Choose from 812 Fun Things to Do in Himachal Pradesh & Uttarakhand
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The elaborate lobby, grand staircase and massive entryway chandelier nod to a day when the cabaret was at its peak and definitely make this institution well worth a visit. See the 1882 Edouard Manet painting of a bar girl peering into a mirror, A Bar at the Folies-Bergère, and bask in the site’s history of risqué performances.
Fontaine-de-Vaucluse
Famous for sitting on the underground source of the emerald-green River Sorgue, Fontaine-de-Vaucluse is a photogenic village squeezed into a lush, narrow valley backed by soaring 230-meter (755-foot) cliffs.
A mystery surrounds the village as no-one has yet been able to discover the underground spring that leads into the Sorgue; what is known is that the river is fed via a multitude of underground channels that are calm in summer, allowing a natural pool to form above ground for swimming. However, the pool quickly floods after heavy rainfall in autumn and again following the spring snow melt from the mountains of the Luberon. At these times the underground spring becomes much more powerful and water is thrown up from the subterranean depths at such a speed that rapids form on the river.
Thanks to its remote location, many of the buildings in Fontaine-de-Vaucluse are little changed since medieval times and today it is one of the most popular visitor spots in northern Provence, its cobbled streets lined with souvenir stalls, bars and terraced restaurants. In addition to its natural beauty, a ruined castle perches above the village, which also has a couple of interesting small museums and a printmaker still powered by ancient water wheel.
Practical Info
Fontaine-de-Vaucluse is 25 km (15.5 miles) east of Avignon and is best reached by car; take some change to pay for parking (around €4 per day). Visitor information is found at Résidence Jean Garcin, open daily from 9:30am to 12:30pm and from 1:30 to 5:30pm.
Address: Fontaine-de-Vaucluse, France
From $ 45
Espace Dali
There are plenty of galleries and museums in Paris dedicated to individual artists. But the Espace Dalí is more than just paintings on a wall. In a style befitting Salvador Dalí's surreal school of art, it is a full-immersion experience. There is music playing, usually a big no-no in the more hallowed halls of art; there are sculpture versions of his paintings, giving visitors a chance to rethink these famous pieces; and there's even a full roster of children's events that welcome a new generation to get to know Dalí better. There are also some videos and other multimedia exhibits that take you into the mind of this brilliant artist.
Your entrance fee also covers the museum's neighbor, Galerie Montmartre, which features works by today's artists.
Your entrance fee also covers the museum's neighbor, Galerie Montmartre, which features works by today's artists.
Practical Info
To reach Espace Dalí, take the M12 to Abesses and then the funicular to walk to 11, rue Poulbot. Note that it's much easier to take the elevator up and out of the Abesses stop; the stairwell is steep, long and not the best for anyone who is uncomfortable in tight spaces!
Address: 11 Rue Poulbot, Paris 75018, France
Hours: Mon - Sun: 10am – 6pm
Admission: Adult: 11 € and Child: 6 €
From $ 14
Enzo Ferrari Museum (Museo Casa Enzo Ferrari)
In the center of Modena, a historical brick factory building is dwarfed by the adjacent contemporary glass-and-steel hangar topped with a bright yellow car hood–shaped roof. Together, these two structures and their contents tell the story of Enzo Ferrari, race car driver and founder of one of the most famous car brands in the world.
The Basics
Visitors to the Enzo Ferrari Museum complex can trace the timeline of events that brought the "prancing horse" to be. The beautifully renovated former factory—where Enzo Ferrari’s father once worked—now houses the Museum of Ferrari Engines (Museo dei Motori). This display showcases various race car models as well as their powerful engines and gives context to how the unique cars were developed. Just next door, the strikingly futuristic automotive design gallery houses temporary exhibitions of Ferrari’s classic road cars and racers.
You can book tours that include tickets to both these structures, to these two structures in combination with the Ferrari Museum in Maranello, or combine a visit to the Enzo Ferrari Museum complex with a gourmet tour featuring some of Modena's most famous products, such as balsamic vinegar and fresh pasta. True aficionados can book a tour that includes a test drive.
Things to Know Before You Go
- A visit to this museum complex is a must for car and racing enthusiasts.
