Choose from 5,104 Fun Things to Do in Fiordland & Milford Sound
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Civita di Bagnoregio
With its crumbling ruins perched atop a precipitous mountaintop and reachable only by a footbridge that climbs up the cliff side, Civita di Bagnoregio is surely one of Italy’s most dramatically situated towns. Originally built by the Etruscans more than 2,500 years ago, Civita di Bagnoregio boasts a fascinating history and, thanks to its remote location, a wealth of well-preserved medieval buildings.
With erosion causing most inhabitants to move on, the cobbled streets and stone-brick houses of Civita di Bagnoregio are now near deserted, leaving it as a hauntingly beautiful reminder of times past. The uniquely situated town still springs to life in summer as part-time residents return to welcome tourists and visitors gather to enjoy the jaw-dropping views and wander around the town that time forgot.
Practical Info
Civita di Bagnoregio is located around 120km north of Rome.
Address: Civita di Bagnoregio, Viterbo, Italy, Italy
From $ 104
Citadel of St-Tropez (Citadelle de St-Tropez)
Though St-Tropez is famous for its glamour and glitz, the city also has a rich and eventful past. The Citadel is a prime example, having been the town’s crown jewels since the 17th century, and one of the few monuments of its magnitude to still stand today on France’s southern coastline. In fact, The Citadel is one of the city’s most visited historical and cultural sites, both for its history and its panoramic views over the Bay. The Citadel was built between 1602 and 1608, based on the drawings of engineer Raymond de Bonnefons. The building, composed of a thick-walled hexagonal tower, a concealed interior courtyard, towers with cannon openings, and a bastioned outer wall, was used to defend the strategic port of St-Tropez, the most important strongholds between Antibes and Toulon for centuries. Its location on a hill with slopes bare of vegetation helped the military spot and bomb all vessels that came too close to the walls of the city.
Practical Info
The Citadel has bought by the town of St-Tropez in 1993 and was subsequently restored to its former glory. The dungeon now serves as a maritime museum. Guided visits are available at 11 am and 3:30 pm upon request. English tours are by appointment only.
Address: 1 Montée de la Citadelle, Saint-Tropez, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur 83990, France
Hours: Oct 1 - Mar 31 (10 am – 5:30)
Apr 1 - Sept 30 (10 am – 6:30)
Closed Jan 1, May 1, May 17, Nov 11, and Christmas Day
Admission: EUR2.00
From $ 185
City of the Dead (Qarafa)
Qarafa, or The City of the Dead, is two 4 mile (6 km) long cemeteries - a north and south cemetery - dating from Mamluk times (1200s - 1500s) and is still in use today. Traditionally all families kept a mausoleum and these days some families use them for living in as well as for burials. Some families have been inhabiting the tombs for generations, some arrived more recently after the 1967 war displaced them from the canal zone. The north cemetery has more people residing in it and estimates are up to half a million people live there. These days there are shops, cafes and even a post-office within the cemeteries.
Many of the tombs themselves are quite grand and beautiful dating back centuries and in the Mamluk style. The northern cemetery is home to some of Cairo's most beautiful Mamluk monuments, such as the Mausoleums of Sultan Qaitbay and Sultan Barquq.
Practical Info
The City of the Dead is located just east of Cairo, at the foot of the Moqattam Cliff. The easiest way to the Northern Cemetery is heading east from Midan al-Hussein along Sharia al-Azhar. As you crest the top of the hill, bear right, walk below the overpass and go straight along the road between the tombs. Follow this road to the left, then right. You'll pass by the crumbling, domed Tomb of Emir Tashtimur on your left. About 150m further on, a narrow lane goes left, passing under a stone archway. This is the gate to the former compound of Qaitbay, whose splendid mosque is immediately ahead.
It is a poor and conservative area so take care and be respectful when taking photographs. It is unsafe to go after dark.
Address: Cairo, Egypt
Hours: Open daily.
Admission: Free
From $ 11
Cleopatra Island (Sedir Island)
Sedir Island is best known as Cleopatra Island, named after the pharaoh who allegedly met her lover Marc Antony on its shores. Forever romanticized by its connection with the iconic lovers, this small island in the Gulf of Gökova is now a popular stop on boat cruises and jeep safaris from Marmaris.
