Choose from 5,104 Fun Things to Do in Cortina D'ampezzo
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Daan Forest Park
Considered by some to be the Central or Hyde Park of Taipei, this brilliant green oasis tucked between narrow city streets offers locals and travelers alike a quick escape route from the urban hustle.
The park, which opened in 1994, is a hub for outdoor activities. The grounds include several pavilions where local acts put on public performances, as well as walking paths that weave between towering palm trees. The running loop is thick with recreational athletes in the early morning hours, while the amphitheater, playground and skating rink offer plenty of alternatives for travelers looking to connect with nature without leaving the city.
Practical Info
Travelers can access the park via the Taipei Metro Daan Park Station near the park’s north end. It is also accessible via the Daan Station.
Address: Xinsheng South Road, Daan District, Taipei, Taiwan
From $ 25
Custom House
Sitting on the north bank of the River Liffey, this copper-domed neoclassical masterpiece was erected in the 18th century as part of a city-wide project to enhance and beautify Dublin. Originally headquarters of the Commissioners of Custom and Excise, it now houses local government offices and a visitor center tracing the history of the building.
The Basics
Custom House is one of Dublin’s finest neoclassical buildings. Many visitors catch sight of the landmark during walking tours of North Dublin, which typically include other nearby sights such as the Great Irish Famine Memorial, Liberty Hall, and the Jeanie Johnston tall ship. Others see Custom House while en route to the nearby EPIC Irish Emigration Museum, which is just a 5-minute stroll down the riverfront.
In addition to admiring the grand building from outside, visitors can explore the Custom House Visitor Centre. Exhibitions focus on architect James Gandon and the construction of the Custom House; its role in the 1916 Easter Rising; and the events of 1921, when—during the Irish War of Independence—the building was occupied and set on fire by the Irish Republican Army.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Custom House is a must-see for history buffs and architecture enthusiasts.
- Bring a camera to take photos of one of Dublin’s most prominent landmarks.
- Wheelchair users can make advance arrangements to access the visitor center through the main reception on Beresford Place.
How to Get There
Custom House is situated on Custom House Quay in the Dublin Docklands. Ride the DART or train to Tara Street or Connolly Station. The Luas Red Line tram and all intercity and regional buses stop at Busáras station, just a 3-minute walk from Custom House.
When to Get There
Though Custom House can be seen at any time of the year, it’s perhaps most photogenic on a clear, sunny summer day when its copper dome is reflected in the water of the Liffey. The Custom House Visitor Centre opens from mid-March through August.
Best View of Custom House
Though it’s situated on the north side of the River Liffey, Custom House is best viewed from George’s Quay on the south side. From the benches here, you’ll be treated to a full view of the facade, including the central dome, which is topped with a 16-foot-high (5-meter-high) statue of Hope, and the sculpted keystones beneath the frieze, which represent the main rivers of Ireland.
Address: Custom House Quay, Dublin, Ireland
From $ 14
Dajti Mountain
Travelers who want to escape the chaos, noise and energy of Albania’s larger cities will find peace and quiet in the picturesque hills of the Dajti Mountains, located a short drive from Tirana.
Fit and intrepid travelers can hike along scenic trails to the top of this 1,613-meter tall mountain. But those who prefer to take in nature in a more leisurely way can still access all this beautiful destination has to offer, thanks to a cable car that provides a fast track option straight to the top. Travelers can look out over epic views that include the Adriatic Sea, the Port of Durres and more.
Practical Info
Taxis to Dajti are available from Tirana for about 15 Euros. Be sure to arrange a pick up time with the driver for an easy return trip.
There is a restaurant that hangs off the mountain top that showcases some of the best views around, but be mindful that the views can come at a steep price.
Address: Tirana, Albania
From $ 28
Dam Square
Dam Square is the main city square in Amsterdam and is one of the most well-known locations in all of the Netherlands. Located in the historical center of the city and just 750 meters south of Amsterdam Centraal Station, Dam Square is home to an array of notable buildings and frequently hosts events of national importance.
The square sits over the original location of the dam in the Amstel River and has been surrounded by land on all sides since the mouth of the river was filled in the 19th century. On the west end of the square you will see the Royal Palace, which was the city hall from 1655 until its conversion to a royal residence in 1808. Next to the palace are the Gothic Nieuwe Kirk (New Church) and Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum. On the east end of the square is the National Monument, a stone pillar erected in 1956 to memorialize the Dutch victims of World War II.