- There are two Ferrari museums: The Enzo Ferrari Museum in Modena and the Ferrari Museum (Museo Ferrari) and Ferrari factory in nearby Maranello. The two are linked by a shuttle bus that runs every 90 minutes.
- The Enzo Ferrari Museum is wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
The Enzo Ferrari Museum is located at Via Paolo Ferrari 85 in Modena, just a 5-minute walk from the Modena train station. The same shuttle that runs between the two Ferrari museums also brings visitors here from the train station; it departs from gate 4.
When to Get There
Open daily all year, the museum is the perfect indoor activity on wet days or hot summer afternoons. Not often overrun with visitors, it’s a good bet for a middle-of-the-day visit.
Emilia-Romagna's Automotive Museums
Due to the concentration of iconic Italian car manufacturers based here, the area of Emilia-Romagna between Bologna and Modena is known as "Motor Valley." In addition to Ferrari’s two museums, a number of other manufacturers have museums that can be visited here, including Maserati, Lamborghini, and Pagani, as well as motorcycle company Ducati.
Address: Via Paolo Ferrari, 85, Modena, Italy
Admission: Varies
From $ 290
Esplanade Theatres on the Bay
Opened in 2002, the giant Esplanade–Theatres on the Bay performing arts center is set on the Marina Bay waterfront. The striking complex is Singapore’s premier performance venue, boasting a 1,600-seat concert hall and a 2,000-seat theater. There is also a recording studio and a recital studio, plus open-air and waterfront theater venues.
Esplanade is one of the busiest performing arts venues in the world, with about 3,000 performances annually. The program is eclectic and comprehensive, with everything from Asian plays to New York Philharmonic Orchestra performances. The center also hosts festivals, such as the Singapore Arts Festival, along with a number of touring productions and free music, dance, and theater programs.
Those looking to learn more about the architecture and history of the venue can take the Esplanade Walk, a 45-minute guided tour through the main concert hall, theater, and other facilities. Visitors can also enjoy a pre-show dinner or a spot of shopping within the various restaurants and retail outlets in the complex’s three-story mall.
Practical Info
Tickets for events and performances at Esplanade can be bought from the official website or from the Esplanade Box Office. The venue can be reached via the NorthSouth Line or the East-West line on the MRT by alighting at City Hall. Alternatively, visitors should take the Circle line and alight at the Esplanade stop. Various buses also serve the venue, stopping outside the Esplanade Mall entrance along Raffles Avenue.
Address: 1 Esplanade Drive, 038981, Singapore
Hours: Box office: 12pm-8:30pm
Admission: Various
From $ 26
Efteling
Efteling is the Netherland’s biggest amusement park and offers a fantasy-themed world full of wonderful stories and exciting adventure. The different sections of the park, called realms, are all based on ancient myths, fairy tales and legends and maybe fittingly, Efteling is one of the world’s oldest theme parks. It was built in 1952 and ever since, the designers of the park have made sure to make their creations come to life in a believable fashion. Quality standards are high and cheap building materials, such as plastic or concrete, are avoided. Surrounded by lots of greenery and gardens, the resulting rides, building and creatures are both romantic and grim at the same time and form a stark contrast to other well-known theme parks.
One of the highlights is the wooden ride Joris en de Draak (George and the Dragon), where visitors follow in the footsteps of legendary dragon slayer George and compete with a parallel moving roller coaster for the fastest time. Other rides focused on speed are The Flying Dutchman, Python and Bird Rok. Inside the magical city of Raveleijn, five siblings battle a wicked ruler and his monster in a dizzying performance, on the dream flight visitors can learn about trolls, elves and fauns and then there is the fairytale tree, who tells old fairy tales to children and adults sitting in front of it. At Efteling, the world of fairy tales comes alive with incredible attention to detail and if you don’t want the magical dream to end too soon, the Efteling Hotel with its themed rooms offers accommodations for the night.
Practical Info
Efteling is located in Kaatsheuvel and is accessible from Den Bosch, Tilburg, Antwerp and Breda by bus and train. Efteling has varying opening hours throughout the year, but usually the park opens between 10am and 11am and closes between 6pm and 8pm. During July and August, Efteling is open until midnight every Saturday.