Cleopatra Island’s second claim to fame is its unusually textured sands, made up of smooth white, ground seashells. To preserve this one-of-a-kind sand, visitors are required to leave their belongings and shoes at the entrance to the beach. Removing the sand is strictly prohibited. Typically, such sand can only be found on Egyptian shores, fueling the legend that Marc Antony had it shipped in to Sedir Island from North Africa in an attempt to woo his mistress.
The island also has an additional sandy beach, popular among swimmers and sunbathers, that is home to a number of Roman ruins, including an agora and an amphitheater that dates back to the fourth century B.C.
Practical Info
Cleopatra Island is reachable only by boat. It is located off Turkey’s southwestern coast, about 25 kilometers from Marmaris.
Address: Marmaris, Turkey
From $ 29
Circus of Maxentius (Villa di Massenzio)
Part of the 4th-century Villa of Maxentius complex along the Via Appia Antica in the Roman countryside, the Circus of Maxentius is the best preserved chariot racetrack in Rome and second in size only to the Circus Maximus.
The Basics
Located between miles I and II of Rome's ancient Appian Way, the villa complex, which was commissioned by the Emperor Maxentius, is home the ruins of the imperial palace and the Mausoleo di Romolo (Tomb of Romulus). The highlight, though, is the Circus of Maxentius—also known as the Circus Maxentius, Circo di Massenzio, or, for many years, the Circus of Caracalla. In its heyday, the public stadium held 10,000 spectators; the obelisk that decorates Piazza Navona today once marked its center. Explore the site on a Vespa tour of ancient Rome, a guided bike ride, or independently.
Things to Know Before You Go
- This site is particularly interesting for ancient Roman history buffs.
- The Circus of Maxentius is an outdoor archaeological site, so wear a hat and sunscreen if you’re visiting in summer.
- Most of the site consists of uneven, overgrown terrain; it’s difficult to navigate with a wheelchair or stroller.
- For older kids, a bike ride through along the Appian Way is a fun break from seeing Rome’s historic center on foot.
How to Get There
The Circus of Maxentius is located in the Villa of Maxentius at Via Appia Antica 153 between the Basilica of San Sebastiano and the tomb of Caecilia Metella inside the Appian Way Regional Park (Parco Regionale Appia Antica). You can reach it on bike or Vespa from center of Rome.
When to Get There
The archaeological ruins are part of an open-air park, so visit on a clear day with mild temperatures.
Roman Circuses
The circus, where games, political events, religious functions, and funerals were held, was the primary gathering place for ancient Romans. Italy's most important Roman circuses are located in Rome, Milan, Aquileia, and Marino.
Address: Via Appia Antica 153, 00179, Italy
From $ 19
Clarke Quay
Lining the Singapore River, the renovated riverside warehouses and “godown” shophouses of historic Clarke Quay comprise one of Singapore’s major wining and dining precincts. Now pedestrianized and home to shops, restaurants, nightclubs, river cruise bumboats, and floating cafés, Clarke Quay is a good place to look for varied cuisines—from Italian to brewhouse to fine French—and relaxed outdoor bars with riverfront views. It’s also where you’ll find Singapore’s wild Reverse Bungy adventure ride.
The Basics
No trip to Singapore would be complete without a visit to the buzzing riverside neighborhood of Clarke Quay, and its popularity and importance means it’s included on just about every Singapore sightseeing tour. Boat tours along the Singapore River depart from the quay, and it’s one of the best spots in the city for a night out on the town after a long day of sightseeing.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Clarke Quay is a must-see for first-time visitors to Singapore.
- See the neighborhood on a sightseeing tour of Singapore, or experience it before or after a Singapore River cruise.
- Visit Clarke Quay by day and at night for the full experience.
How to Get There
Clarke Quay is centrally located and is within a 10-minute walk of the City Hall, Raffles Place, and Clarke Quay MRT stations. You can also take a river taxi. Singapore’s hop-on hop-off double-decker buses stop here as well.
When to Get There
Much of Singapore’s nightlife is concentrated in Clarke Quay and nearby Boat Quay, making evening the most popular time to visit. Many of Singapore’s historic attractions are nearby, so be sure to visit during the daytime hours as well.
What to Eat (and Drink) in Clarke Quay
This neighborhood’s heavy concentration of bars and restaurants means there’s quite literally something for everyone. Global cuisine runs the gamut, from wings and New York–style pizza to Cantonese dumplings and Japanese izakaya (gastropub). Those looking for a party have many venues to choose from, including nightlife icons like Attica, Zouk, and Trace Lounge.
