Choose from 5,104 Fun Things to Do in Fiordland & Milford Sound
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Emirates National Auto Museum
The Emirates National Auto Museum is home to the private collection of Sheikh Hamad Bin Hamdan Al Nahyan and exhibits more than 200 unique and classic vehicles.
Set within a pyramid-shaped building, there’s a workshop located around the back of the main museum. All of the exhibits are in excellent condition, and car lovers will rejoice at this fascinating collection, which features everything from 4x4 vehicles and racing cars to classic American motors. It’s also home to a steam-powered Mercedes from 1885, along with what is considered to be the world's largest truck.
In 1983 the Sheikh bought seven Mercedes, one for each day of the week, which he had painted the colors of the rainbow. All seven are on display in the museum and each is kitted out with such conveniences as TVs and refrigerators.
Practical Info
The Emirates National Auto Museum is around an hour’s drive south of Abu Dhabi on Hamim Road off the E11. It’s open daily from 9am until 6pm.
Address: Hameem, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Hours: Open daily from 9am until 6pm.
Admission: AED 50, Children Under 10 are free
From $ 73
Elche
Some 300,000 protected date palms rustle above ancient Elche (Elx), the legacy of 6th-century Phoenician gardeners, though the city is older still. They line the banks of the Vinalopó River, along with Elche's most magnificent buildings.
This is an exotic spot of archaeological treasures, fine museums, Moorish domes, and beautiful churches. Meaningful places, such as the soft-lit stone arches of the Arab Baths (which probably date to Roman times), artistic gardens of the Huerto del Cura, and evocative ruins of La Alcudia are the attractions, rather different from those of the rest of the coast.
This is an exotic spot of archaeological treasures, fine museums, Moorish domes, and beautiful churches. Meaningful places, such as the soft-lit stone arches of the Arab Baths (which probably date to Roman times), artistic gardens of the Huerto del Cura, and evocative ruins of La Alcudia are the attractions, rather different from those of the rest of the coast.
Still, just 15 minutes from the city proper, pale beaches await sun lovers, and there are certainly fine dining and nightlife options aplenty. This is also, by the way, the self-proclaimed "Footwear Capital of the World," or at least Spain, producing half of the nation's shoes.
Practical Info
Elche is an inland town, 23km (14mi) from the region's major city, Alicante. Though a museum dedicated to the city's Mystery Play of Elx, in which the Virgin Mary is carried to heaven on a song, offers virtual performances year-round, the UNESCO-recognized drama is staged at the Basilica of Santa María de Elche ever August, the very best time to visit. Most visitors fly into busy Alicante Airport (ALC), where you can catch private taxis direct to Elche. Buses connect Elche to Alicante, Murcia, and throughout Spain, while a high-speed rail line being constructed between Alicante and Madrid will also stop in Elche.
Address: N-340, Elche, Spain
Admission: Free
From $ 736
Elsamere Conservation Park
One of several private conservancies in Kenya, the Elsamere Conservation Park is located on the southern shore of Lake Naivasha in the Rift Valley.
It's here that conservationist Joy Adamson nurtured some of her orphaned big cats -- including the most famous: Elsa. This orphaned lion cub was hand-raised in the 1950s by Joy and her husband, George, and released into the African bush. The book Joy wrote about the experience, "Born Free", was made into a movie.
The area is still a haven for wildlife, with its own small troop of black and white colobus monkeys in the acacia trees. Fish Eagles can be found on the lakeshore, and hippos, eland and zebra graze on the lawns at night. More than 260 species of bird including rare species such as the Verreaux's Giant Eagle Owl have been spotted.
Practical Info:
Elsamere is located between Lake Naivasha National Park and Hell's Gate National Park, about a two-hour drive from Nairobi. Visitors can come for a visit between 3 and 6 p.m. stay overnight in one of four cottages (rates start at $165 per night) or sign up for a course at the Field Study Centre. Established in 1989, the field study centre continues the conservation work started by the Adamsons.
Elsamere is operated by the Elsa Conservation Trust, established in 1963.