Address: Europalaan 1, Kaatsheuvel, Netherlands
Hours: Hours vary throughout the year. Usually the park opens between 10am and 11am and closes between 6pm and 8pm. During July and August, Efteling opens till midnight every Saturday.
Admission: €38, children under 3 are free
From $ 42
Eastern Qing Tombs
The series of Qing Tombs located 78 miles (125 kilometers) east of Beijing remain relatively off the map, despite the fact that they’re arguably more interesting than the more popular Ming Tombs. Between 1663 and 1935, 5 emperors, 15 empresses, 3 princes, 2 princesses and 136 imperial concubines were interred in this complex of 15 tombs.
Collectively, these tombs are considered the best-preserved and largest in China, and many of them are open for visitors. The tomb of Emperor Shunzhi (China’s first Qing emperor) is the oldest on the site; it’s also the largest and most elaborate. The Yuling and Dingling mausoleums are also well worth visiting.
Insider’s Tip: Bring along a picnic lunch to eat at picnic tables scattered around the scenic grounds, as well as a light jacket; the underground portions of the tombs get chilly, even in summer.
Practical Info
On weekends and holidays, catch a tourist bus to the tobs from Xuanwu metro station in Beijing. The Tianjin Friendship Hotel in Tianjin also offers a direct tourist bus on weekends.
Address: Zunhua, Hebei, China
Hours: Open daily 8am-5pm
Admission: 120 RMB
From $ 63
Fontana del Nettuno
Giambologna’s 16th-century Fountain of Neptune (Fontana del Nettuno), also known as Il Zigànt, or The Giant, is one of the most famous landmarks in Bologna. A bronze Neptune stands watch from atop the ornate Renaissance fountain in Piazza Maggiore, a popular and picturesque gathering spot for locals and visitors.
The Basics
Sitting in the center of the side of Piazza Maggiore known as Piazza del Nettuno, this marble-and-bronze fountain features a muscular statue of Neptune holding aloft a trident—the inspiration for the logo of the Maserati car manufacturer, which was founded in Bologna—set on a base with circular pools, four spouting sirens representing the four continents, and four cherubs representing the winds. The Fountain of Neptune is a top sight in city walking or bike tours that include Piazza Maggiore, Bologna’s main square and home to the massive Basilica di San Petronio. Bologna is also known for its excellent cuisine, so opt for a food tour if you’d like to combine sightseeing with samples of local dishes.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Piazza Maggiore is pedestrian only, so children can explore without the danger of traffic.
- Dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes if joining a bike or walking tour.
- The square and fountain are wheelchair accessible.
- Cafés and restaurants line the square around the fountain, so you can stop for a snack or meal.
How to Get There
The Fountain of Neptune is located in Piazza Maggiore, the main square in Bologna’s historic center. You can easily reach the square on foot from the Bologna Centrale train station or the most important attractions in the city center.
When to Get There
Although it’s lovely during the day, the fountain is particularly beautiful at night, when it’s dramatically illuminated along with the basilica and palaces lining the square.
Piazza Maggiore, Bologna’s Beating Heart
In addition to the Fountain of Neptune, Piazza Maggiore is home to the Basilica di San Petronio and a number of historic porticoed palaces, now filled with bustling restaurant and cafés. Experience Bologna’s vibrant atmosphere with a visit to the square to linger with locals and students over lunch or afternoon drinks.
Address: Piazza del Nettuno, Bologna 40124, Italy
Admission: Free
From $ 17
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
Flower Dome at Gardens by the Bay
When the seasons in Singapore are changing, travelers can still voyage into a constant springtime at the popular Flower Dome at Gardens by the Bay. Lush tropical foliage and colorful Mediterranean flowers and are in perpetual bloom. Visitors can explore desert plants from around the world, wander through the expansive Flower Field and get up close with baobabs, succulents and a variety of tree species from South Africa, Australia and the Americas.
Brilliantly colored blooms and changing floral displays, like the wintry wonderland and spring sensation are just part of what makes a trip to Flower Dome so enchanting. The impressive 1,000-year-old olive tree is homage to the highly-valued fruit of Spain and hands-on exhibits and galleries are perfect for the younger crowd.