Address: River Valley Road, 179031, Singapore
Admission: Free
From $ 14
Cliffs of Moher
Towering 702 feet (214 meters) above the Atlantic Ocean at their highest point and stretching for five miles (eight km) along the water, the world-famous Cliffs of Moher define the rugged west coast of Ireland. They are one of the most popular tourist attractions in Ireland, with tours available from cities such as Dublin, Galway, Cork, Limerick, Killarney, and Doolin, set only 5.6 miles (nine km) away.
What to See at the Cliffs of Moher
Once at the cliffs, visitors can wander a number of winding coastal trails and pathways, capture photos of the dramatic scenery, and walk out to peer over cliff edges at the waves below. The onsite underground Visitor Centre features educational exhibits and a number of arts and crafts gift shops, while the viewing platform atop the historical O’Brien’s Tower provides stellar views stretching west to the Aran Islands, north to Galway, and out along the Atlantic Coast.
Found in the Burren National Park region of County Clare, this natural wonder makes up only a short stretch of Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way. Along with your stop at the iconic cliffs, see more of the Atlantic edge with a coastal drive that includes visits to Bunratty Castle, Corcomroe Abbey, Dunguaire Castle, and the quaint fishing village of Kinvara. Other notable sights include Galway Bay and Connemara.
Insider Tip
The cliffs can become especially crowded between 11am and 4pm, and even more so throughout July and August. To dodge the masses, stop for lunch at Fitzpatrick’s Pub in Doolin village before heading to the cliffs. The local seafood is particularly good here, and what’s an Irish lunch without a Guinness?
Things to Know Before You Go
- It’s recommended that you allocate at least two hours to explore the area.
- Weather can greatly affect visibility at the Cliffs of Moher; in the case of foggy conditions, admission tickets can be reused in the next 24 hours.
- The Cliffs of Moher site is both wheelchair- and stroller-accessible, and baby changing facilities are available.
- You’ll find free WiFi at the Visitor Centre.
How to Get from Dublin to the Cliffs of Moher
The Cliffs of Moher are located about 174 miles (280 km) west of Dublin and can be reached in approximately 3.5 hours by car from the capital city. Cliffs of Moher day trips from Dublin city center often feature a tour guide and tend to be long (between 10 and 14 hours), given that they usually venture to other west coast attractions and also include hotel pickup and roundtrip transportation. Public bus connections can also be made from Galway bus station.
Address: Liscannor, Western Ireland, Ireland
Hours: Daily 9am-9pm, although closing time can vary with sunset.
Admission: Adults: €6
From $ 46
Clark Adam Square
Located on the Buda side of the Szechenyi Chain Bridge, Clark Adam Square was named after the Scottish engineer responsible for both the bridge and the tunnel beneath Castle Hill.
A 10-foot (three-meter) sculpture sits near the bushes in the southern part of the square; shaped like an oblong concrete doughnut, this Zero Kilometre Stone is the point from which all distances from Budapest to various Hungarian destinations are measured. Miklos Borsos designed the monument in 1975 to replace a previous one that had been destroyed during World War II.
Practical Info
From Clark Adam Square, you can ride the funicular up to Buda Castle.
Address: Clark Adam ter, Budapest, Hungary
From $ 17
Circus Maximus (Circo Massimo)
Rome’s Circus Maximus—a massive arena for chariot races, games, religious ceremonies, and civic events—was the largest stadium in the Roman Empire. A major restoration in 2016 yielded a spruced-up archaeological site comprising arched walkways, ancient shops, a newly excavated cobbled road, and the Circus track’s oblong outline and starting gates.
The Basics
Measuring more than 2,000 feet (610 meters) long and 387 feet (188 meters) wide, and capable of holding an audience of 150,000, the Circus Maximus (Circo Massimo) was built on the plain between Aventine Hill and Palatine Hill in the sixth century BC. Five centuries later, Julius Caesar gave the venue its distinctive shape—especially suited to chariot racing. The stadium was enlarged repeatedly over the next several centuries, and Emperor Trajan completely rebuilt it in the early second century. Its last recorded use dates from the sixth century, after which the site fell into disuse and became a public park.
