking too long to stage their shot. To speed up the process, make sure you have all your equipment set up and ready to go.
Address: London, England
From $ 45
Abisko National Park
Located on the North Calotte Trail in Sweden’s Lapland, Abisko National Park covers 77 square km (30 square miles) of sparkling fjords, stumpy mountains, birch forest, cave complexes carved into the rock, and spectacular waterfalls crashing through canyons. Elk and reindeer populate the landscape and the 440-km (275-mile) national hiking and Nordic skiing route of Kungsleden (King’s Trail) starts within the park.
During the endless days of summer, the reserve is a paradise for hikers and cyclists, carpeted with rare orchids and Alpine flowers; in winter there’s a permanent mantle of snow and the chance to ski or try out dog sledding and ice fishing adventures at the STF Abisko Mountain Station, which is 250 km (156.25 miles) north of the Arctic Circle. High above sea level on Mount Nuolja, the Aurora Sky Station is considered the best place in the world to view the elusive Northern Lights, thanks to the clarity of the air and lack of light pollution. The awesome cable-car journey up to the Sky Station provides amazing views over the wild landscape of the national park. Visit between June and mid-July to witness the midnight sun and from November through March to catch the Northern Lights.
Practical Info
STF Abisko Mountain Station and Aurora Sky Station: between Kiruna and Narvik in Abisko National Park. Open 24/7 all year around. Abisko has its own railway station, which is a 10-minute walk from the cable car up to the Sky Station. The park is also accessible by car on the E10 highway from Narvik, where a regular train service runs to Stockholm.
Address: Kiruna, Sweden
From $ 147
Abu Dhabi Heritage Village
Located on the Corniche Breakwater, the Emirates Heritage Club runs a reconstructed traditional village demonstrating the lifestyles and traditions of the cultures native to the Arabian Peninsula. If you’ve ever wondered what Abu Dhabi was like before the discovery of oil transformed it into a pocket of extreme wealth, you’ll get a glimpse here.
Come in the morning before it gets too hot to explore the open-air museum. Enter a traditional goats’ hair tent and learn about the ancient falaj irrigation system that allowed desert dwellers to begin cultivating crops. Local craftsworkers conduct workshops in traditional metalwork, pottery, spinning and weaving. The traditional mosque is a far cry from the palatial white marble Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, demonstrating just how far the United Arab Emirates have come.
Be sure to stop by the gift shop during your visit. You’ll be able to pick up local herbs and spices as well as items made by the local artisans working in the village.
Come in the morning before it gets too hot to explore the open-air museum. Enter a traditional goats’ hair tent and learn about the ancient falaj irrigation system that allowed desert dwellers to begin cultivating crops. Local craftsworkers conduct workshops in traditional metalwork, pottery, spinning and weaving. The traditional mosque is a far cry from the palatial white marble Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, demonstrating just how far the United Arab Emirates have come.
Be sure to stop by the gift shop during your visit. You’ll be able to pick up local herbs and spices as well as items made by the local artisans working in the village.
Address: Heritage Village, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Hours: Saturdays - Thursdays: 9am to 5pm; Fridays 3:30pm to 9pm
From $ 25
Aberdeen Harbour
The quaint Aberdeen fishing village is famous for its picturesque harbor, where local Tanka boat people live on houseboats, junks, and sampans lashed together in messy rows and bobbing in the water in the shadow of modern skyscrapers. Situated between Hong Kong Island and smaller Ap Lei Chau, Aberdeen Harbour is home to one of Hong Kong’s most famous seafood restaurants (and one of the largest floating restaurants in the world), Jumbo Kingdom.
The Basics
Many half- and full-day sightseeing tours of Hong Kong stop in Aberdeen. A popular way to experience the harbor is on a sampan ride through the trawlers and junks of the floating village. By night, travelers can dine at Jumbo Kingdom, which looks more like a Chinese palace than a restaurant, after a sunset cruise on Victoria Harbour.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The fishing village is a must-see for first-time visitors to Hong Kong.