Practical Info
The Flower Dome is located at 18 Marina Gardens Drive in Singapore. It is a short walk from the Helix Bridge and Art Science Museum, but travelers can also access the gardens via the Circle, Downtown or East-West bus and train lines. Outdoor gardens are open from 5 a.m. until 2 a.m. daily and the Cooled Conservatories and Skyway are open from 9 a.m. until 10 p.m. daily.
Address: Singapore
Hours: Daily 9am-10pm
Admission: Adults $12, Seniors & Children $8
From $ 17
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
Folies Bergère
Since it first opened its doors back in 1869, the Folies Bergère music and cabaret hall has been a facet in Parisian life and French culture. The famous performance center once showcased legendary acts such as Edith Pilaf and Josephine Baker, while today showing some musical and theatrical productions.
The elaborate lobby, grand staircase and massive entryway chandelier nod to a day when the cabaret was at its peak and definitely make this institution well worth a visit. See the 1882 Edouard Manet painting of a bar girl peering into a mirror, A Bar at the Folies-Bergère, and bask in the site’s history of risqué performances.
Practical Info
Folies Bergère is located at 32 Rue Richer in the 9th Arrondissement. It is accessible via metro from the Cadet and Grands Boulevards stations.
Address: 32 Rue Richer, 9th arrondissement, Paris, France
Hours: Hours vary according to showtimes.
Admission: Tickets: 25€-84€
From $ 35
Europa-Park
Second only to Disneyland Paris as Europe’s largest theme park, Germany’s Europa-Park is a wonderland of rides, shows, and attractions that will entertain the whole family. The park is inspired by iconic European destinations—visitors can zoom through the Alps on a roller-coaster, ride a London bus, see Iceland's Northern Lights, and meet the fairytale characters of Grimm’s Enchanted Forest.
The Basics
Most travelers dedicate a full day to take in the highlights of Europa-Park. Both 1- and 2-day passes are available, and include entrance to all rides and shows. Pre-book your tickets to enjoy fast-track entrance and extras such as hotel pickup and transfers to and from the park. Travelers from nearby Switzerland can also visit on a day tour from Basel or Geneva.
Things to Know Before You Go
- With so many rides and shows to enjoy, it’s worth planning your visit carefully to ensure you don’t miss the park’s top attractions.
- Families with young kids can take advantage of the Baby Switch pass, which allows parents to take turns holding their baby while one rides an attraction. There is also a special baby lounge with feeding and changing areas, as well as strollers available for hire.
- Visitor facilities include a range of hotels, restaurants, and gift shops, plus a spa and wellness center.
- Free Wi-Fi is available on-site.
- Many attractions and shows at Europa-Park are wheelchair accessible, and entrance is free for disability badge holders.
How to Get There
Europa-Park is located in Rust in southwest Germany, close to the French and Swiss borders. Reaching the park by road takes about 40 minutes from Strasbourg, France; one hour from Basel, Switzerland; or about 90 minutes from Stuttgart, Germany. The closest international airport is Karlsruhe/Baden-Baden, from where shuttle buses can take you to the park in roughly two hours. Trains from Offenburg and Freiburg im Breisgau arrive at the Ringsheim railway station, which is a short taxi ride from the park.
When to Get There
Europa-Park’s winter season runs from November 25 to January 7, while the summer season runs from March 24 to November 4. Summer is the busiest time to visit, when the park can get crowded and wait times for the most popular rides can be over an hour. Winter visitors can benefit from slightly cheaper entrance fees and special discounted evening tickets, as well as fewer crowds and seasonal attractions such as an ice rink and ice sculpture display. Some rides and shows close for the winter season.
Adrenaline-Fueled Activities at Europa-Park
With over 50 attractions and 11 death-defying roller-coasters, it’s easy to get your adrenaline fix at the Europa amusement park. Dare to ride the high-speed Silver Star, Wodan Timbur, or Blue Fire roller-coasters; fly through the air on the Voletarium; make a splash on the Poseidon or Atlantica Supersplash water rides; then prepare to be entertained at the 4D cinema.
Address: Europa-Park-Straße 2, Rust 77977, Germany
Hours: Daily 9am-6pm
Admission: Varies
From $ 51
Eiffel Tower
With its famous tapering cast iron tip, the Eiffel Tower is not just the symbol of Paris but of all of France. Erected by Gustave Eiffel to commemorate the centennial of the French Revolution in 1889, the 1,050-foot (320-meter) tower once held the title of the world's tallest structure. Despite having been dwarfed by Dubai's Burj Khalifa and The Shard in London, the Eiffel Tower remains one of the most recognizable landmarks on the planet. View the architectural icon from afar, or stop in at the three observation levels for stellar city views.