Dam Square is also home to the Amsterdam Diamond center, the NH Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky and thupscale department store De Bijenkorf, which has stood on the square since 1914. Behind the De Bijenkorf building is the Beurs van Berlage, the old Stock Exchange building that is now used as a concert hall and exhibition space.
Practical Info
Dam Square is just a five minute walk from Amsterdam Centraal Station along the Damrak, Amsterdam’s main drag. You can also get there by taking trams 4, 9, 16, 24 or 25 and exiting at the stop across from the Bijenkorf warehouse.
Address: Amsterdam, Netherlands
From $ 10
Dakshineswar Kali Temple
Located in the northern Kolkata (Calcutta) neighborhood of Dakshineswar along the Hoohley River is the Dakshineswar Kali Temple. The temple complex, dating back to the nineteenth century, consists of one large temple to Kali and 13 smaller temples dedicated to the worship of other deities in the Hindu pantheon.
The main temple, built in 1855, is an important pilgrimage spot for devotees of Kali, the patron goddess of Kolkata. It is also the temple where spiritual leader Ramakrishna had a vision that prompted him to turn against the caste system and preach religious unity instead. The small room where he lived much of his life is now a small museum celebrating his life.
The temple complex tends to get crowded on Sundays. Visit in the early morning hours to beat the heat and watch the locals feed the pigeons or browse the small flower market just outside the temple grounds.
The main temple, built in 1855, is an important pilgrimage spot for devotees of Kali, the patron goddess of Kolkata. It is also the temple where spiritual leader Ramakrishna had a vision that prompted him to turn against the caste system and preach religious unity instead. The small room where he lived much of his life is now a small museum celebrating his life.
The temple complex tends to get crowded on Sundays. Visit in the early morning hours to beat the heat and watch the locals feed the pigeons or browse the small flower market just outside the temple grounds.
Address: Kolkata, India
Hours: Oct-March: 6am-12:30pm & 3pm-8:30pm; Apr-Sept: 6am-12:30pm & 3:30pm-9pm
From $ 38
Cybele's Fountain (Fuente de la Cibeles)
Madrid’s most memorable statue is Cybele’s Fountain, or Fuente de la Cibeles, depicting the Greek goddess of fertility, Cybele, being pulled by two lions on a chariot. Designed by architect Ventura Rodriguez for King Carlos III in 1782, the white marble monument stands encircled by water in the center of the historic Plaza de Cibeles.
Once providing water to local residents, the fountain is now merely decorative, doubling up as a popular meeting point for locals. Real Madrid’s football fans, in particular, have adopted the spot for post-game celebrations. Its job as a water source might be redundant but Cybele’s Fountain is still one of the most prominent symbols of Madrid and if you look closely, you’ll see the 8-meter-tall goddess not only holds a scepter but also a set of keys – said to be the keys to the city. Perhaps most aesthetically pleasing is the fountain’s striking surroundings – a backdrop that includes the 18th century Palacio de Buenavista, the 19th century Palacio de Linares, the grand Bank of Spain and the exquisite Palacio de Comunicaciones (the City Hall).
Once providing water to local residents, the fountain is now merely decorative, doubling up as a popular meeting point for locals. Real Madrid’s football fans, in particular, have adopted the spot for post-game celebrations. Its job as a water source might be redundant but Cybele’s Fountain is still one of the most prominent symbols of Madrid and if you look closely, you’ll see the 8-meter-tall goddess not only holds a scepter but also a set of keys – said to be the keys to the city. Perhaps most aesthetically pleasing is the fountain’s striking surroundings – a backdrop that includes the 18th century Palacio de Buenavista, the 19th century Palacio de Linares, the grand Bank of Spain and the exquisite Palacio de Comunicaciones (the City Hall).
Address: Plaza Cibeles, 28014 Madrid, Spain
From $ 16
Dalí Theatre-Museum
The small coastal town of Figueres, just north of Barcelona, is known for one thing: Salvador Dalí. Though the artist's fame brought him to more glamorous parts of Spain, Dalí eventually returned to his hometown of Figueres to build his greatest masterpiece, the Dalí Theatre–Museum. Located in the town's former Municipal Theatre, the site is a work of art in itself. Since this quirky museum was designed by Dalí to showcase his paintings, it offers insight into his imagination with a maze of his works displayed according to his own strange tastes. The museum also houses his crypt and grave.