Today, as one of the most important sites dating from imperial Rome in Italy’s capital, the Circus Maximus is best visited as part of an Ancient Rome guided tour, which also includes skip-the-line access to the underground chambers and arena inside the Colosseum and the ruins of the Roman Forum. You can combine private Circus Maximus visits with an Aventine Keyhole tour, for the iconic view of St. Peter’s Basilica through the famous garden door.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Circus Maximus is a must-see for ancient history and architecture buffs, and all first-time visitors to Rome. Older children especially enjoy visiting this huge Roman circus and imagining it filled with thousands of cheering Roman spectators.
- Circus Maximus and combo tours are mostly outdoors, so be sure to dress appropriately for the weather. A hat and sunblock are particularly important in summer.
- The Circus Maximus is accessible to wheelchair users except for the Torre della Moletta (a watchtower located on the site dating from the Middle Ages) and the highest perimeter terrace.
How to Get There
The Circus Maximus is located between Via dei Cerchi and Via del Circo Massimo in central Rome. Take the metro’s Line B to Circo Massimo station, located directly in front of the archaeological site.
When to Get There
The Circus Maximus is open from Tuesday to Friday for guided tours, and on Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 4pm to the general public. As it’s an outdoor archaeological site, try to visit on clear days when the temperature is mild.
The Egyptian Flaminio Obelisk
The towering Flaminio Obelisk (Obelisco Flaminio) in the center of Rome’s Piazza del Popolo was built in Egypt in the 13th century BC. Emperor Augustus had it brought to Rome in 10 AD and placed as part of the central barrier in the Circus Maximus. Pope Sixtus V moved it to its current location in 1587.
Address: Via del Circo Massimo, Rome, Province of Rome 00186, Italy
From $ 6
Citadella
Rising 140 meters on the west side of the Danube, Gellért Hill is crowned with the fortified hulk of Citadella, which provides one of the best viewpoints in Budapest. From the ramparts there are far-reaching panoramas north to Buda Castle, and down the river to Széchenyi Chain Bridge, St Stephen’s Basilica and the Parliament House. Constructed by occupying Austrian forces in the 1840s, the citadel was loathed by the Hungarians, who tore down its fortified gates when the Austrians eventually left the city in 1897. Its 60 canon placements still remain, as do the six-meter ‘U’-shaped walls of the fort.
During World War II an air raid shelter was built in the Citadella, and this now houses a small museum about the war. In 1956, Soviet troops suppressed the Hungarian rebellion against Communism by firing heavy artillery from the fortress and Russian artillery is still scattered around the complex. Today the fortress encompasses an open-air history exhibition and is one of Budapest’s best free visitor attractions; a mini-village of bars, souvenir stores and restaurants has grown up around it, while the military barracks have been converted into a hotel.
Other sights on UNESCO-listed Gellért Hill include the vast steel Statue of Liberty, built by the Russians in Socialist-Realist style to celebrate victory over the Nazis in the late 1940s. When the Communists finally departed Budapest in 1989, city fathers elected for the statue to remain as a symbol of the Hungary’s troubled past. Halfway up the slope, the underground Cave Church (Sziklatemplom) was built by monks in the 1920s and was requisitioned as a hospital in World War II. It opened again in 1992 after the fall of Communism. Tucked in at the foot of the hill are the famous Gellért spa baths, Secessionist in design and dating from 1918, although a spa has existed on this spot since the mid-17th century.
Practical Info
The site is located a 15-minute, way-marked walk up from Gellért Tér on the Danube; you will see views of Budapest unroll as you climb. Otherwise, take bus no. 27 right up to the Citadella from Moricz Zsigmond Tér. Admission is free.
Address: Hungary
From $ 17
Classic Car Museum
Riga's Classic Car Museum was officially established in 2010, but its origins go back decades to the Latvian Vintage Car Club, founded in 1972. With a motto of "save it from rust," the museum strives to preserve classic automobiles and to familiarize and expose visitors to various restoration techniques. More than anything, it brings together car and motorcycle aficionados. The museum showcases technical developments in the automobile industry over the past century, including a history of the blinking turn signal.
More than 100 items are on display at the museum, including 20 cars, 20 motorbikes, 40 bicycles, and an array of accessories. Cars in the museum include a 1915 La France Roadster, a 1935 Ford Eifel, and multiple BMW, Mercedes Benz, and Audi models from the 1930s and 1940s.
Practical Info
The Classic Car Museum is located in the Bierini suburb of Riga and can be reached by taking bus 55 to the Mezotnes Iela stop. The price of admission includes guide service, and tours last about an hour. The museum is closed on weekdays, but visits during this time can take place with prior arrangement. The museum also offers apartments for tourists to rent.