The Basics
The Eiffel Tower's first floor features exhibits, kid-friendly experiences, and the 58 Tour Eiffel restaurant; the second deck includes the Jules Verne Restaurant; and the third-floor summit, accessible via a glass lift, features Gustave Eiffel's private apartments and a Champagne bar. Of course, all levels offer striking 360-degree views of the City of Light.
How to Get to the Eiffel Tower
Take metro line 6 to stop Bir Hakeim or RER line C to the Champ de Mars station. For better views, take metro line 6 or 9 to stop Trocadero across from the River Seine.
When to Get There
There's no bad time to visit the Eiffel Tower, but summer and the holiday months are especially atmospheric, and night tours afford luminescent panorama views. For a unique experience, coincide your visit with Bastille Day and see the tower illuminated by fireworks.
Unique Eiffel Tower Experiences
The Basics
The Eiffel Tower's first floor features exhibits, kid-friendly experiences, and the 58 Tour Eiffel restaurant; the second deck includes the Jules Verne Restaurant; and the third-floor summit, accessible via a glass lift, features Gustave Eiffel's private apartments and a Champagne bar. Of course, all levels offer striking 360-degree views of the City of Light.
Although a testament to the structure's global popularity, the crowds can be quite large, meaning that priority-access tours are highly recommended—in peak season, long lines mean waits can often exceed three hours. Save precious sightseeing time by booking a skip-the-line Eiffel Tower ticket with or without a tour guide; this experience can combined with a Paris city tour that covers the top sights, such as the Arc de Triomphe, the Notre Dame Cathedral, Moulin Rouge, Montparnasse, and the Louvre museum. If you'd rather view the iconic structure in all its glory than head to the top, book a Seine River cruise, or a walking, biking, or Segway tour.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Plan your visit in advance and book skip-the-line tickets to avoid long wait times.
- If you purchase an admission ticket for Eiffel Tower summit access, you'll head straight to the top before stopping at the lower levels on your downward journey.
- There are ATMs and souvenir shops on the ground floor.
- The tower's first two levels are wheelchair accessible, but the summit is not.
- You'll be required to undergo a security screening before entering the tower.
Take metro line 6 to stop Bir Hakeim or RER line C to the Champ de Mars station. For better views, take metro line 6 or 9 to stop Trocadero across from the River Seine.
When to Get There
There's no bad time to visit the Eiffel Tower, but summer and the holiday months are especially atmospheric, and night tours afford luminescent panorama views. For a unique experience, coincide your visit with Bastille Day and see the tower illuminated by fireworks.
Unique Eiffel Tower Experiences
The first-floor 58 Tour Eiffel restaurant is the perfect place to see the Paris skyline and try some French cuisine. Travelers can also opt to go behind the scenes at the tower to see the exclusive engine room and the second level's rooftop terrace.
Address: 5 Avenue Anatole, Paris, France
Hours: Daily 9:30am–11pm. (Mid-June to early September: 9am–midnight)
Admission: Varies
From $ 12
Fontvieille Park and Princess Grace Memorial Rose Garden
Fontvieille Park leads from the Circus and Heliport to the Columbus Hotel and opens out onto the Princess Grace Memorial Rose Garden. The Fontvieille District is constructed on land reclaimed from the sea in the 1970s, built to combat the chronic land shortage in the densely populated principality. Designed by Italian architect, Manfredi Nicoletti, the district is located in the Western part of Monaco and features a port and heliport.
Fontvieille Park offers a charming green space in the district, with many small lakes and ponds bordered by verdant palms and olive trees, ducks and swans swimming in the crystal water.
Walk along the Sculpture Path over four hectares to discover 100 contemporary and local monumental art works, by artists like Arman, Blake, Botero, Calder, César and more. Look out for “The Washerwoman,” (Renoir - Guino 1917) in one of the the beautiful pools of the Fontvielle Gardens, just by the circus tent and the unfurling angel wings of “The Messenger” by Blake.