The Basics
One of the best ways to see the museum, especially for those with limited time, is on a guided day trip from Barcelona, which usually allows for one to two hours of museum exploration. Day trips can also include visits to nearby Girona or two other Dalí attractions—Gala–Dalí Castle (Pubol Castle) and the Salvador Dalí House–Museum at Portlligat—along Spain's Costa Brava.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Dalí Museum is a must-see for art lovers.
- Tours from Barcelona to the museum and surrounding area can last upwards of 11 hours.
- Bring some one euro coins to activate several interactive exhibits within the museum.
- The museum's central courtyard, stage, ground floor, and under-stage area (the site of Dalí's crypt) are all accessible by wheelchair.
How to Get to the Dalí Museum
Figueres is located 87 miles (140 km) northeast of Barcelona. A guided day trip with roundtrip transport is the easiest and most convenient way to visit the museum from the city, but travelers can also visit independently by taking a 55-minute high-speed train ride from Barcelona Sants station to Figueres Vilafant. From the train station, it's a 15-minute walk (or short taxi ride) to the museum. The nearest commercial airport is in Girona, 27 miles (43 km) to the south.
When to Get There
Although opening and closing hours vary slightly, the museum is generally open from about 10am to 6pm daily. Due to its popularity as a day trip destination from Barcelona, the museum can get crowded during peak tourist season in July and August. It quiets down from October to April, and the cooler temperatures make exploring Figueres more pleasant as well. To avoid crowds, plan to visit first thing in the morning or in late afternoon, a couple of hours before the museum closes.
The Dalí Jewels
The Dalí-Joies exhibit, included in the price of admission, occupies two floors of the museum annex. Inside are 39 pieces of jewelry made from gold and precious stones, as well as concept drawings made by Dalí between 1941 and 1970. It’s well worth setting aside an extra 30 to 40 minutes to tour this secondary collection.
Address: Gala-Salvador Dalí Square, 5, Figueres, Costa Brava, Spain
Hours: Vary
Admission: Varies
From $ 80
Czech Museum of Music
Run under the auspices of Prague’s National Museum, which has five branches, the Czech Museum of Music is located in the former church of St Mary Magdalene in Malá Strana (the Lesser Quarter) on the west bank of the River Vltava. This 17th-century Baroque beauty was designed by Italian architect Francesco Caratti and over the years it has served as a Dominican monastery, police barracks and a history archive before its interior was remodeled into a light-filled, high-ceilinged atrium to accommodate the museum’s vast collections of precious musical instruments and scores. An entertaining permanent exhibition entitled ‘Man–Instrument–Music’ features the relationship between man and his musical instruments, set to the backdrop of music recorded on those displayed; among the highlights is a piano once played by Mozart and a series of ornate harps inlaid with mother of pearl. A schedule of temporary exhibitions might produce a mixed bag of art and music, or the occasional display of rare scores from the museum’s repository of 700,000 musical artifacts.
Classical concerts performing the work of Czech composers such as Dvořák and Smetana are frequently held in the atrium, which is beautifully illuminated in a rainbow of colors at night.
Practical Info
Karmelitská 2/4. Open Mon, Wed–Sun 10am–6pm. Admission adults 120 CZK; seniors & students 80 CZK; family tickets 200 CZK. Take subway A to Malostranská or trams 12, 20, 22 or 23 to Hellichova.
Address: Karmelitská 2/4, Prague 1, Central Bohemian Region 118 00, Czech Republic
Hours: Mon, Wed–Sun 10am–6pm
Admission: Adults: 120 CZK; Seniors & students: 80 CZK; Family tickets 200 CZK
From $ 35
Dalwhinnie Distillery
At a remote spot in the Cairngorms National Park, Dalwhinnie is one of the most famous names in Scotland’s lucrative whisky business. Thanks to the purity of local snow-fed water and its proximity to a former drover’s road crossing the Highlands, Dalwhinnie Distillery has been producing whiskies in its signature white-washed facility with its matching pair of pagodas since 1897. The distillery is best known for its smooth, heathery, 15-year-old malt and its traditional production methods, which include barley harvested in Scotland. The “Uisghe Beatha,” or “water of life” is then mixed in copper stills, condensed in traditional wooden worm tubs and aged in oak casks.
