Choose from 5,104 Fun Things to Do in Fiordland & Milford Sound
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Boldt Castle
Built in the early 20th century in the middle of Heart Island, Boldt Castle is one of the main tourist attractions of the Thousand Islands in the Saint Lawrence River.
George Boldt began building the 120-room castle in 1900 for his wife, and when she died four years later all work on the building stopped. It was left empty and open to the elements for more than 70 years. The castle was purchased in 1977 and has been restored as a local attraction. The first floor of the castle is meant to show how the Boldt family would have decorated it, had they ever moved in.
The castle itself sits in the middle of Heart Island, but there are other buildings that make up the estate – including a castle-like “power house” with a small stone bridge and a tower building at the water's edge that was originally designed to be an entertainment area for guests.
Practical Info
Visitors get to Heart Island by boat (if you own a boat, you can dock there for free) from either the U.S. or Canada, and some of the grounds and buildings are open to the public. Entry to these areas is $8.50 for adults and $6 for children ages 6-12. The castle is open for self-guided tours from mid-May through mid-October; the open hours vary by month, but it's typically open between 10-11am and closes between 5-7:30pm.
Address: Alexandria Bay, New York, USA
Hours: Vary by season
Admission: Adults: $8.50; Children: $6 (ages 6-12)
From $ 204
Bois Cheri Plantation
Some countries have wine or whisky routes – Mauritius has a tea route. And the island's biggest tea producer – the Bois Cheri Plantation – is a stop on that route.
The Bois Cheri Tea Plantation got its start on Mauritius in 1892, and today is the largest producer of tea on the island. The plantation covers 250 hectares, and includes the factory where the tea is made and a museum for visitors to explore the science and art of tea.
Visits to the plantation include guided tours of the tea factory plus a chance to see the plantation and explore the museum. At the end of your visit, you'll also get to take part in a tea tasting.
Practical Info
The Bois Cheri Plantation is located in the southern part of the island, and it's open to visitors from 8:30am-4pm Monday-Friday, and 8:30am-1:30pm Saturdays. Tickets cost Rs. 400 for just a visit, or Rs. 700 for a visit that includes a prix fixe meal at the on-site restaurant.
Address: Bois Cheri Road, Mauritius
From $ 114
Bonham Strand
Bonham Strand is located in Sheung Wan on Hong Kong Island. The street ends at Des Voeux Road West, which is where Bonham Strand West Road begins. The streets were named after Sir George Bonham, the third Governor of Hong Kong in the mid-19th century.
This nostalgic market area is known for its old-fashioned shops, and is the place to head for traditional Chinese medicines and herbal remedies. There are also a whole host of other shops selling a range of food items, and it’s a particularly good place to buy dried seafood.
There are also a number of tailors in the area for those looking for custom-made clothing during their trip, and it’s just a short walk from Bonham Strand to the historic Man Mo Temple on Hollywood Road.
Practical Info
Most of the shops along Bonham Strand are closed on Sundays and public holidays.
Address: Bonham Strand, Hong Kong, China
From $ 57
Bombay Panjrapole
Bombay Panjrapole is easy to miss among the bustling bazaars and crowded lanes of the Bhuleshwar neighborhood, but once you find it, the shelter's bright blue exterior is unforgettable—as are the sprawling two acres that house about 300 cows and an array of various other animals, including donkeys, hens, birds, dogs, goats, and even ducks and parrots.
Dating back to the 1830s, the shelters takes in the stray and unwanted animals of Mumbai. The site was first established as a response to a British decree that all dogs and pigs on the streets of Bombay should be killed, and although it's thought that cows were only brought in later to provide milk, they have become the main attraction, outnumbering all of the other animals.
A charitable trust and non-profit institution, Bombay Panjrapole allows visitors to wander the shelter, pet the cows, and, for a small donation, feed them some greens. The site is a strangely peaceful and spacious haven in the center of the crowded streets of Bhuleshwar.