- Sampan tours of the harbor last 25 to 30 minutes. If you haven’t booked a tour in advance, be prepared to negotiate a rate.
- Hong Kong city tours that stop in Aberdeen typically last four to eight hours, depending on the option chosen.
- Aberdeen is a regular stop on hop on, hop off bus tours.
How to Get to Aberdeen Harbour
To get to Aberdeen, take the MTR to Wong Chuk Hang station and leave through Exit B; it’s a short walk from there to Shum Wan Pier. Alternately, catch Bus 7 from the Central Ferry Piers, Bus 70 from Exchange Square, Bus 72 or 77 from Causeway Bay, or Bus 973 from Tsim Sha Tsui in Kowloon.
When to Get There
For the best weather—sunny but not too hot—plan to visit between October and March. During the fifth lunar month (usually May or June), Aberdeen Harbour hosts the annual Dragon Boat Festival, when colorful racing boats fill the water and spectators munch on sticky rice wrapped in bamboo leaves.
Things to Do Near Aberdeen Harbour
Aberdeen is located on the south side of Hong Kong Island, where travelers will find plenty of other worthy attractions. Families traveling with kids will find amusements for all ages, including roller coasters, water rides, and animal exhibits at Ocean Park. The beaches of nearby Repulse Bay make for a serene escape from the bustle of Hong Kong, and shoppers won’t want to miss the bargains in Stanley Market.
Address: Aberdeen Promenade, Hong Kong, China
Hours: Open daily
Admission: Free
From $ 40
Aberdour Castle
Believed to be the oldest standing castle in Scotland, austere Aberdour overlooks the Firth of Forth and has its origins in the 12th century. Built of stone and starting life as a narrow, tall ‘hall-house’, it was the work of the aristocratic De Mortimer family and was later fortified and repeatedly extended until the 17th century.
Today sections of the castle’s gently crumbling ruins are open to the public and visitors can wander around at will. The roof has caved in on the older part of the construction but the later additions are better preserved; the chapel retains some of its original stained glass and there’s a quasi-preserved ceiling painting depicting fruit and trees on the first floor of the eastern wing. Adjacent is a fragrant 17th-century walled garden with formal plantings of flowers and a round hive-shaped dovecote to admire.
Recently the castle has reached a brand-new audience as the stand in for Sainte Anne de Beaupré’s monastery in France from the hit television series ‘Outlander’, written by US writer Diana Gabaldon.
The ancient church of St Fillan’s stands right next to the castle and is also worth stopping by; it dates from 1123. Aberdour Castle is included on private ‘Outlander’ tours and royal tours of the palaces of central Scotland, both of which depart from Edinburgh.
Practical Info
The castle is open April–September daily 9:30am–5:30pm; Oct–Mar Sat–Wed 10am–4pm. Adverse weather conditions may force unexpected closures. Admission for adults is £5.50; seniors & students are £4.40; children aged 5–15 are £3.30. Admission is free with Historic Scotland Explorer Pass. The castle is just off the A921 coast road between the Forth Road Bridge and Kirkcaldy. Alternatively, it is a five-minute walk from Aberdour train station.
Address: Aberdour, Edinburgh, Fife KY3 0SL, Scotland
Hours: Apr–Sept daily 9:30am–5:30pm; Oct–Mar Sat–Wed 10am–4pm
Admission: adults £5.50; seniors & students £4.40; children aged 5–15 £3.30
From $ 40
Abastos Market
Abastos Market is located in Oaxaca, Mexico, and is one of the largest markets in the country and by far the largest --and oldest -- in the city of Oaxaca. Its official name is Central de Abastos, meaning the central place of supplies and that name holds true as you can find just about everything at this massive outdoor marketplace in Oaxaca.
A popular souvenir to get while at Abastos is the green and black pottery Oaxaca is known for. You can also find luxury brand knock-offs, homeware, rugs, jewelry, auto parts, produce and food...so much food. The list goes on and on. Basically, if it's grown or produced in Mexico, chances are you'll be able to find it at Abastos Market.