Dalwhinnie Distillery is often visited on whisky tours that include visits and tastings at a number of distilleries in central Scotland and the Scottish Highlands. Travelers may tour the facility to see the distillers at work, learn about Dalwhinnie’s whisky traditions, sample classic single malts and opt for gourmet chocolate pairings.
Practical Info
The distillery is open daily from 9:30am to 4:45pm and is located one hour south of Inverness and two hours north of Edinburgh by car on the A9. The site includes a visitor center and gift shop, and is in close proximity to a number of other distilleries. Advance bookings are recommended, and travelers should be advised that winter weather in the area can be harsh.
Address: Dalwhinnie, Inverness, Inverness-shire PH19 1AB, Scotland
Hours: Daily 9:30am–4:45pm
Admission: Varies
From $ 323
Daemyung Vivaldi Park Ski World
Whether you’re a seasoned snow bunny or new to the slopes Daemyung Vivaldi Ski World has the perfect run for every level. Some 20,000 visitors a day ride the 10 lifts to zip down some 13 runs that make this frozen wonderland a destination for skiers and snowboarders.
This frozen chateau caters to more than just powder heads with a world-class resort at the bottom of the mountain complete with a well-stocked food court, plenty of shopping, spa services, karaoke and even a 3D cinema. Daemyung Vivaldi Park Ski World is the perfect place for outdoor adventurers to spend a day exploring the slopes. But travelers agree that there are enough activities and options to keep hot chocolate lovers happy indoors, too.
Practical Info
Daemyung Vivaldi Park Ski World is open daily from 7 a.m. until 11 p.m. During peak season lifts and runs are open 24-hours. Ski lessons are available for all skill levels, including experts. The website is updated regularly with details about open runs and weather, too.
Address: 250-751 Seo-myeon, Gangwon, South Korea
Hours: Open daily from 7 a.m. until 11 p.m. During peak season lifts and runs are open 24-hours.
From $ 85
Cybele Palace (Palacio de Cibeles)
Madrid’s splendor is on full display at the grand Plaza de la Cibeles, a roundabout surrounded by notable buildings, including the stunning Cybele Palace (Palacio de Cibeles). Formerly the communications palace, the colossal structure was designed by Antonio Palacios and Joaquín Otamendi and opened in 1909.
Today it houses the city council offices, as well as the CentroCentro cultural center, which comprises a tourist information center, exhibition hall and a terrace with views overlooking the city. The exhibition space often hosts art shows, workshops, conferences and the occasional concert. The center also houses a cafeteria-style restaurant and a sit-down restaurant.
Practical Info
The CentroCentro cultural center inside Cybele Palace offers free entry on the first Wednesday of every month.
Address: Palacio de Cibeles, Madrid, Spain
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday 10am-8pm
Admission: €2
From $ 14
Czestochowa
Sitting on the Warta River in southern Poland, Czestochowa is home to the 14th-century Jasna Gora Monastery, which attracts thousands of pilgrims from all over the world each year. The monastery is home to the Black Madonna painting, a shrine to the Virgin Mary that is credited with many miracles, including saving the monastery from an invasion by the Swedes in the 17th century.
In addition to the monastery, Czestochowa boasts numerous museums, including the Czestochowa Regional Museum and the Museum of Iron Ore Mining. The regional museum consists of several parts: the Town Hall, the Halina Poswiatowska Museum, the Gallery of 19th and 20th-Century Painting and the Archaeological Reserve of Lusatian Culture. The latter is a 2,500-year-old burial ground that also features displays about the Lusatian culture from the Bronze and early Iron Age. Not far from Czestochowa you can also find the ruins of a medieval castle in Olsztyn, a stop along the Trail of Eagles’ Nests tourist route.
Practical Info
Czestochowa sits in between Krakow, Wroclaw and Warsaw, but the nearest airport is at Katowice, from which a shuttle bus runs to Czestochowa a few times a day. The city is also accessible by bus and train from both Warsaw and Krakow, with the bus taking about three hours to each and the train taking about three and a half hours to Warsaw or two hours to Krakow. The bus terminal in Czestochowa is close to the central train station.