Address: 1497-20117 Naivasha, Africa, Kenya
Admission: Check website for details
From $ 160
Embassy Row
Colorful rowhouses, trees, and foreign embassies line Massachusetts Avenue near Dupont Circle in Washington DC. This area, dubbed “embassy row” for the sheer number of embassies, stretches between Scott Circle and Sheridan Circle. The area was once known as DC’s most elite zip codes because of the size and decadence of the residences. Today, many of the old mansions and residences have been converted into embassies.
There are more than 170 embassies in Washington DC with occasional events and festivals held at the various embassies, allowing the public an opportunity to experience various cultures and communities represented. Some of the larger embassies – such as the embassy of Indonesia – occupy buildings with over 40 rooms, while smaller embassies occupy former apartment buildings and other residences. The presence of embassies increases the allure of Dupont Circle, making it a popular destination for sightseeing in DC.
Practical Info
Embassy Row begins north of the White House and extends out toward the Naval Observatory (the Vice President’s residence).
Address: Massachusetts Ave., Washington DC, USA
From $ 10
Elafonisi Beach
With shallow waters, pale pink-tinted sands, and sweeping dunes, Elafonisi is frequently and deservedly listed among Europe’s best beaches. The beach is connected to a protected island nature reserve, which is home to a variety of rare plants and animals, including loggerhead sea turtles.
The Basics
Elafonisi Beach is a little pocket of paradise and a must-see for visitors to Crete. Many day tours from Chania visit the beach and also stop at the 17th-century Chrisoskalitissa Monastery en route. Most day tours include several hours of free time at Elafonisi, so travelers can sunbathe, swim, and head out across to the island nature reserve to explore the trails. At low tide, visitors can walk across to the island via the exposed sandbar. At high tide, the sandbar is covered by wadable-depth water.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Elafonisi Beach is a must for families, beach lovers, and nature enthusiasts.
- The shallow waters of the beach are ideal for bathing, so be sure to bring a swimsuit.
- Sun loungers and umbrellas can be rented on the main beach.
- There are no facilities on the island, so carry water with you if you go exploring.
- The beach is not suitable for wheelchair users.
How to Get There
Elafonisi Beach is situated in the west of Crete, around 46 miles (74 kilometers) southwest of Chania. Local KTEL buses connect Chania to Elafonisi. It's easiest to arrive as part of a tour that includes transportation.
When to Get There
Get there before 11am—earlier, if possible—to find a favorable spot on the sand. While the beach gets busier later in the day, there is usually enough space on the sand that you won’t be elbow-to-elbow with your fellow sunbathers.
What to See on the Island
Elafonisi island offers the chance to escape the beach crowds and enjoy some quiet time amid nature. Follow trails leading to a lighthouse on the western tip, where you can gaze out across the Mediterranean, and look out for the sea daffodils and juniper trees that grow here in abundance. For those who want to sunbathe away from the busy mainland beach, it’s possible to find small and quiet hideaway coves on the island.
Address: Elafonisi, Crete, Greece
From $ 56
Emiliana Organic Winery
Founded by the Guilisasti family in 1986, Emiliana Organic Winery was the first winery in Chile (and one of the first in the world) to make a foray into organic wine production. The winery began its organic agricultural practices in an effort to preserve the environment, promote healthy soil and ultimately improve the quality of the grapes.
In place of pesticides, the winery uses mobile chicken coops that can be wheeled around the vineyards to control the insect population. Besides wine, Emiliana also grows organic vegetables for the workers and their families, as well as produces honey and olive oil from trees grown throughout the vineyards.
Tours of the winery take visitors through the vineyards, where they learn about various soil and grape types and the biodiversity of the area. Participants also see the cellars where biodynamic fertilizers are stored and enjoy a tasting of several Emiliana wines. Upgraded tours include signature wines paired with cheese and chocolate or the opportunity for visitors to blend their own wine.
Practical Info
Emiliana Vineyards is located in Casablanca Valley along Rouse 68.
Address: Avda Nva Tajamar 481, P 7 Of 802, Las Condes, Chile
Hours: Open Dec-Mar 10 am - 6 pm; Apr - Nov 10 am - 5 pm
From $ 30
Eminonu Pier
The Eminonu Pier is located along the southern end of the Galata Bridge and consists of multiple docks for ferries cruising along or crossing the Bosphorus.