At the stalls you'll encounter hanging pieces of meat, strings of garlic, local candy, bugs, exotic fruit, spices and much more. One top food product to find at the market is chili ranging from whole to paste and mild to spicy. If you want some authentic mole, which the region is famous for, you're in luck – on any given day you should be able to find every variety of mole being sold at Abastos Market.
Practical Info
Abastos Market is open daily, with its busiest day on Saturday. Abastos Market is located 1 km west of Zocalo, the main plaza of Oaxaca and is a fairly easy walk from there or a cheap taxi ride. Bartering is expected and fine to do at Abastos Market.
Address: Oaxaca, Mexico
From $ 84
27 Waterfalls of Damajagua (27 Charcos)
Hidden in a lush Dominican Republic jungle, Damajagua Falls—otherwise known as the 27 Waterfalls of Rio Damajagua—are a series of 27 cascading waterfalls that were discovered in the 1990s. Located in the midst of sugarcane fields in the Northern Corridor mountain range, the hidden falls are a true off-the-beaten-path experience.
The Basics
You can climb, jump off, and slide down natural waterslides on this obstacle course created by Mother Nature and the Damajagua River. Tour guides will take you as far as the seventh waterfall and provide appropriate safety equipment, such as helmets and life jackets. It is possible to explore beyond the seventh waterfall, but interested adrenaline seekers will need to arrange private transportation from Puerto Plata or Cabarete, then a private guide and safety equipment upon arrival at Damajagua Falls.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Closed-toe shoes or water shoes are a must. Bring dry clothes to wear on the ride home.
- All visitors must arrive with a guide; self-guided tours are not allowed or advisable.
- Children younger than eight years old may climb only to the first waterfall.
- Be prepared to do more hiking through the jungle the higher you get.
- Most large jumps off the falls, suitable only for good swimmers, have walk-around options if you want to skip them.
How to Get There
Most visitors arrive at the 27 Waterfalls base camp via organized tour from Puerto Plata, Cabarete, Sosua, or the Amber Cove cruise port. If you’re arriving via car, look for the AGRD kiosk opposite the entrance to the falls. Buses are available from Puerto Plata or Santiago; look for the stop “27 Charcos, La Cascada.”
When to Get There
The falls are open from 8:30am to 4pm daily. The round-trip hike all the way to the seventh fall takes about four hours. If you want to avoid crowds, arrive early in the day.
Community Involvement
Recognized as a protected area and natural monument, the authorities who run the Damajagua Falls tours are committed to preserving the environment. One US dollar of every entrance fee goes to a fund directly invested in the surrounding communities.
Address: 27 Charcos, Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
From $ 75
Abu Simbel Temples
Often referred to as the Temples of Ramses II, the two enormous sandstone structures at Abu Simbel were built in 1255 BC by Ramses II to commemorate himself and his favorite wife Nefertiti. The larger temple, dedicated to three major Egyptian deities, features four large statues of Ramses II on its facade, while the smaller temple is dedicated to the love goddess Hathor, with statues designed to embody Nefertari.
Set on the banks of the artificial Lake Nasser, the structures were once in danger of being flooded with the construction of the Aswan High Dam but were saved via an extensive project to cut the temples into pieces and move them to higher ground, where they are seen today.
Both Temples of Ramses II are open to the public and together form one of the greatest tourist attractions in Egypt as half of UNESCO's Nubian Monuments World Heritage site. An impressive light and sound show takes place daily.
Practical Info
The temples lie about 180 miles (290 km), or a three-hour drive, southwest of Aswan. The best way to visit is via an organized tour from the city. It is also possible to arrive via plane from either Cairo or Aswan (30 minutes).
Address: Aswan, Egypt
Hours: Open daily. Winter: 6am - 4pm; Summer: 6am - 5pm
Admission: Adults: 80 L.E., Children: 40 L.E.