Address: Kantora Iela 22, Riga, Latvia
Hours: March 15–Oct 15: Fri–Sun 12–6pm
Admission: 4 Euro
From $ 6
Clonmacnoise
While Ireland’s weather is famously cool, it isn’t the temperature that will give you chills when visiting Clonmacnoise. Rather, it’s the 1,500 years of monastic history that’s powerfully felt in these ruins—where temples, cathedrals, home sites, and graveyards have withstood the elements for centuries. Originally founded in the 6th century, this stone village along the River Shannon prospered for a time as Christian monastery in Ireland’s central plains. Years of outside siege, however, would leave the settlement in ruins, and even though it now sits empty and is a shell of its former self, the stone towers and towering crosses can still move people today. When visiting the ruins at Clonmacnoise, silently stroll past one of the largest collection of Christian gravestones in Europe. Gaze upwards at the brown sandstone that forms the Cathedral’s north wall—a piece of architecture that astoundingly dates to the early part of the 8th century. Once finished wandering the grounds and admiring the 12th-century churches, head inside the Clonmacnoise Museum for its collection of preserved Celtic crosses. Standing over 12 feet in height, the Cross of the Scriptures and the South Cross are both intricately carved, and are some of Ireland’s most famous examples of traditional high Irish crosses.
Practical Info
Clonmacnoise is located in County Offaly between the cities of Dublin and Galway. It’s approximately 90 minutes to Dublin by car, and one hour to Galway. Opening hours vary with the season, and are 9am-7pm in summer, 10am-6pm in spring and fall, and 10am-5pm in winter. Admission is approximately $7 for adults, $2.50 for children, and private car of guided tours are the easiest ways to visit.
Address: Clonmacnoise, Ireland
Hours: Vary by season. 9am-7pm in summer, 10am-6pm in spring and fall, and 10am-5pm in winter
Admission: $7 adults, $2.50 children
From $ 840
Clock Tower
In 1910, the Kowloon-Canton rail line began service, shuttling passengers between Mainland China and Hong Kong. Five years later, the Clock Tower was erected at what was then the Kowloon Station, where it still stands today. The 144-foot (44-meter) tall red brick and granite structure has since become one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks, and a quite meaningful one for Mainlanders who passed through the station on the way to their new lives in Hong Kong and abroad.
Located in Tsim Sha Tsui in Kowloon, the Clock Tower is easily accessible from the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade, Avenue of Stars and Star Ferry Pier. If you’re in the Tsim Sha Tsui area, it’s worthwhile stopping by to see one of the city’s Declared Monuments and to do some people watching, as the public area in front of the Clock Tower has turned into a popular hangout among locals.
Located in Tsim Sha Tsui in Kowloon, the Clock Tower is easily accessible from the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade, Avenue of Stars and Star Ferry Pier. If you’re in the Tsim Sha Tsui area, it’s worthwhile stopping by to see one of the city’s Declared Monuments and to do some people watching, as the public area in front of the Clock Tower has turned into a popular hangout among locals.
Address: China
From $ 135
Clava Cairns (Stones of Clava)
The Clava Cairns—or the Prehistoric Burial Cairns of Balnuaran of Clava—are all that remains of what was once a much larger Bronze Age burial complex. Dating back 4,000 years, the evocative cemetery site retains original features, including passage graves, standing stones, and ring cairns (stone circles).
The Basics
Two parts of the Clava Cairns complex can be visited: the Balnuaran of Clava, which features two passage graves, a kerb ring cairn, standing stones, and a central ring cairn; and Milton of Clava to the southwest, with its ruins of a medieval chapel and a cairn. Visitors will find information boards at the site explaining the significance and symbolism of the ancient stone mounds.
The cairns make for a common stop on guided day trips from Inverness and Invergordon, most of which include round-trip transport and visits to other famous Highland sites, such as Loch Ness, Cawdor Castle, and Culloden Battlefield—the site of a major Jacobite defeat—which is just a 5-minute drive from the Clava Cairns.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Clava Cairns is a must-see for history buffs.
- The area around the cairns can become muddy after rain, so wear sturdy footwear.
- Bring rain gear in case of a downpour, as the open-air site is exposed.
- The surface around the cairns is uneven and may be difficult for wheelchair users to navigate.