Practical Info
With an entrance down an ordinary lane surrounded by shops, Bombay Panjrapole is located in the Panjrapole Compound on Panjarapole Road in Bhuleshwa near the Madhav Baug Post Office. It's open from 7am until 6pm daily but closes for an hour at lunch.
Address: Panjarapole Road, Mumbai, India
Hours: 7am-6pm daily, closed for an hour at lunch
From $ 18
Bolshoi Theatre
One of the best known theaters in the world, the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow, traces its history back to 1776. This was when Empress Catherine the Great granted Prince Pyotr Urusov the privilege of maintaining theater performances of all kinds for a period of 10 years. The current Bolshoi building opened on the coronation day of Tsar Alexander II in 1856, and featured a six-tier auditorium decorated in crimson and gold that could seat up to 2,300 people.
The Bolshoi recently re-opened in October 2011 after being closed for a six-year renovation project. The reconstruction and refurbishment of the theater’s main stage employed over 3,000 specialists at the theater each day, as well as an additional 1,000 in restoration workshops outside of the theater. The project not only restored the historical appearance of the theater, inside and out, but it also restored its legendary acoustics while adding state-of-the-art machinery and stage equipment.
Today, the theater once again offers a full repertoire of operas and ballets such as La Traviata, Carmen, Swan Lake and the Nutcracker. Those wishing to catch a performance at the Bolshoi are advised to purchase tickets several weeks in advance as most tend to sell out.
The Bolshoi recently re-opened in October 2011 after being closed for a six-year renovation project. The reconstruction and refurbishment of the theater’s main stage employed over 3,000 specialists at the theater each day, as well as an additional 1,000 in restoration workshops outside of the theater. The project not only restored the historical appearance of the theater, inside and out, but it also restored its legendary acoustics while adding state-of-the-art machinery and stage equipment.
Today, the theater once again offers a full repertoire of operas and ballets such as La Traviata, Carmen, Swan Lake and the Nutcracker. Those wishing to catch a performance at the Bolshoi are advised to purchase tickets several weeks in advance as most tend to sell out.
Practical Info
The Bolshoi Theatre is located at 1 Teatralnaya Ploshchad and is accessible from either the Teatralnaya Metro Station (Bolshoi Theatre exit) or the Okhotny Ryad Metro Station (Theatre Square exit). The main stage box office is open daily from 12pm - 8pm, with a break from 4pm - 6pm. You may also purchase tickets online.
Address: 1, Teatralny Ploshchad, Moscow, Russia
From $ 22
Borobudur
The Buddhist temple of Borobudur is recognized not only as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but also the largest Buddhist structure on earth. Towering stone stupas stretch into the skies, and Indonesia’s breathtaking natural backdrop of volcanoes and lush landscapes lends an even more impressive air to this remarkable sight.
The Basics
Borobudur, built in the seventh and eighth centuries, consists of six square platforms decorated with more than 2,500 relief panels and some 500 Buddha statues, making it one of the most decorated temples on earth. Guided tours of the complex uncover the stories behind the imagery while giving visitors a better understanding of nirvana, karmic laws, and the life of Buddha. You can choose between intimate small-group tours, private tours, or combo tours that might include cycling through nearby villages, rafting on the Progo River, or visits to Pawon and Mendut Temples. If you have some extra time, opt for a two-day tour that includes a visit to Prambanan, a UNESCO-listed Hindu temple.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Borobudur temple is a must-see for all first-time visitors to central Java.
- Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that covers your shoulders and knees, and comfortable shoes suitable for walking over uneven surfaces.
- Borobudur tours from Yogyakarta city can last anywhere from six to 10 hours, depending on the option you choose.
How to Get There
Borobudur is located in the Kedu Plain on the Indonesian island of Java. It is accessible via bus from the Jombor terminal in Yogyakarta. Buses also run regularly from Magelang and take about one hour. Door-to-door minibuses are also available.