Address: Czestochowa, Poland
From $ 35
Dalton Highway
The Dalton Highway runs for 414 miles to Alaska’s northernmost mountains in the Brooks Range and nearly all the way out to the Arctic Ocean. Running through valleys surrounded by jagged peaks, the highway connects Interior Alaska to the Prudhoe Bay oil fields and is technically part of the northernmost highway in the U.S. Also one of the most remote, the Dalton Highway parallels the Trans-Alaska Pipeline. Visitors who take the drive themselves will need to note that much of the road is still mostly gravel. Unless you’ve appeared on Ice Road Truckers, you might want to skip the ride in winter.
Public access ends at the small town of Deadhorse, just before the Arctic Ocean, and if you want to reach those last 8 miles of private road out to the coast, it’s possible to join private tours from Deadhorse. At the Coldfoot truck stop, 250 miles north of Fairbanks, the Arctic Interagency Visitor Center gives details on road and backcountry conditions along the Dalton Highway, as well as information on recent wildlife spottings of the likes of grizzlies, black bears, and dall sheep. There’s also a picnic area and sign showing where the road crosses the Arctic Circle.
Practical Info
If you’re driving, bring a spare tire or two. Keep your headlights on, and make way for trucks. To ride the full length of the highway it takes about 2 days of traveling at 40 mph. There are a few lodges and places to camp along the way.
Address: Fairbanks, AK, USA, USA
Hours: Daily 24/7
From $ 169
Dahshur
Think of Dahshur as pyramid-proving grounds: Although not nearly as famous at the pyramids of Giza, the structures here pre-date the Great Pyramids and highlight the engineering progress and understanding that took place on the way from a stepped structure to a true pyramid. The royal necropolis at Dahshur comprises a two-mile (3.5-kilometer) field of pyramids that date back between the fourth and 12th dynasties, and although 11 structures once dotted the landscape, only two remain: the Red Pyramid and the Bent Pyramid. Nearly identical in size, these two pyramids are the third-largest in the country after the two biggest at Giza. The Red Pyramid is the older of the two and the only one that visitors can actually enter.
Archaeologists believe that Snofru, the first Pharoah of the fourth dynasty, commissioned Dahshur's most notable pyramids, and, as the Bent Pyramid with its crooked peak illustrates, not all takes were entirely successful. It towers above the sand not far from the Nile's fertile green band and is believed to have been the first try at a smooth-sided true pyramid.
It’s said thousands of people spent decades building the ultimately-flawed Bent Pyramid before trying again just over a mile to the north with the Red Pyramid, incorporating some lessons learned and a different type of stone, which shines red after the rains. Some Egyptologists think the Red Pyramid is where Sneferu was buried.
Practical Info
Dahshur is located 22 miles (35 kilometers) south of Cairo. Visitors hoping for pyramid photos free of tourist throngs and camel touts should consider a visit to Dahshur instead of Giza. Regular private and group tours from Cairo incorporate Dahshur with additional stops to visit the pyramids of Sakarra, Memphis City and sometimes Giza as well. It is possible to take in all of these sites in a half-day, but at least a full day tour is recommended if you plan to enjoy multiple sites. Entrance fees to Dahshur are around L$40 ($5 USD) and are often included in the price of package tours.
Address: Cairo, Dahshur, Egypt, Egypt
Hours: Daily 8am-5pm
Admission: LE 20
From $ 11
Dallas Dhu Distillery
Sitting beside the clear waters of the Manachy Burn at the heart of Speyside whisky region, Dallas Dhu Distillery (the name means ‘Black Water Valley’ in Gaelic) produced a flavorsome single malt known as Roderick Dhu from 1898 until 1983. As one of the oldest distilleries in Scotland, it was then closed down and today it is run as a museum showcasing early whisky production.
As much of the whitewashed distillery was rebuilt after a fire in the 1950s, the equipment on show dates from that time. Tours are by handheld audio guides that take visitors through the process of whisky making, including the barns in which the barley was stored, the still house where the uisge beatha (water of life) was distilled and the bonded warehouse where the finished product was aged for three years.
There’s a visitor center in which to sample a dram or two as you watch documentaries on the art of whisky making; true aficionados will relish the choice of malts in the museum store. Dallas Dhu can be visited along with the 50 distilleries and cooperages found in the Speyside countryside.
Practical Info
The distillery is open April–September daily from 9:30am–5:30pm, October–March Sat–Wed 10am–4pm. Admission for adults is £5.50; while seniors & students are £4.40; children aged 5–15 are £3.30 and they must be accompanied by an adult. Admission is free with the Historic Scotland Explorer Pass. Dallas Dhu Distillery is just south of Forres off the A96 in Speyside; Inverness is 56 miles (90 km) by road and the journey takes about 90 minutes. The area is well served by buses.