How to Get There
The Clava Cairns are located about seven miles (11 kilometers) east of Inverness, and are not served by public transport. From the Culloden Battlefield, the cairns are just a 5-minute drive or 30-minute walk away. Parking is available at the site.
When to Get There
Because of their off-the-beaten-track location, the Clava Cairns do not attract big crowds. If you want to have the site all to yourself, go early in the morning.
The Mystery and Intrigues of the Clava Cairns
As with many prehistoric burial sites, the Clava Cairns remain somewhat of a mystery. Historians can only theorize about their purpose or meaning. The cairns’ alignment suggest midwinter sunset was an important time for those who built it, but it’s not known exactly why it was so significant. With the sheer amount of effort necessary to arrange the stones for each grave, historians also believe the cairns may have housed important members of society.
Address: Scotland
From $ 91
Citadel of Saladin (Al-Qalaa)
Sprawling over a limestone spur on the eastern edge of the city, the Citadel of Saladin (or Al-Qalaa) was home to Egypt's rulers for some 700 years. Their legacy is a collection of three very different mosques, including the Mosque of Mohamed Ali, several palaces (housing some underwhelming museums such as the police and military museums) and a couple of terraces with city views.
The area was fortified around 1180 to protect it from the Crusaders. In the 1860s, ruler Khedive Ismail moved to newly built Abdin Palace, ending the citadel's role as the seat of government.
Practical Info
Catch bus 174 from Midan Ramses or 173 from Midan Falaki, or grab a taxi which is cheap in Cairo. Admission to the Citadel of Saladin includes entry to all the museums within the Citadel. Though this is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Cairo (particularly for Egyptians), it is relatively unimpressive and decidedly overpriced.
Address: Midan al-Qala'a, Cairo, Egypt
Hours: Open daily 8am - 5pm
Admission: 35 L.E.
From $ 23
Cinque Terre National Park
Cinque Terre National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site full of postcard-worthy landscapes: sweeping sea cliffs dotted with sandy coves, brightly painted villages clinging to steep terraces, and forested plateaus blooming with wildflowers. Stretching some 4,300 acres (1,740 hectares) along northern Italy’s rugged Italian Riviera, the park dazzles visitors with breathtaking views of the Mediterranean coastline.
The Basics
The five centuries-old villages comprising Cinque Terre National Park—Monterosso al Mare, Riomaggiore, Corniglia, Manarola, and Vernazza—are the main draw for travelers. A well-worn footpath links the towns; some portions of the trail are better maintained than others, but all offer stunning views over the Ligurian Sea. Day tours are the most convenient way to visit the coast, running to the Cinque Terre from La Spezia, Siena, Pisa, San Gimignano, and most commonly, Florence. Most day trips squeeze in all five towns plus a stop in nearby Portovenere, but those who want more time in the Cinque Terre can stay overnight or on a multi-day tour to make the most of outdoor activities—such as hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, and paragliding—plus the region’s seafood and warm hospitality.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Cinque Terre can get extremely busy in peak summer season, so book tours and accommodations in advance.
- Pack sunscreen, a refillable water bottle (drinking fountains are available throughout the park), and comfortable and sturdy walking shoes (the village roads are often steep and uneven).
- While many hotels and attractions in Cinque Terre National Park are wheelchair and stroller accessible, the villages’ steep and narrow lanes can be challenging for those with mobility issues.
- Wi-Fi is available throughout the national park.
How to Get There
Cinque Terre National Park is two hours from Florence by road, an hour from Pisa, and 20 minutes from La Spezia. Parking is limited in the villages, so unless you are staying in Cinque Terre overnight, ditch the car and join a tour or arrive by train. Trains (year-round) and ferries (mid-April through October) connect the five villages, but the best options for exploring the national park are hiking and mountain biking.
When to Get There
Cinque Terre National Park sees the most visitors (especially day-trippers) and the highest temperatures—upwards of 100°F (40°C)—during summer. Hikers should aim to visit in May or September to avoid the heat, while budget-minded might plan around August, when hotel prices rise. Visiting in winter is possible, but some hiking trails may be inaccessible in rainy weather.
Hiking in Cinque Terre National Park
There are over 75 miles (120 kilometers) of hiking trails in Cinque Terre National Park, some of which were the only connection between the villages and the hinterland for centuries. Today, the most commonly traversed path is the Blue Trail (Sentiero Azzurro), a six-hour coastal trail linking Cinque Terre’s villages and offering spectacular views. For visitors who fancy more of a workout, there are plenty of rugged mountain trails, including the Sciacchetrail, a challenging 29-mile (47-kilometer) route that loops around the entire protected area—and hosts an annual trail-running race.