When to Get There
Borobudur is Indonesia’s most visited attraction, so it’s a good idea to arrive early on a weekday to beat the crowds. You’ll find the best weather in the dry season, from April to October. Expect high humidity and frequent rainfall from November to March.
Sunrise at Borobudur
For many a traveler, watching a beautiful sunrise from the top of Borobudur is a bucket-list experience. A Borobudur sunrise tour gets you into the complex in the early morning, before the main gate opens, for a chance to see (and photograph) the stupas at their most photogenic.
Address: Magelang, Indonesia
Hours: Open from 6am until 5pm
Admission: $20-25
From $ 25
Bond Street
The most exclusive shopping street in London, Bond Street is where you’ll find flagship stores for brands like Burberry and Bvlgari, Dior and Louis Vuitton. Officially split up into two streets that run between Oxford Street and Piccadilly in London’s West End, the southern section, known as Old Bond Street, was built in the 1680s under the command of Sir Thomas Bond, while the longer northern section, New Bond Street, was built 40 years later.
Since its inception, Bond Street has been the playground of London society’s most stylish and influential people, and former residents include Admiral Horatio Nelson and Lady Emma Hamilton. Today, Bond Street continues to be one of the most expensive strips of real estate in the world, and the Georgian and Victorian townhouses are famously home to Aspreys of London — jewelers to the royal family — and the capital’s most upscale art galleries and high-end antique stores which cluster round Sotheby’s auction house and the Fine Art Society towards the south end.
On New Bond Street, a particularly popular statue is Lawrence Holofcener’s “Allies,” where a life-sized Winston Churchill and Franklin D. Roosevelt look deep in conversation on a park bench. Put up in 1995 in order to commemorate a half century since WWII’s end — if you slip between the statesmen for a selfie, you won't be the only one.
Practical Info
Bond Street is an underground station on Oxford Street, near the junction with New Bond Street. From Monday to Friday, it’s free to enter galleries to watch the auctions at Sotheby’s (34-35 New Bond Street).
Address: Bond Street, London, United Kingdom, England
From $ 166
Bonerowski Palace
The Bonerowski Palace is a luxury hotel in the heart of Krakow’s Old Town. Dating back to the 13th century, it was then significantly renovated in the 19th century, at which time the entire building was raised up to three floors and a new staircase was added.
A UNESCO World Heritage site, the building has many remarkable features, including a 70-foot-long chandelier in the lobby (the longest in Europe), a Gothic pillar on the first floor and a 17th-century polychrome on the second floor. It was opened as a hotel in 2007 and has been named the best luxury hotel in Poland. The palace is perfectly situated to explore Krakow as it is within walking distance of a number of important attractions, including the Czartoryski Museum, the Collegium Maius building of Jagiellion University, the Dominican Church, the Franciscan Church and the Barbakan fortress. The palace windows also provide an exceptional view of St. Mary’s Basilica, Cloth Hall, St Wojciech Church and the Adam Mickiewicz monument.
Practical Info
The Bonerowski Palace is located in the center of Krakow at the corner of Sw. Jana Street and the Old Market Square. It features 15 guest rooms and apartments, and nightly prices range from around $150 for a deluxe room to more than $300 for an apartment.
Address: świętego Jana 4, Kraków, Poland
Admission: Varies
From $ 17
Bombay High Court
South Mumbai is full of beautiful Gothic-revival architecture, and the Bombay High Court is one of the city's best examples. Dating to the 1870s, the courthouse features two octagonal towers. Visitors are allowed inside and may even sit in on court cases, but most just come to view the architecture from the outside.
The Basics
Bombay High Court is one of the oldest high courts in the country. While the court itself may be of interest to law buffs, it’s the architecture that attracts most visitors; the 19th-century building is part of the Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Bombay High Court is a stop on some full-day tours of Mumbai, as well as on tours focused on the city’s architecture and colonial heritage. Most tours stop outside the building rather than leading participants inside, but you can enter independently.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Admission to the Bombay High Court is free, and visitors may sit in on court cases.