Address: Mannachie Road, Forres, Morayshire IV36 2RR, 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
Dam Market
Built in the early 1900s, this massive market is a hub for local life in Nha Trang City. Originally constructed on a seven hectare pond, Dam Market was damaged during the Vietnam War and later resurrected as a three-storey building that’s jam packed with souvenirs, meat and fish stalls. Locals make their way to the popular market in the earliest hours of the morning and comb through stalls manned by friendly men and women in search of the day’s freshest. Travelers will find just about everything inside this eclectic marketplace that’s ripe with all of the energy and excitement of Nha Trang City life.
Practical Info
This bustling market is open daily from 6 a.m. until 4 p.m.
Address: Vietnam
From $ 18
Cuzama
The Cuzama area of the Yucatan peninsula is known for its cluster of cenotes, or underwater sinkholes, which are unique in their methods of access. The three main cenotes of Cuzama are named Chelentun, Chacsinicche, and Bolonchojol. They can be traveled to via traditional horse-drawn cart. The trip from Cuzama’s town square to the cenotes leads you through the surrounding wild forests of tall jungle trees and native wildlife.
Cenotes are often bright blue in color with characteristically clear waters, and are a great way to cool off with a swim, snorkel, or dive on a hot day. A refreshing dip in the calm water grants views of the rock formations of these underwater caverns and rivers. Upon arrival, simply step down a small wooden ladder to enter the water for a swim.
Practical Info
Cuzama is located southeast of Merida, about a 45 minute journey by car. Be sure to negotiate with the horse cart driver you hire to take you around. There is also a unique Gothic style church in the town of nearby town of Eknakan that’s worth a visit.
Address: Cuzama, Mexico
From $ 80
Dalkey Castle
One of seven fortified houses built by merchants in the Middle Ages when Dalkey served as Dublin’s main port, this 14th-century castle is the only one to survive fully intact. It now serves as a tourist attraction, with a heritage center, historical exhibits, costumed actors, and a gallery showcasing Dalkey’s literary connections.
The Basics
Dalkey Castle & Heritage Centre can be visited as part of a 40-minute guided tour led by costumed actors. Tours run every 30 minutes, and provide access to the castle, the early Christian church of St. Begnet’s, and the Writers’ Gallery, which features works from artists including Samuel Beckett and Bono.
The castle is a common stop-off on organized day tours from Dublin city center. These tours typically include other nearby sights, such as Killiney Hill, which offers spectacular views of Dublin Bay, and Johnnie Fox’s, a traditional pub in the Dublin Mountains. Entrance to Dalkey Castle is also included with some Dublin sightseeing passes. Dalkey Castle also offers seasonal tours themed around Christmas and Halloween, as well as guided walks around Dalkey town.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Dalkey Castle is a must for history buffs and families.
- There is no café on-site, but plenty can be found nearby within the town itself.
- The castle is partially wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
Dalkey Castle & Heritage Centre is situated in Dalkey, a seaside suburb of Dublin. To get here from the city center, take the southbound Dart train from Connolly, Pearse, or Tara stations. The journey will take about 30 minutes. The castle is just 5 minutes from Dalkey station on foot.
When to Get There
Dalkey Castle is open year-round. The castle is quietest midweek. The best time to visit is during summer, as warm, dry weather means visitors can take advantage of the beautiful coastal walks nearby.
Dalkey’s Literary and Musical Connections
The Writers’ Gallery at Dalkey Castle & Heritage Centre celebrates the town’s literary and artistic connections. Samuel Beckett was born here in Dalkey, James Joyce lived in neighboring Sandycove, while scores of other well-known Irish writers, such as Maeve Binchy, George Bernard Shaw, and Joseph O’Connor, have lived in the Dalkey area. Ireland’s musicians are also well-represented among Dalkey’s local population, with Bono of U2 fame and Enya both choosing to call Dalkey home.
Address: Castle St, Dalkey, Co. Dublin. Ireland, Ireland
Admission: Varies
From $ 40
Cutty Sark
Now permanently docked in Greenwich, London, this 19th-century tea clipper—one of the fastest vessels of its era—once sailed the seas between Britain and China. Onboard exhibitions and costumed characters document what life was like for the crew as they steered the ship to ports all around the world.