From $ 55
Abydos
In a country that’s home to some of the most ancient structures on earth, the city of Abydos is a standout destination for lovers of history, hieroglyphs and architecture. That’s because this city is one of the nation’s most historic—and home to perhaps the most well-preserved temple in the country.
Travelers to this Middle Egypt destination can examine the exquisite reliefs of King List at the Temple of Seti. These finely-detailed carvings are some of the best kept in all of Egypt and the temple’s off-the-beaten-path vibe means it’s easy to explore without bumping into tons of other tourists.
Archeologists say the carvings on the temple’s exterior are worth checking out, but it’s the interior reliefs that really showcase the craftsmanship of early artists. Seti temple, which is dedicated to the god of the underworld and afterlife, is an essential stop for anyone traveling to Luxor.
Practical Info
Abydos is located about 90 kilometers north of Luxor and accessible via railway. Fare is about LE 52 per passenger between Luxor and Abydos. Travelers can access the Ramesside temples with the help of the tourist police or police-escorted taxis.
Address: Abydos, Egypt
From $ 35
Abu Dhabi Cruise Port
Towering skyscrapers, modern high rises and brilliant flashing lights greet travelers who dock at this urban port. Abu Dhabi, the largest and wealthiest of the emirates, is ripe with ornate royal palaces, high-end shopping and even a Ferrari World theme park, but travelers looking to experience old-world wonder can get it by going beyond city limits.
How to Get to Abu Dhabi
These streets aren’t made for walking and public buses, though readily available and inexpensive, can be somewhat uncomfortable. Visitors can hire taxis for cheap, including pink cars that signal to tourists they are for females only. It’s also possible to rent a car in the cruise terminal. Signs in English and Arabic make roads easy to navigate, although parking can be a headache.
One Day in Abu Dhabi
Get a taste of Abu Dhabi’s unmatched wealth with a trip to some of its most impressive architectural wonders. Start with a visit to Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Grand Mosque—the largest of its kind in the U.A.E. Opened in 2007, this place of prayer can accommodate up to 40,000 people. Its interior is decorated with crystal chandeliers, Murano glass, polished marble and the world’s largest hand-woven carpet. Then continue on to the Emirates Palace—a five-story luxury hotel that cost approximately $3 billion to build. Enjoy afternoon tea before wandering the impressive halls lined with Persian carpets and more than one thousand chandeliers. The hotel even has an ATM that vends gold at the going rate.
How to Get to Abu Dhabi
These streets aren’t made for walking and public buses, though readily available and inexpensive, can be somewhat uncomfortable. Visitors can hire taxis for cheap, including pink cars that signal to tourists they are for females only. It’s also possible to rent a car in the cruise terminal. Signs in English and Arabic make roads easy to navigate, although parking can be a headache.
One Day in Abu Dhabi
Get a taste of Abu Dhabi’s unmatched wealth with a trip to some of its most impressive architectural wonders. Start with a visit to Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Grand Mosque—the largest of its kind in the U.A.E. Opened in 2007, this place of prayer can accommodate up to 40,000 people. Its interior is decorated with crystal chandeliers, Murano glass, polished marble and the world’s largest hand-woven carpet. Then continue on to the Emirates Palace—a five-story luxury hotel that cost approximately $3 billion to build. Enjoy afternoon tea before wandering the impressive halls lined with Persian carpets and more than one thousand chandeliers. The hotel even has an ATM that vends gold at the going rate.
Port Information
Ships dock at Mina Zayed, which is a 15-minute walk to the waterfront promenade. Because of the port’s industrial nature, it’s best to take a taxi to the nearby exit gate. Travelers have access to a visitor desk, ATM, Wi-Fi and a few shops inside the terminal. Dirham is the official currency and most people speak both Arabic and English. ATMs can be found in most shopping malls and hotels often exchange money for travelers. Women should avoid wearing tank tops and shorts. Men who plan to visit mosques will not be allowed in wearing shorts.
Address: Mina Zayed Port, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
From $ 65
ABBA: The Museum
Stockholm’s ABBA: The Museum is an interactive space for ABBA fans to learn about the legendary Swedish band’s history and trivia. Housing plenty of the band’s costumes, gold records, and memorabilia, the museum invites visitors to experience the feeling of being “the fifth member of ABBA.”