- Visitors must pass through security to enter, and cameras are not allowed inside.
- The courthouse is wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
The Bombay High Court is located in South Mumbai's most touristy area, sandwiched between the Colaba and Fort neighborhoods and overlooking the Oval Maidan, a popular cricket ground. It's about a 15-minute walk from the Gateway of India and only five minutes from the Chhatrapati Shivaji Railway Station (aka Victoria Terminus).
When to Get There
Bombay High Court is open weekdays throughout the year, and entrance is free. However, many visitors come just to see the architecture from the outside, in which case it’s often best visited in the early morning when temperatures are cooler or after dark, when the building is illuminated with soft flood lighting.
The Sculptures of Bombay High Court
Bombay High Court is full of interesting sculptural work, including life-size statues of Justice and Mercy and tucked-away depictions of forest creatures. There's also a sculpture of a monkey holding the scales of justice unevenly; according to legend, an Indian subcontractor working on the building sued the English contractors for money they owed him. He lost and added the monkey in retaliation.
Address: High Court Building, Dr Kane Road, Fort Mumbai, Maharashtra 400032, India
From $ 34
Bosingak Belfry
The Bosingak Belfry refers to an ornate pavilion in central Seoul that houses a bell with a history that dates all the way back to the 14th century. Located opposite the modern Jongno Tower, the original bell was constructed in 1396 and used during the Joseon Dynasty to keep time and act as an alarm to alert people of fires and other emergencies.
Back then, the bell rang out 33 times (for the 33 Buddhist heavens) every morning at 4am, and the gates to the city were opened for the day. Each night at 10pm, they rang out 28 times (representing the location of the stars of constellations), to signal the closure of the gates and the start of the nightly curfew.
The original bell melted in a fire and was replaced in 1468. For preservation purposes, this bell now sits in the gardens of the National Museum of Korea, and the current bell you can see today is a replacement made with contributions from the public that was mounted in the same spot in 1985.
In a ceremony that starts at 11am, the guardsmen who patrol the tower ring the bell 12 times at noon from Tuesday through Sunday. A small-group walking tour is a great way to visit Bosingak Belfry, allowing you to take in other attractions in Seoul, such as Gyeonghuigung Palace, Daehamun, Cheonggyecheon Plaza, and the various landmarks of Jongno.
Insider’s Tip: If you happen to be in Seoul over New Year’s Eve, head down to the Bosingak Belfry, where a huge event is organized and the bell is rung 33 times at midnight.
Practical Info
The Bosingak Belfry is located along Jongno, the major financial and cultural center of Seoul, and is easily walkable from Gwanghwamun Square. Alternatively, take subway Line 1 to Jonggak Station and use exit 4.
Address: 54 Jong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Hours: 24 hours
From $ 47
Borghese Gallery
Rome’s Borghese Gallery and Museum (Galleria Borghese), housed in a former villa of the eponymous family, houses a large part of the family’s vast collection of antiquities, paintings, and sculptures. Its 22 rooms across two floors showcase many important pieces including paintings by Titian, Raphael, Caravaggio, and Rubens. The city of Rome acquired the Villa Borghese in 1903, opening its collection and gardens to the public. The 1911 World Exposition was held in the park and some of the various countries’ pavilions still exist.
The Basics
Advance reservations are required to visit the Borghese Gallery and numbers are limited at any given time, so it’s best to book tickets in advance. Travelers can book skip-the-line tickets, a private or small-group tour, or opt for a Segway tour of the greater Borghese Villa. Art historians often lead small-group tours, which add context to the artwork you’re seeing. Even without a tour, you will feel the impressionable impact of Raphael’s The Deposition and Caravaggio’s David with the Head of Goliath, two of the museum’s most famous works.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Borghese Gallery is a must-see for art lovers in Rome.
- Even with a required advance-purchase ticket, there can be long entry lines. To avoid the wait, consider a private, skip-the-line guided tour.