The nearby Princess Grace Rose Garden is an oasis of calm and serenity where the scent of some 4,000 roses perfumes the air. Visit a pantheon of exotic birds and animals in the Zoological Gardens, ride the merry go round or experience the dazzling panorama of the Cote d’Azur on a helicopter ride.
Fontvieille Park offers a charming green space in the district, with many small lakes and ponds bordered by verdant palms and olive trees, ducks and swans swimming in the crystal water.
Walk along the Sculpture Path over four hectares to discover 100 contemporary and local monumental art works, by artists like Arman, Blake, Botero, Calder, César and more. Look out for “The Washerwoman,” (Renoir - Guino 1917) in one of the the beautiful pools of the Fontvielle Gardens, just by the circus tent and the unfurling angel wings of “The Messenger” by Blake.
The nearby Princess Grace Rose Garden is an oasis of calm and serenity where the scent of some 4,000 roses perfumes the air. Visit a pantheon of exotic birds and animals in the Zoological Gardens, ride the merry go round or experience the dazzling panorama of the Cote d’Azur on a helicopter ride.
Address: 13 Avenue des Papalins, 98000, Monaco
Hours: Sunrise until sunset every day.
From $ 27
El Limón Waterfall
Whether it’s hiking up the rugged terrain of Dominican Republic’s tallest falls on foot or riding horseback through the steep mountain passes, a trip to the El Limón waterfall is a quintessential Dominican Republic experience. Crested mountaintops stretch some 2,100 feet into the sky, and tropical plants, like coffee and cocoa, line trails that lead to the impressive cascade. And if picturesque Caribbean landscape isn't enough, a crystal-clear natural pool at the foot of the falls offers tired travelers the perfect place to cool off after a hot mountain hike.
Practical Info
The falls are located about a 35-minute walk from Sendero Arroyo Surdido. Guides are available, but travelers say well-marked trails make the path easy to self-navigate. The park entrance fee is about 50 pesos per person.
Address: Samana, Dominican Republic
Admission: 50 pesos
From $ 99
Durban Golden Mile
The Golden Mile is where Durban dips its feet into the rolling surf of the Indian Ocean. The wide expanse of sand which gives the stretch its name is one of the most popular playgrounds of South Africa, known particularly as a surfing centre but also a great place for sunbathing and year-round swimming.
There are numerous attractions nearby, including uShaka Marine World, the Surfing Museum and Mini Town, a miniature replica of Durban. Numerous nearby shops compete for your rand, though if you’re looking for souvenirs the Zulu craft market offers great value and variety.
The Golden Mile (actually closer to 4 miles, or 6 kilometers) is located at the eastern edge of Durban’s central business direct, and the city’s main railway station is around 15 minute’s walk from North Beach. Enjoy sea breezes along the promenade on foot, or take one of the extravagantly decorated “Zulu Rikshas”.
Address: Durban, South Africa
Admission: Free
From $ 43
Fort Beekenburg
Unlike Curacao’s more popular colonial-era fortresses, like Rif Fort and Waterfort, Fort Beekenburg is largely abandoned. For many years it was inaccessible, sitting on private property owned by an oil company. But today it’s accessible, and free, to visitors any time. The fort was built in the early 1700s on the south end of the island, where it successfully repelled numerous invaders trying to land in Caracas Bay. Visitors can explore on their own throughout the fort, including the top of the tower, which still holds a handful of cannons and offers great views. But be prepared for a workout, as there are a number of stairs and ladders to climb along the way.
Practical Info
Fort Beekenburg is free and open to visit any time. It’s only about 15-minutes’ drive from the capital of Willemstad, making for an easy, short adventure. Head out in the morning, and you can take a brisk hike, explore colonial-era ruins, and photograph the panoramic views, while still making it back to town for lunch.
Address: Curacao
From $ 65
Fontaine Saint-Michel
Fontaine Saint-Michel was sculpted by Gabriel Davioud in 1860 and gives its name to the square where it’s located, Place Saint-Michel. The monumental fountain, located between boulevard Saint-Michel and Place Saint-Andres-des-Arts was commissioned by Baron Georges-Eugene Haussmann as part of Napoleon III’s plans to bring more light and air to the city of Paris.