The Basics
Fully dedicated to the biggest pop group ever to come out of Sweden, the ABBA Museum allows visitors to try on some of the band’s stage costumes, sing with them in the recording studio, interact with holograms, and even go on stage with the band. Interactive exhibits include Waterloo, where you’ll be transported back to 1974 Brighton; the Polar Studio, where you can get hands-on with the mixing board; and Benny’s Piano, the self-playing piano that has some special tricks in store for you. The original members of ABBA speak directly to you through the audio guide, sharing stories and memories from their careers. The audio guide was specially written for the museum by the screenwriter for Mamma Mia!
Most hop-on hop-off bus or boat tours of Stockholm stop at the ABBA Museum, which allows unlimited time to explore the museum at your leisure.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The ABBA Museum is a must-see for music lovers.
- Plan on spending 90 minutes to two hours at the museum.
- The entire museum is cash-free, so be sure to have a credit card on hand.
- Children under seven years old are admitted for free. Strollers are not allowed, but you can borrow a child carrier from the museum.
- The museum offers free small lockers and lockable hangers.
- Elevators to every floor enable easy wheelchair accessibility.
How to Get There
To get to the ABBA Museum by public transit, take either tram nr 7 and stop at Liljevalchs/Gröna Lund or take bus nr 67 and stop at Liljevalchs/Gröna Lund. A ferry also runs to Djurgården; stop at Allmänna Gränd. Parking on Djurgården is limited, so driving is not recommended.
When to Get There
The ABBA Museum is open daily, with later hours in the summer when travelers flock to Stockholm to explore during the longer daylight hours.
Attractions near the ABBA Museum
The island of Djurgården is also home to several other popular attractions, such as the maritime Vasa Museum, Skansen (open-air museum and zoo), Gröna Lund theme park, and Junibacken children’s park. Just a short hop from the city center and Old Town (Gamla Stan), you could easily spend an entire day exploring the island.
Address: Djurgardsvagen 68, Stockholm, Sweden
Admission: Varies
From $ 24
Abatan River
The Abatan River in Bohol winds its way through the town of Antequera to the town of Balilihan for an estimated length of 12 miles (20 kilometers). In the past, before the roads were developed in this area, the river served as a waterway for local people to reach the towns.
These days, the government has opened up Abatan River to the eco-tourism trade, with kayak and boat trips allowing visitors to explore the lush green scenery that the river has to offer. However, one of the most fascinating highlights of the Abatan River occurs at night, when a dazzling light show courtesy of thousands of fireflies illuminates the night sky. This spectacle has long been known to the locals, and it is only in recent years that visitors from other parts of the country and the world have come to witness it.
An evening firefly watching tour will navigate you through the mangroves to witness one of nature’s most incredible shows. Ideal for couples, private river cruises are available and often include a romantic dinner.
Practical Info
There is an Abatan River visitors center located in Cortes for more information about the history and wildlife of the river.
Did You Know? The Abatan River is one of Bohol’s three main rivers and serves as the main drainage system in the area.
Address: Abatan River, Bohol, Philippines
From $ 40
25th of April Bridge
This massive suspension bridge is an icon of Lisbon, connecting the city to the Almada area over the narrowest section of the River Tagus. Its color, size and structure draw close comparison to the Golden Gate Bridge of San Francisco, California, but the bridge was actually more structurally modeled to the Bay Bridge, also in the San Francisco Bay Area.
The 25th of April Bridge was completed in 1966 and was at the time named for the dictator Salazar. It was renamed following his displacement, with its new name given by the revolution that began on April 25. There are levels for both cars and trains, but unlike the Golden Gate Bridge, there is no passage for pedestrians. The bridge has the longest main span in Continental Europe and the world’s deepest bridge foundation. Riding across presents one of the best aerial views of Lisbon.