- The Borghese limits the number of people who can enter and the time they can stay (two hours), so it’s a great place to enjoy fine art and avoid the crowds found at most Roman art museums.
- Wi-Fi is free to all visitors.
- The Borghese features accessible restrooms and a small elevator to the second floor.
How to Get There
The Borghese Gallery is in central Rome, located within the Villa Borghese. You’ll find the Villa Borghese up the Spanish Steps on the path to the left. You can catch Metro Linea A to Flaminio in the Piazza del Popolo, from which the museum is located up the hill.
When to Get There
The Borghese Gallery is open from 8:30am to 7:30pm Tuesday through Sunday. Like most Roman attractions, the Borghese is at its busiest in summer. It’s best to purchase your ticket for early in the morning, as that is often when it is quieter.
The Borghese Family Effect
The Borgheses were a powerful Italian family who rose to prominence and wealth after one member became Pope Paul V in 1552 and gave power and titles to many family members. One such was the pope’s nephew, Cardinal Scipione Borghese, who built the Villa Borghese and Borghese Gardens in the 17th century to hold parties and house his private art collections. He was a patron of the famous artist Bernini, so many of Bernini’s sculptures—including Apollo and Daphne and David—are held in the Borghese collection.
Address: Piazzale del Museo Borghese, 5, 00187, Italy
Hours: Open Tues - Sun 8:30am - 7:30pm
Admission: €22 for adults
From $ 29
Bohinj Valley
The quiet town of Bohinj is a favorite destination for winter amateurs, with its ample opportunities for skiing, snowboarding, ice climbing, and ice skating. Located in the Julian Alps, stunning views are abound, and the natural attractions are the valley's biggest appeal.
In the summer, swimming, rafting, rock-climbing, hiking, fishing, and horseback-riding are the primary forms of entertainment, along with a thrilling opportunity for cave exploration.
Bohinj also offers the occasion to pamper yourself: its health and wellness spas are considered to be some of the best in Slovenia, and after a long day of physical exertion, relaxation will be well deserved.
Practical Info
Bohinj is accessible by bus and train from most major cities in the country, and also by plane. The closest airport is Ljubljana, and from there, visitors can rent a car, take a taxi, or take a bus into Bohinj.
Address: Bohinj, Slovenia
Admission: Free
From $ 68
Borough Market
Crammed full of artisan foods, homemade goodies, delicious street dishes and fresh produce, Borough Market is the go-to destination for in-the-know London foodies. With a history dating back over 1,000 years, Borough Market is the city's oldest and most famous food market, and—in case you need any more convincing—regular customers include celebrity chefs like Jamie Oliver and Gordon Ramsay.
The Basics
There are few better ways to feel like a Londoner than a stroll around Borough Market. With more than 100 stalls selling everything from Italian cheese and Morecambe Bay shrimp to housemade fudge and fresh-from-the-oven baked goods, the legendary marketplace is a popular inclusion on London food tours. A walking tour with a local guide will give you the inside scoop on the most popular vendors and best prices.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Be prepared for crowds, especially during peak times.
- Borough Market is committed to eco-friendly and sustainable practices, so do your part by bringing your own reusable shopping bag.
- Bring comfortable walking shoes, as there are three different marketplaces and more than 100 stalls to explore.
- Free Wi-Fi is available in the market, and public restrooms are available at Three Crown Square and the Market Hall.
- The market and restrooms are wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
Borough Market is located in London Bridge on the south side of the River Thames and just a short stroll from the bridge itself and The Shard. The easiest way to get there is on the Tube, and the closest station is London Bridge on the Northern and Jubilee lines. Driving is not recommended as the market is in the congestion-charge zone and there’s no on-site parking.
When to Get There
Borough Market is open from Wednesday to Saturday, with a smaller market held on Mondays and Tuesdays. To avoid crowds, arrive early on a Saturday morning or come on a weekday afternoon. However, for the freshest produce and best choice, aim to get there before the lunchtime rush, when sandwiches, baked goods, and made-to-order products might sell out.