Eminonu Halec Iskelesi (dock) is the furthest west of the docks and is the departure point for Sehir Hatlari Golden Horn ferries. The other dock west of the Galata Bridge, the TurYol Eminonu dock, is where you will find TurYol ferries to Uskudar, Haydarpasa and Kadikoy, as well as Bosphorus cruises. Follow the pedestrian way under the Galata Bridge and you will come to remaining five docks, with ferries heading to Uskudar and Kadikoy, as well as a car ferry heading to the Harem Otogar on the Asian side of Istanbul and multiple ferries cruising across the Bosphorus.
Before or after your ferry journey, try a fish sandwich from a boat at the pier, peruse the goods being hawked by merchants along the pier and sample some of the bites offered by other vendors.
Eminonu Halec Iskelesi (dock) is the furthest west of the docks and is the departure point for Sehir Hatlari Golden Horn ferries. The other dock west of the Galata Bridge, the TurYol Eminonu dock, is where you will find TurYol ferries to Uskudar, Haydarpasa and Kadikoy, as well as Bosphorus cruises. Follow the pedestrian way under the Galata Bridge and you will come to remaining five docks, with ferries heading to Uskudar and Kadikoy, as well as a car ferry heading to the Harem Otogar on the Asian side of Istanbul and multiple ferries cruising across the Bosphorus.
Before or after your ferry journey, try a fish sandwich from a boat at the pier, peruse the goods being hawked by merchants along the pier and sample some of the bites offered by other vendors.
Practical Information
Eminonu Pier is within easy walking distance from much of the old city and lies just over the Galata Bridge from Beyoglu. From further afield in Istanbul, you can catch the tram to the Eminonu station or, of course, jump on a ferry.
Address: Turkey
From $ 29
Elisabeth Bridge
Several bridges cross the Danube River connecting Buda and Pest, the two sides of Budapest, Hungary. The Elisabeth Bridge was named after the Hapsburg Queen Elisabeth, who was the wife of Francis Joseph I. An international competition was held in 1894 for the design of the bridge, and construction began in 1897. The bridge was inaugurated on Oct. 10, 1903, and until 1926, it was the largest chain-type bridge in the world. Unfortunately Elisabeth Bridge was bombed by German troops towards the end of World War II, and it was the only bridge in Budapest so badly damaged that it had to be completely replaced. From 1960 to 1964, nearly two decades after the original bridge was destroyed, the new bridge was built in the same place to reconnect Gellért Hill on the Buda side to Ferenciek Ter on the Pest side of the city.
There was once a tram that went across the bridge, but it was stopped running this route in 1972. Several bus lines still go across the bridge. Today the Elisabeth Bridge receives the most amount of vehicle traffic of all the bridges in the city. It has three lanes of traffic in each direction.
Practical Info
Elisabeth Bridge is between the Chain Bridge and the Liberty Bridge. To get to the Elisabeth Bridge, take the M3 metro to the Ferenciek Ter station on the Pest side of Budapest.
Address: Elisabeth Bridge, Budapest, Hungary
Hours: Daily
From $ 37
Eltham Palace
Eltham Palace, a grand Tudor residence, makes a worthy detour from nearby Greenwich. As the childhood home of Henry VIII, the medieval palace boasts a fascinating royal history and is best known for its elaborate art deco style interiors, transformed in the 1930s by wealthy businessman Stephen Courtauld.
Visitors to Eltham Palace are whisked back to the 1930s as they explore the domed entrance hall, where the Courtaulds held their glamorous cocktail parties; peek into the opulent gold bathroom and stroll the exquisite orchid and rose gardens. Also open to guests are a series of new rooms, including a map room, a walk-in wardrobe filled with beautiful period clothing, a basement billiard room and a WWII bunker. Traces of the palace’s medieval roots can also be seen, most notably in the glorious wood-beamed Great Hall and the historic moat, crossed by London's oldest working bridge.