Practical Info
Travel across the bridge either in a car, with a toll of €1.45, or for a slower journey, take a train toward Pragal departing from Oriente, Entrecampos or Sete Rios stations. A train ticket costs €1.80.
Address: Ponte 25 de Abril, Lisbon, Portugal
Admission: €1.45 Toll, €1.80 Train
From $ 5
Abu Dhabi Corniche
The Abu Dhabi Corniche stretches along the northwestern shore of the island city, a popular spot for beachside recreation. The 5-mile (8-kilometer) stretch of attractive waterfront includes walking paths, cafes, playgrounds and bicycle rentals, and no matter what you decide to do along the coast, you’ll have an excellent view of Abu Dhabi’s skyline. In the evenings, the promenade is the perfect place for a stroll.
The Corniche’s crowning jewel is its public white sand beach. With numerous lifeguards on duty during swimming hours and floating fences keeping swimmers within 130 feet (40 meters), the Corniche Beach is great for families traveling with children. Come on a weekday, and you’ll usually find an umbrella.
The Corniche’s crowning jewel is its public white sand beach. With numerous lifeguards on duty during swimming hours and floating fences keeping swimmers within 130 feet (40 meters), the Corniche Beach is great for families traveling with children. Come on a weekday, and you’ll usually find an umbrella.
Practical Info
Besides the free public beach, you’ll also find singles and family sections, each charging a small admittance fee. Abu Dhabi remains conservative, so stick with modest swim wear and be sure to cover up before leaving the beach area. It’s not unusual to see local families fully covered while playing in the sand.
Address: Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Hours: Open daily, swimming restricted after 6pm
From $ 25
63 City
63 City, sometimes also called “the golden tower” or 63 Building, is one of the tallest buildings in Korea and sits on Yeouido Island. One part of the name is true - due to the gold tinted glass, the whole structure tends to glitter in a beautiful rose gold hue during the day. However, the skyscraper only has 60 floors above ground, the remaining three are an underground restricted area. 63 City is anything but an ordinary skyscraper though. Apart from the dazzling views that can be had from the observation deck on the 60th floor, locals and tourists alike will find the inside of the building filled to the brim by a big selection of fun activities and attractions.
There are several main attractions inside the buildings, including Sea World, a wax museum, an IMAX theatre, Sky Art and the Fanta-Stick performance. The latter is a Korean music show that takes elements of traditional Korean performance arts and gives them a modern twist. The result is a fantasy-like percussion performance mixing martial arts, break dancing and Samullori with heavy drums. At Sea World, visitors can discover over 400 marine species, including adorable African penguins and electric eels able to power lights. Sky Art is an art gallery that was named highest art gallery in the world and a place where visitors can enjoy various exhibitions with a great view. The wax museum isn’t your ordinary wax museum either and instead, the venue hands out costumes so you can pose with your favorite celebrities adequately dressed. It also hosts a terrifying chamber of horror. The final attraction promises “walking on a cloud” and a top class dining experience in Korea’s highest restaurant.
Practical Info
63 City is located in Yeouido right by the Hangang River. To get there, take subway line 5 to Yeouinaru station and take exit number 4. From there you can either walk the remaining 15 minutes or take one of the free shuttle busses.
Address: 50 63-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
From $ 9
55 Window Palace
Built by King Bhupatindra Malla in 1754, the stunning 55 Window Palace in one of the Kathmandu Valley’s most iconic landmarks and a destination for travelers venturing to the famed Bhaktapur Dubar Square. Although locals are quick to talk about an earthquake that devastated and destroyed much of the original structure—and in fact kept the palace closed to the public for some 22 years—visitors will today find the impressive structure mostly-open thanks to a Rs. 2.18 billion renovation and truly worthy of a visit.
Visitors can explore the incredible collection of ancient statues tucked among the remarkable architecture of the 55 Window Palace, which includes a 10-armed representation of the goddess Taleju Bhawani. Travelers should wander along the Golden Gate and journey into one of the former courtyards as well during a visit to this beautiful place.