Eating and Drinking at the Borough Market
Whether you’re hunting for ingredients, tucking into a healthy lunch, or want to discover London’s food scene, there’s something for everyone at Borough Market. Tuck into fresh pasta, sushi, or tapas at one of the many cafés; purchase British cheeses, charcuterie, and jams; or sample organic wines, ciders, and craft beers. After shopping, head to the demo kitchen in the Market Hall where guest chefs offer workshops, cooking demonstrations, and tasting sessions.
Address: 8 Southwark Street, London SE1 1TJ, England
Hours: Full market: Wed–Thurs 10am–5pm, Fri 10am–6pm, Sat 8am–5pm; Lunch market: Mon–Tues 10am–5pm
From $ 16
Borusan Contemporary
The aim of Borusan Contemporary in Istanbul is to introduce the Borusan Contemporary Art Collection to a wider audience, and to generate interest in modern art within Turkey overall. Another purpose of the museum is to establish and support educational programs and academic discussions for a variety of age groups.
Situated in a castle-esque red brick mansion (Perili Köşk) built in 1911 and overlooking the suspension bridge that links Europe and Asia, Borusan Contemporary rather fittingly places Turkish art in a wider international context, drawing inspiration from across the globe. The building also houses the headquarters of Borusan Holding, a café, the Borusan Art Store, plus outdoor terraces with views of the Bosphorus.
The works of art at Borusan Contemporary include a varied selection from the Borusan Contemporary Art Collection, as well as individual artist and group exhibitions curated by nationally and internationally acclaimed curators.
Practical Info
Borusan Contemporary is only open at the weekend. Bus numbers 22, 25E, 40, 40T, and 42T all lead to Perili Köşk. It’s also possible to take the ferry, alighting at the Bebek or Emirgan terminals.
Address: Baltalimani Hisar Street, Istanbul 34470, Turkey
Hours: 10am-8pm (Weekends only)
Admission: Adults: 10 TL; Students and over 60s: 5TL; Children: Free
From $ 116
Bomas of Kenya
Bomas of Kenya is a cultural center situated around 10 kilometers from Nairobi city, right near the main entrance to Nairobi National Park. Through art, crafts, music, dance, and architecture, it serves to preserve Kenyan culture, with artists performing traditional dances and songs from the country's major ethnic groups.
The center features replicas of traditional villages, which were built according to the same principles and techniques used by local tribes. The site is also home to one of the largest auditoriums in Africa, seating 3500 people. It is here that you can watch a selection of more than 30 traditional dances from the different ethnic groups in Kenya, including impressive performances from the Samburu and Masai warriors. Visitors can also sample a range of traditional African foods at the on site Utamaduni restaurant.
Bomas of Kenya is best enjoyed as part of a Nairobi sightseeing day tour. These take in the best attractions of the city and its surrounds, including the famous Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, the Nairobi National Park, the Giraffe Center, and the Karen Blixen Museum.
Practical Info
If not arriving as part of an organized tour, you can reach Bomas of Kenya by taking bus number 125 or 126 from Nairobi train station and alighting at Magadi Road. From there, it's around a one-kilometer walk and is clearly signposted along the way.
Did You Know? The word ‘boma’ derives from a Swahili word meaning ‘enclosed homestead’.
Address: Langata Road, Nairobi 00200, Kenya
Hours: Cultural performances: Weekdays: 2:30pm / Weekend: 3:30pm
Admission: Adult: 600 KES / Child: 300 KES
From $ 50
Bolaven Plateau
Cool temperatures, fertile soil, stunning waterfalls and coffee plantations blanketing its hills — this is the Bolaven Plateau. This higher altitude region of Southern Laos has long been used as a center of agriculture, starting with midland hill tribes who practiced rotational farming on the plateau. During the early twentieth century, French colonists began cultivating coffee, tea, fruit and cardamom in the area.