Address: Italy
From $ 55
City of London
Also known as the Square Mile, the City of London is a subset of London that covers the area that was once within the original ancient walls built by the Romans centuries ago. Today, it is best known as a center for international finance. While not a standard London borough, the city has its own governance, separate ceremonial county and population of just over 8,000. Officially recognized as an independent entity, it even has its own police force and maintains a unique feel separate from the rest of London.
The major City of London sights are St Paul’s Cathedral, the Tower Bridge and the Tower of London. Other attractions include the Bank of England, Mansion House, the Monument, the Barbican Estate and the Museum of London.
Practical Info
The City of London lies within walking distance from Southwark, West End and the South Bank. There are 11 underground stations in the city, the most central being Bank and Monument. It is also possible to arrive by train or by boat on the Thames.
Address: London, England
From $ 34
Cinquantenaire Park (Parc du Cinquantenaire)
A large public park, the Cinquantenaire Park (or "Parc du Cinquantenaire" as it is known in French) is dominated by buildings built for the 1880 National Exhibition which also celebrated fifty years of Belgian independence. The centerpiece of the park is a triumphal arch finished in 1905.
To the north of the arch is the Royal Military Museum. To the south are the Royal Museums for Art and History (these hold artifacts gathered from around the world), and AutoWorld, a vintage car museum with over 350 classic cars, one of the largest collections in Europe.
If you’re looking for an impressive place to lie under a tree the Cinquantenaire Park is especially lovely in the summer when it’s filled with locals making the most of the sunshine.
Also in summer the area surrounding the arch is turned into a drive-in cinema. There’s discounted tickets for people driving vintage cars and a lawn reserved for people on bicycle or foot.
Practical Info
If you want to wander through the park, the closest station is Schuman to the west. If you're heading straight to the museums then Merode to the west will get you there quicker.
Address: Rue de la Loi, Brussels, Belgium
Hours: Open daily
Admission: Free
From $ 17
Clermont State Historic Site
Steeped in history and built beautifully in brick and stone, the Clement State Historic Site features the former estate of Robert Livingston Jr. which dates back to the early 18th century. Standing tall on the banks of the Hudson River, it has survived a burning by the British in the Revolutionary War and inspired a Colonial Revival in the 1920s. Today it is owned by the state and preserved in its 1930s style, with period furniture and decorative arts that reflect three centuries of history.
Visitors can browse the grand halls and view the impressive art, porcelain collection, and chandeliers that characterize the opulent interior. Tours grant insight into the seven generations who once lived here. Their stories, and the world at the time during which they lived, are certainly worth hearing. You also won’t want to miss the views from its landscaped gardens, which include a lilac walk, a walled garden, and some of the best birdwatching in the area.
Practical Info
The house is located in Germantown just outside of the town of Clermont. It’s open to visitors Wednesday-Sunday from April-October and on weekends from November-December, from 11am-3pm. The grounds and gardens are open year-round from 8:30am to sunset. Tours must be reserved in advance. Admission is $7 for adults and is free for children under 12.
Address: One Clermont Avenue, Germantown, New York, USA
Hours: 8:30am-Sunset
Admission: Adults: $7; Children: Free
From $ 73
City Museum of Quito (Museo de la Ciudad)
Housed in the former San Juan de Dias Hospital (a stunning sixteenth century building and UNESCO World Heritage site), the City Museum of Quito (Museo de la Ciudad) tells the story of the city from its beginnings as an indigenous trading post through the rise of an Incan capital and the arrival of the conquistadors through to the nineteenth century. This history is laid out through a series of dioramas and models of traditional indigenous and colonial homes.
Another permanent exhibit highlights the history of the hospital, with a number of personal possessions of one of the hospital’s doctors on display. Signs throughout tell of how the various rooms were originally used. Getting to see the building itself is well worth the entrance fee.
Practical Info
Admission includes a free guided tour in Spanish. English tours are available for an extra fee.
Address: Garcia Moreno 572 y Rocafuerte, Quito, Ecuador
Hours: Open Tues-Sun 9:30am-5:30pm
Admission: Adults: $3; Children: $1
From $ 46