Practical Info
Eltham Palace is located in Eltham, about five miles (8 km) southeast of Greenwich. The site is open Sunday through Thursday from 10am to 6pm. Adult admission is £13.60. Multimedia guides are available to visitors and a café, shop, visitor center and children’s playground can also be found on site.
Address: Court Yard, Eltham SE9 5QE, England
Hours: Sun-Thurs 10am- 6pm
Admission: Adult: £13.60, Child: £8.10
From $ 90
Elephant Mountain (Xiangshan Hiking Trail)
Don’t be deterred by the name Elephant Mountain. A relatively easy climb takes you to the top of a hill that affords panoramic views of Taipei. Nestled among other rolling green hills, Elephant Mountain (Xiangshan Hiking Trail) is indisputably the best place in Taipei to enjoy a sunset over the capital’s skyline.
The Basics
Evening tours of Taipei usually stop at Elephant Mountain, where—even if you only ascend halfway—you can still enjoy great views of Taipei. The trail is well-lit and supported by handrails. At the summit, there are six giant rocks where you can perch for an epic photograph with the skyline behind you, or walk a little past the rocks and you’ll find a far less crowded viewing platform.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Use plenty of insect repellent before you climb Elephant Mountain, because there are lots of mosquitoes at the top.
- For travelers of a moderate fitness level, it takes about 30 minutes to reach the top.
- This is a must-visit for the best views of the Taipei skyline.
- Take a bottle of water for the ascent. At the bottom of the trail, there is a water fountain where you can refill.
How to Get There
From central Taipei, take the red line on the MRT to Xiangshan station, which is the final stop. From there, the base of Elephant Mountain is clearly signposted. If you want to walk from Taipei 101, you can do so in about 15 minutes.
When to Get There
The best time to hike Elephant Mountain (Xiangshan Hiking Trail) is in the late afternoon, so that you can enjoy daytime city views, see the sunset, and then watch Taipei burst into a thousand lights. During the weekend, the trail can be crowded, so try to visit during the week if possible.
The Four Beasts of Taipei
Elephant Mountain is one of the Four Beasts, a name that refers to the four hills on the outskirts of Taipei. If you’re an avid hiker, you can challenge yourself to do a full-day hike of all Four Beasts: From the mountain summit, a trail continues for a few hours and reveals a Buddhist garden and an entirely different part of the city.
Address: Lane 150, Songren Rd., Xinyi District, Taipei, Taiwan
From $ 30
Emerald Museum (Museo Internacional De La Esmeralda)
As Colombia is the world's largest producer of emeralds, a trip to the Emerald Museum in Bogota comes highly recommended. Located on the 23rd floor of the Avianca Building, here you’ll get the chance to learn about the history and processes of emerald mining in Colombia, as well as admiring some of the country’s most prized pieces. This small museum boasts in the region of 3000 of the finest emeralds in the world. On the museum tour, you’ll enter a 27 square meter tunnel with samples of the emerald deposits, plus real veins extracted from real mines. In the workshop, you’ll learn about the process of how an emerald is created, and observe the different qualities and characteristics of the collections on display. The gift shop is a big draw for those interested in taking some of Columbia's finest gems home with them, with a range of jewellery and cut emeralds for sale. Those particularly interested in emeralds and their history in Columbia should join a dedicated Bogotá emerald gemstone tour, which includes visiting the attractions of Parque Santander, a stroll through the center of the emerald market, and a trip to the Galería de Artesanías y Esmeraldas de Colombia.
Insider’s Tip: Entry into the Emerald Museum is included within the Bogotá city sightseeing pass, which also includes a 10% discount on products in the museum’s gift shop.
Practical Info
The Emerald Museum is located on the 23rd floor of the Avianca Building in downtown Bogota. You will need to take some form of ID with you so that the guards at reception can issue you with a visitor’s pass.
Address: Calle 16, No. 666, Bogota, Colombia
Hours: 10am-6pm, Monday to Saturday
Admission: 5000 COP
From $ 33
Embera Village
Modern Panama is home to seven indigenous tribes, and the Embera is one of its most well known native groups. Part of the Embera tribe migrated from the Choco region of modern day Colombia to Panama in the late 18th century. The indigenous people retain their own language, cuisine, culture, and customs, many of which can be seen on a visit to an Embera village.