Well off the beaten path, the Bolaven Plateau attracts adventurous travelers with blissfully cool temperatures, stellar scenery (including Tat Fan, one of the most impressive waterfalls in the country), hill tribe villages and sense of isolation. Travelers can tour coffee plantations, swim at the base of waterfalls, zip line through the trees and learn about the region’s ethnic minorities in one of several villages welcoming to tourists.
Practical Info
Many visitors explore the Bolaven Plateau on a day trip from Pakse, but guests who want to linger will find basic guest houses in Paksong.
Address: Paksong, Southern Laos, Laos
From $ 83
Bongeunsa Temple
Situated in Seoul’s stylish Gangnam district, Bongeunsa Temple was founded in 794. Though it has been rebuilt many times, the temple remains an important center of Seon (Zen) Buddhism in South Korea. Panjeon, the oldest hall in the complex, is home to some 3,000 woodblocks carved with Buddhist scriptures and religious art.
The Basics
Though it’s not the most famous temple in Seoul—that distinction belongs to Jogyesa Temple—Bongeunsa Temple is featured on many tours of the city’s ritzy Gangnam district, along with Garosu-gil Road, COEX Mall, and the Seolleung and Jeongneung Royal Tombs. Visitors can also opt to book an overnight temple stay, which typically includes monastic meals, a traditional tea ceremony, a temple tour, and guided meditation. Overnight stays must be booked in advance.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The temple is worth a trip for spiritual travelers or those visiting the Gangnam District.
- Wear comfortable shoes that are suitable for walking over uneven surfaces.
- Remember to dress respectfully, as the temple serves an active Buddhist community.
- Restrooms are available on the temple grounds.
How to Get There
Bongeunsa is centrally located in Samseong-dong, Gangnam, and is easily accessible either on foot or by public transportation. Take Seoul subway line 9 to Bongeunsa Temple Station and leave through Exit 1.
When to Get There
The temple is open daily year-round, but the best time to visit is Thursday when the complex hosts a Temple Life program for visitors. Visit during the Lotus Lantern Festival in April to see the temple fully decorated for the celebration of Buddha’s birthday.
Jeongdaebulsa, A Celebration of Scripture
Each September, Bongeunsa Temple plays host to a Buddhist ceremony called Jeongdaebulsa. Visitors to the temple complex during this single-day event can see monks marching through the grounds carrying scriptures on their heads and reciting the Buddhist rites.
Address: Seoul, South Korea
From $ 81
Bosphorus Bridge
The Bosphorus Bridge in Istanbul is one of three continent-spanning bridges over the Bosphorus Strait, connecting Europe and Asia. When it opened in 1973, the 5,118-foot (1,560-meter) bridge was the fourth-longest suspension bridge in the world. And though it has since slid down the rankings, it is still an impressive sight to behold.
The Basics
The Bosphorus Bridge, officially known as 15 July Martyrs’ Bridge, is only open to vehicles. The bridge can be seen from Ortaköy Mosque on Istanbul’s European side and from Beylerbeyi Palace, an imperial Ottoman summer retreat, on its Asian side.
The best way for visitors to view the bridge is to take a Bosphorus cruise. Many cruises begin at the Golden Horn, from which you can see the minarets of the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia before venturing into the Bosphorus Strait, cruising past Dolmabahçe Palace and under the bridge. Some cruises include lunch or dinner on board.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Bosphorus Bridge is an emblem of Istanbul and one of the Turkish city’s most photo-worthy sights.
- While you can admire the bridge from land, be aware you can’t cross it on foot.
- Note that it is a toll bridge and tolls can’t be paid with cash or card. If you are driving in a rental car, make sure it is equipped with a toll transponder.