The Basics
Visitors can prepurchase an admission ticket and make their own way to the Cutty Sark, before climbing aboard to explore. Costumed characters from Cutty Sark’s past perform several times a day on the main deck.
Many half-day and full-day tours of Greenwich include a visit to the Cutty Sark, as well as other Royal Museums Greenwich venues, such as the National Maritime Museum, the Queen’s House, and the Greenwich Royal Observatory. Passengers on boat cruises along the River Thames may catch a glimpse of the Cutty Sark’s masts from the water.
Things to Know Before you Go
- The Cutty Sark is a must for history buffs, maritime enthusiasts, and families.
- A café can be found on the vessel’s lower ground deck.
- Cutty Sark is wheelchair friendly with step-free access available via King William Walk and Greenwich Pier, and lifts providing access to all levels. Some parts of the main deck are not accessible.
How to Get There
Cutty Sark is permanently stationed at Greenwich Pier in South East London. To get here, ride the MBNA Thames Clipper from London Eye Pier (35 minutes), London Bridge City Pier (25 minutes), or Tower Pier (20 minutes). Trains from Central London to Greenwich take less than 10 minutes, while the DLR (Docklands Light Railway) from Central London to Cutty Sark DLR station takes just 20 minutes.
When to Get There
Peak hours typically fall between 1pm and 3pm on weekends, with July and August drawing the biggest crowds. The best time to visit is in June, when summer weather means you can still fully enjoy all the outdoor attractions of Greenwich, such as Greenwich Park and the waterfront, but without the huge crowds.
On Board the Cutty Sark
During its prime, the Cutty Sark was one of the fastest Victorian sea clippers to sail the seas. The ship would typically set sail from Britain and journey to China, returning with stores of tea. Visitors who step aboard the restored vessel today can take hold of the wheel on its main deck, gaze up at the copper hull, and see the cramped quarters where the captain and crew slept. You can also see interactive maps tracking shipping routes and illustrations.
Address: London, England
From $ 16
Dakshinkali Temple
Dakshinkali Temple, 14 miles (22 kilometers) south of central Kathmandu and on the edge of the Kathmandu Valley, is a sacred Hindu temple famous for one thing. Twice a week, male goats and roosters are sacrificed here to the goddess Kali, who is said to be hungry for blood. Visitors can watch this event at the temple in the hills.
The Basics
Dakshinkali Temple is the most important Kali temple in Nepal. Kali is the Hindu goddess of empowerment, time, and change. Her name refers to the color black, kalo in Nepali, and she is often called Dark Mother. Devout Hindus believe that bloodthirsty Kali needs biweekly sacrifices. On Tuesdays and Saturdays, worshippers bring animals to the temple where they are killed and butchered. The meat is either taken home or cooked and eaten at the temple.
Travelers often visit Dakshinkali Temple on a day trip from Kathmandu that might include visiting nearby Pharping and Chobhar, too. Alternatively, Pharping is a good place to check out when hiking up Mount Champadevi.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Non-Hindus are not allowed inside the temple building itself.
- Be respectful of devotees when taking photos and watching the sacrifices as it’s a sacred ritual to believers.
- Those squeamish about blood might want to skip this temple, but travelers interested in learning more about traditional Nepali beliefs and customs will find it fascinating.
- There is no entry fee.
How to Get There
Local buses run to Dakshinkali from central Kathmandu’s Old Bus Park and Ratna Park (with additional buses running on Tuesday and Saturday to accommodate the extra visitors), and the trip takes about two hours. Alternatively, join a day trip with transportation included, or hire a taxi to take you to Dakshinkali.
When to Get There
The animal sacrifices are made on Tuesday and Saturday, so expect the temple to be crowded at these times. Saturday, the Nepali day of rest, is the busiest time to visit. It is also busy during the annual Dashain festival, Nepal’s biggest Hindu festival, which falls in September or October.
Visit Pharping
The town of Pharping is about half a mile (one kilometer) from Dakshinkali, and some tours visit both areas. Pharping offers views of bright green rice fields, through which you can take a short hike. Pharping is holy to Tibetan Buddhists who believe it is where Guru Rinpoche attained enlightenment. There are some important temples and meditation caves to visit, as well as golden-roofed monasteries in the hills around the town.
Address: Kathmandu, Nepal
From $ 160