Traditional houses are typically built on stilts and often on the riverside, where they are organized into a small community with a communal house at its center. The Embera also keep their own government and family structures. Most of time, villages can only be approached by water; typically a traditional dugout canoe brings in visitors.
As the Embera people live sustainably in the middle of the rainforest and for the most part have resisted modernization, a visit to an Embera village offers a unique glimpse at a preserved way of life. Music and dance, traditional clothing, and indigenous foods are all a part of an immersive experience.
Practical Info
To visit a Embera village, a guided tour is necessary. Tours of the village typically pick visitors up at their Panama City hotel and provide roundtrip transportation. Prices vary depending on length of stay.
Address: Panama
Hours: Open daily 8am-5pm
Admission: With tour only
From $ 59
Electricity Museum
Located on the waterfront of the Tagus River, Lisbon’s Electricity Museum is as beautiful and scenic as it is interesting and educational. A beautiful brick building with long-spanning windows with the 25 de Abril Bridge as its backdrop, the Electricity Museum is an iconic structure of Lisbon.
Many visitors stop in while on a riverfront stroll and are surprised with all this museum has to offer. Inaugurated in 1900, the building was once a coal power plant that supplied electricity to the city of Lisbon. The building and its machinery have been well maintained and today the museum offers visitors a glimpse into the inner workings of an early 20th century coal power plant. There’s tons of original equipment like boilers, alternators, condensers and the control room, complemented with explanatory videos, models and photographs.
The museum goes beyond just coal-generated electricity — a highlight for both kids and adults are the interactive exhibits, which show how different kinds of electricity are generated in a hands-on way. With its ample space, the museum also houses special events and temporary art exhibits, including photography, paintings and sculptures.
Practical Info
The Electricity Museum is located at Av. Brasília, 1300-598 in Lisbon. It is open Tuesday–Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is free.
Address: Av. Brasília, Lisbon, Portugal
Hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 10am–6pm
From $ 10
Emerald Pool
As enticing as it sounds, Emerald Pool is a tranquil grotto in the rainforest. On hot days it’s a cool spot for a refreshing splash under the waterfall splashing into the pool. You’ll find it’s quietest to visit in the mornings.
A 15-minute boardwalk through the rainforest leads to the pool, alive with the birdsong of hummingbirds.
Practical Info
Emerald Pool is in the center of Dominica on the northern edge of Morne Trois National Park, along the road to Castle Bruce from Rosalie.
Catch a bus from Roseau heading to Castle Bruce.
Address: Morne Trois Pitons National Park, Castle Bruce 00152, Dominica
From $ 5
Emancipation Park
Take a break from the hustle of Kingston with a visit to Emancipation Park, a seven-acre swath of green space in the New Kingston area of the Jamaican capital. It’s a popular spot for local to have lunch or walk the track around the park’s perimeter. Within the park you’ll find fountains and gardens of native and imported plants. Art pieces also dot the scenery, including the “Redemption Song” statue at the park entrance, honoring native son Bob Marley, and there are also African Adinkra symbols incorporated in the scenery, like the Futumfrafo, a two-headed crocodile, on the sides of the benches, and the Wafa Aba, seed of the Wafa Tree, decorating the top of the perimeter fence.
Practical Info
Emancipation Park is located in the New Kingston area of the city, near many of the tourist hotels. It sits at the corner of Oxford Rd. and Knutsford Blvd., just across the street from the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel.
Address: Corner of Oxford Rd. and Knutsford Blvd., Kingston, Jamaica
Hours: Mondays through Thursdays, 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Fridays through Sundays 5 a.m. to midnight.
From $ 65
Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site
The Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic site is a special place that serves as a window into former First Lady’s public and private life. The site is home to two cottages: Val-Kill Cottage and Stone Cottage. Vall-Kill is an L-shaped stucco building, reflecting the patchwork construction of its former life as a factory. Stone Cottage is a fieldstone building designed in the Dutch Colonial Revival style. On the first floor, the living room has with a ceiling open to the rafters and a massive fieldstone fireplace. There’s also a dining room, kitchen, den, bedroom, bath, and laundry. Upstairs are three more bedrooms and a bath. The “Dollhouse” is also on the grounds of the Historic Site, as Eleanor had it moved from its original location near the main house for her grandchildren to play with.