How to Get There
To reach the Ortaköy side of the bridge from Sultanahmet, take the T1 tram to Kabatas, where you can connect to Ortaköy using local buses or taxi. Alternatively, take the ferry from Eminönü to Ortaköy; note that ferries don’t run on Sundays. To get to Beylerbeyi Palace on the Asian side, take the ferry from Eminönü to Üsküdar, then connect to local Beylerbeyi Palace–bound buses.
When to Get There
One of the best times to view the bridge is at night, when the structure is lit by colorful LED lights. If you want to cross the bridge on foot, sign up for the Istanbul Marathon—Turkey’s biggest marathon—which usually takes place in November. The marathon route crosses over the bridge, and this is the only time pedestrians are allowed.
The Best Views of the Bridge
For excellent views of the bridge, head to Ortaköy, a former fishing village turned chic Istanbul suburb on the European side of the Bosphorus. Explore the area around Ortaköy Pier, which offers particularly good views of the baroque-style Ortaköy Mosque with the modern bridge in the background, showing off Istanbul’s old-meets-modern cityscape.
Address: Turkey
From $ 15
Boiling Lake
The volcanic hot springs of Boiling Lake lie at the end of a 7-mile (11 km) hiking trail in World Heritage Site Morne Trois Pitons National Park. The hot springs here are the second largest in the world.
You need to hire an official guide to do the day-long hike to Boiling Lake, which takes you up and down the park’s forested highlands. It’s a demanding and physically challenging trek, but one that’s well worth it – as much for the destination as the rewarding views along the way. The trail is well-maintained and one of the best ways to experience the Caribbean’s rainforest, with plenty of tropical birds and other rare species to be spotted. The walk also leads through a volcanic area with a stream passing through it known as the Valley of Desolation, where the air becomes steamy and moist and is filled with sulphuric vapours and gases.
Formed from a flooded volcanic fumarole, the crater is filled with grey-blue water shrouded in mist. Look past the whirling mass of steam and you’ll see the lake’s bubbling water surrounded by steep cliffs. This huge bubbling hot springs lake sees temperatures reach almost 200 degrees Fahrenheit, and is most often seen with a cloud of vapour rising dramatically from it.
The best time of year to do the hike is in the drier season from March to May.
Practical Info
The extensive Morne Trois Pitons National Park takes up the bottom half of the island of Dominica.
The hike to Boiling Springs leaves from the main access town of Laudat, or from Titou Gorge. Laudat is on the park’s western border, a 40-minute trip north-east from Roseau by bus.
Address: Morne Trois Pitons National Park, Laudat 00152, Dominica
Hours: Open daily
Admission: $81
From $ 125
Borovets Ski Resort
One of Bulgaria’s premier ski resorts, Borovets was purpose-built in the 1980s, although it has its origins way back in the 19th century when a hunting palace was built there for the Bulgarian Royal Family. Today it is a low-rise, largely wooden Alpine-style resort with all modern amenities; it sprawls over the northern flanks of the Musala ridge in the Rila Mountains at an altitude of 1,300 meters (4,265 feet), with the highest runs up at 2,600 meters (8,530 feet).
The ski season lasts from December through to early April and the resort has 24 runs stretching over 58 km (36.25 miles) of marked pistes, ranging from easy blues to extremely challenging black runs, many through scenic pine forest. Borovets also offers two terrain parks for snowboarders as well as 35 km (22 miles) of groomed cross-country trails for Nordic skiers. Ski lifts are modern and efficient, with a mix of gondolas, chair and drag lifts; night skiing is available daily until 10pm. The resort’s family-friendly credentials include two snow parks for toddlers, ski schools, equipment hire, shops and plenty of cafés, restaurants and hotels that cater for kids. Non-skiers are well taken care of with swimming pools, spas, ski-doo snow safaris and horse-and-carriage rides and the late-night après-ski scene is jumping, with bars and clubs open until the wee hours.
Practical Info
The ski season runs between December and early April. Best accessed by car from Sofia, Borovets is 72 km (45 miles) south of the city by road.
Address: Borovets, Sofia, Bulgaria
From $ 35