Practical Info
The palace is located at the center of Bhaktapur Dubar Square. Entrance to the palace is included in the cost of a ticket to Bhaktapur, but travelers will need to pay 100 rupees to enter the museum.
Address: Bhaktapur Dubar Square, Bhaktapur, Nepal
Admission: Museum: 100 rupees
From $ 91
Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital
Usually, it’s bad news when your vacation includes a trip to the hospital, but that’s not always the case in Abu Dhabi. The Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital is one of the city’s more bizarre yet fascinating attractions. The world’s first and largest hospital dedicated to the predatory bird opened in 1999 under the direction of a prominent German veterinary surgeon.
About 6,000 birds pass through each year, occupying the 200 air-conditioned treatment rooms. This might seem strange until you understand that the sport of falconry has deep roots in the city. The sport is so popular that falcons are even issued passports and the prized animals can cost tens of thousands of dollars. If a falcon loses even one strand of feather, they can experience balance issues in flight so their owners bring them to the hospital for checkups, treatments and feather substitutions regularly.
Guided tours of the facility provide insight into the history of the sport and the physiology of this graceful bird. You’ll be able to see the birds swoop through a free-flight aviary, witness a falcon pedicure and feel the weight of one as it perches on your arm.
About 6,000 birds pass through each year, occupying the 200 air-conditioned treatment rooms. This might seem strange until you understand that the sport of falconry has deep roots in the city. The sport is so popular that falcons are even issued passports and the prized animals can cost tens of thousands of dollars. If a falcon loses even one strand of feather, they can experience balance issues in flight so their owners bring them to the hospital for checkups, treatments and feather substitutions regularly.
Guided tours of the facility provide insight into the history of the sport and the physiology of this graceful bird. You’ll be able to see the birds swoop through a free-flight aviary, witness a falcon pedicure and feel the weight of one as it perches on your arm.
Address: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Hours: Mondays - Thursdays: 8am to 3pm
Sundays: 8am to 3pm
From $ 143
Aberdare National Park
Aberdare National Park is in a cloud forest in some of the higher areas of Kenya's central highlands marked by deep ravines and forested mountain slopes. Because of its altitude -- mostly above 10,000 feet -- it's often shrouded in mist.
Animals often observed in the park include the black rhino, leopard, baboon, black and white colobus monkey and Sykes' monkey (Cercopithecus albogularis). Rarer are lions and the bongo, an elusive forest antelope that lives in the bamboo forest. Animals like the eland (a type of antelope) and serval cat (a solitary, nocturnal feline) can be found higher up in the moorlands.
Birders will note that there are more than 250 species of birds in the park, including the Jackson's Francolin (Pternistis jacksoni), sparrowhawk, goshawk, eagle, sunbird and plover.
Animals often observed in the park include the black rhino, leopard, baboon, black and white colobus monkey and Sykes' monkey (Cercopithecus albogularis). Rarer are lions and the bongo, an elusive forest antelope that lives in the bamboo forest. Animals like the eland (a type of antelope) and serval cat (a solitary, nocturnal feline) can be found higher up in the moorlands.
Birders will note that there are more than 250 species of birds in the park, including the Jackson's Francolin (Pternistis jacksoni), sparrowhawk, goshawk, eagle, sunbird and plover.
Practical Info
Less than 100 miles from Nairobi, Aberdare National Park is near Nyeri and Naro Moru on its eastern side. Admission to the park for non-Kenyans is $50 for adults and $25 for children. Hours are 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. The iconic Treetops Hotel (built on stilts) is here. One can sit on the veranda and watch the animals at a nearby water-hole. The hotel on the path of an ancient elephant migratory route between the Aberdare Mountain Ranges and Mount Kenya National Park. Other choices include the Ark Lodge, also overlooking a water-hole, the Fish Lodge Guest House (trout fishing is popular in the park) and public campsites.
Address: Aberdare National Park, Ndaragwa, Kenya
Hours: Daily: 6:30am - 6:30pm
Admission: $50
From $ 397