As First Lady, Eleanor was encouraged by her husband to develop this property about two miles from the “big house” at Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Hyde Park. At the large Vall-Kill Cottage she could develop her ideas, entertain whoever she wanted, stay up late reading, and spend time alone. After FDR’s death, Val-Kill became Eleanor’s permanent home and was declared a Historic Site in 1977. The only residence Eleanor personally owned, the unpretentious cottage is noted for its understated beauty and its natural setting.
Practical Info
The Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site is located on Route 9 in Hyde Park, NY about 90 miles north of New York City and 70 miles south of Albany. The National Park Service operates the free "Roosevelt Ride" shuttle service from Poughkeepsie Metro-North Station seven days a week, and will take you to your choice of the Roosevelt Sites and the Vanderbilt Mansion from May through October. From May to October, tours are offered throughout the day, with the last tour at 4pm. From November to April, the cottage is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Address: 106 Valkill Park Rd., Hyde Park, New York 12538, USA
Hours: Daily: sunrise–sunset
Admission: Varies
From $ 73
Elephantine Island
Elephantine Island is the site of ancient Abu (meaning both elephant and ivory in ancient Egyptian), both names a reminder of the island's once important ivory trade. At the beginning of the 1st dynasty (about 3,000 BC) a fortress was built on the island to establish Egypt's southern frontier. Abu soon became an important customs point and trading center. It remained strategically significant throughout the Pharaonic period as a departure point for the military and commercial expeditions into Nubia and the south. During the 6th dynasty (2345-2181 BC) Abu grew strong as a political and economic center and, despite periodic ups and downs, the island retained its importance until the Greco-Roman period.
As well as being a thriving settlement, Elephantine was the main cult center of the ram-headed god Khnum (at first the god of the inundation, and from the 18th dynasty worshipped as the creator of humankind on his potter's wheel), Satet (Khnum's wife, and guardian of the southern frontier) and their daughter Anket. Each year the rushing of the waters of the flood were first heard here on Elephantine. Over time religious complexes took over more and more of the island, so residential areas moved either further north on the island or to the east bank. The temple town of Abu received its coup de grâce in the 4th century AD, when Christianity was established as the imperial Roman religion. From then on, worship of the ancient gods was gradually abandoned and defensive fortifications were moved to the east bank, today's city of Aswan.
You can either visit Elephantine Island on an organized tour or independently, crossing on the local ferry. There are ruins and a small museum to explore.
Address: Egypt
From $ 28
Emirates Palace
Opened in 2005, the 5-star Emirates Palace hotel is one of Abu Dhabi’s top attractions for its sheer scale and grandeur. The multi-domed luxury hotel, part of Kempinski Hotels, sits on the beachfront in palm-sprinkled gardens and makes a lavish retreat for guests and a must-see for Abu Dhabi visitors.
The Basics
Overlooking its 0.8-mile (1.3-kilometer) private beach, Emirates Palace is a modern Arabian showstopper, with soaring arches, domes, and windows fronted by fountains and a gigantic staircase. The hotel measures just over a half-mile (1 kilometer) from wing to wing, and features vast halls; gold, crystal, and marble décor; Swarovski chandeliers; and 394 rooms and 92 suites.
Visitors not ready to splurge on a stay can experience the hotel in other ways: eating at an on-site hotel restaurant or booking a spa treatment. Many Abu Dhabi city tours include an exterior photo op or time to explore the hotel's public areas, while others include lunch at one of the restaurants.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Emirates Palace is a must for luxury travelers, sightseers, and culture vultures.
- Experience the hotel on a photo op or brief visit on a wider city tour.
- Most communal areas are open to visitors, so you can view the interior independently.
- Dress code is smart-casual: Expect to be refused entry if wearing shorts, flip-flops, or open sandals.
- The hotel and grounds are wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
There are several ways to reach Emirates Palace. Visitors can view the hotel on a guided Abu Dhabi tour, or catch a cab or self-drive to the entrance on the city’s West Corniche Road. Alternatively, several public buses run by the hotel—look for those heading to Al Marina and ask to hop off just before for a short walk to the gate.
When to Get There
Nonresidents can view the hotel’s communal areas free, any time. That said, it’s best to avoid weekends—Fridays and Saturdays—or during any big event, as the hotel may refuse entry if it’s busy. To ensure admission, you may want to reserve a table at a restaurant or the café.
Top Tips for Visiting Emirates Palace
To experience the opulence of Emirates Palace’s without staying there, pop in to enjoy its signature Palace Cappuccino, sprinkled with 24-carat gold flakes. Otherwise, up the luxury with an afternoon tea of scones, sandwiches, and dessert cakes with premium teas or coffees. Both are served at Le Café, and you’re advised to book ahead due to high demand.
Address: Al Ras Al Akhdar, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Admission: Varies
From $ 39
Elephanta Caves
The Elephanta Caves are among the most beautiful, historically significant attractions in Mumbai. Situated on an island off the coast, this UNESCO World Heritage Site features multiple rock-hewn cave temples and statues dating back to around the 7th century AD, including a celebrated statue of Shiva in his three-faced form.
The Basics
There are two groups of caves at the site: one featuring five caves dedicated to Hindu deities, and a second group with two Buddhist shrines. While there's a lot of debate about the true origins of the caves, there are elements of South Indian Badami Chalukya architecture as well as architectural styles from the Gupta Empire.
Many city tours come to the island, and going with a guide can help you make sense of the caves, as the signage here isn’t the greatest.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Elephanta Caves are a must-visit for those with an interest in history, art, or religion.
- Bring water, sun protection, and comfortable shoes.
- Beware of naughty monkeys, particularly on the stairs leading up to the attraction.
- This attraction is not suitable for those with compromised mobility, and accessing it requires climbing lots of steps.
How to Get There
Elephanta Island is located in the Mumbai Harbour, about 5.5 miles (9 kilometers) northeast of the Gateway of India monument, from which boats to the attraction depart. Once on the island, travelers can take a miniature train up to a tall, steep set of stairs that lead up to the monument.
When to Get There
The caves are open Tuesday through Sunday from 9:30am to 5:30pm. It's best to get there first thing in the morning to beat crowds and hot temperatures, but if you come in the evening, try to get on the last boat of the day, when things have quieted down. Note that visiting during monsoon season may make for a choppier boat ride to the island and back.
Monkey Business
You may see lots of monkeys while on the island (and all over India, in general, especially in rural areas). On Elephanta Island, you’re most likely to encounter them on the stairs leading up to the monument, and they can be aggressive and carry disease. Do not feed them, and keep an eye on any possessions you may have, from food to the eyeglasses on your head, as they are known to pickpocket the inattentive.
Address: India
Admission: Varies
From $ 39
El Zapote Barracks Military Museum
For the better part of two decades, El Salvador was crippled by a brutal Civil War that left the country in tears. Entire villages were sent to slaughter, helicopters fell from the sky, and the sound of mortars striking their target was a constant reminder of the violence. Though the fighting ended in the early 1990s, Civil War stories and military relics live on inside this museum, including former military uniforms that date to the 18th century. Aside from the tanks, weaponry, and medals, the museum houses a number of items that have nothing to do with the military, like a massive, 3D, topographical map that shows all of El Salvador’s volcanoes, to the “Pope Mobile” that transported the Pope when he visited in 1981. Highlighting military in more modern times, there’s an interesting exhibit on the Salvadoran forces who recently served in Iraq, fighting alongside coalition soldiers from all different corners of the world. While the slant of the museum is decidedly pro military, it’s still an insightful, informative stop for learning El Salvador’s past.
Practical Info
Many exhibits are only in Spanish though guides are free of charge. The building itself dates to 1865 and is a beautiful sight in itself.
Address: 10 Avenida Sur Calle Alberto Sánchez, San Salvador, El Salvador
Hours: Open daily, 8am-Noon and 2-5pm.
From $ 25