The fountain depicts the archangel Michael vanquishing Satan, a controversial political symbol at the time hinting at Napoleon vanquishing the revolutionary fervor of the neighborhood. Unlike many of Paris’s fountains, Fontaine Saint-Michel was made from various colors of materials, including red and green marble, blue and yellow stone, and bronze. Place Saint-Michel is a popular meeting spot among both the city’s youth and foreign visitors.
Practical Info
Fontaine Saint-Michel is located in the Latin Quarter near the metro stop Saint-Michel.
Address: Place Saint-Michel, Paris, France
From $ 29
Ehrenbreitstein Fortress (Festung Ehrenbreitstein)
Sitting opposite Koblenz on the banks of the Rhine, there has been a castle of some sort at Ehrenbreitstein since the early Middle Ages. Its current form dates from the early 19th century, when it was expanded into Europe’s largest fortress to protect the town on the outer reaches of the Prussian empire.
Today the castle has a more peaceful task: to house the Regional Museum of Koblenz, which is in the casemates and is dedicated to the wines of the region. It also houses an exhibition on Rhineland inventions and commercial successes (which include Audi cars) as well as a small collection of archaeological artifacts excavated from across the region.
A visitor trail through the complex encompasses canons, a multimedia show on the history of the fortress, and peerless view from the viewing platform of the flag tower; it provides the perfect vantage point overlooking Deutsches Eck (German Corner), the country’s premier memorial to reunification.
Practical Info
Festung Ehrenbreitstein is opposite Koblenz on the banks of the River Rhine and is open daily from April through October from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and from November through March from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is €11.80 for adults, €6.90 for senior and students, and€5.60 for children under 17. The Koblenz cable car travels across the Rhine to the fortress.
Address: Koblenz 56077, Germany
Hours: November to March 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; until 6 p.m. rest of the year
Admission: Adults: €11.80; Children: €5.60
From $ 38
Ferrari Museum (Museo Ferrari)
The most evocative name in Italian sports cars is Ferrari, and this dedicated museum in Maranello, Italy, focuses on the auto manufacturer’s history and production. It features 25 cars, including road cars and prototypes, a section devoted to the historic Formula 1 racing team, and fascinating automotive artifacts and memorabilia.
The Basics
With about 27,000 square feet (2,500 square meters) of floor space devoted to Ferrari’s history and design, a visit to this unique museum is an unforgettable day trip from nearby Bologna, or cities as far afield as Verona, Florence, or Milan. For a full-immersion experience, combine your visit with a stop at the Fiorano Test Track at the nearby Ferrari factory, a visit to the Enzo Ferrari Museum in Modena, or even a thrilling test drive. The Ferrari Museum is one of several world-renowned car manufacturers in Emilia-Romagna’s famed Motor Valley, so consider booking a full-day tour that also includes visits to the Lamborghini, Pagani, and Ducati museums and showrooms.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Ferrari Museum is located in Maranello, and the Enzo Ferrari Museum is located in Modena about 12.5 miles (20 kilometers) away; free shuttle buses run between the two museums every 90 minutes.
- The museum includes a Ferrari store selling official branded clothing, toys, and other memorabilia.
- Kids will particularly enjoy the multimedia exhibits, Formula 1 simulators, and interactive activities like pit-stop trials and photo ops in a Ferrari.
- Ferrari does not offer factory tours; the nearest visitors get to the factory is the Fiorano track, accessible by a dedicated shuttle bus.
How to Get There
The Ferrari Museum is located in Maranello, about 31 miles (50 kilometers) west of Bologna. It’s not easy to reach the museum by public transportation—you must take a train to Modena, then a bus or taxi to Maranello—so booking a private bus tour is the most convenient option.
When to Get There
The museum is open from 9:30am to 6pm from November through March and until 7pm from April to October. It makes an unforgettable way to spend a rainy day, as the collection and store are indoors.
Cars and Food: Two Passions
Emilia-Romagna is famous for its iconic automotive design and its unrivaled cuisine. Parmesan cheese, prosciutto ham, and balsamic vinegar all hail from this region, so combine a Ferrari Museum visit with a food tour to experience the best of Emilia-Romagna in a single day.
Address: Via Alfredo Dino Ferrari, Maranello, Emilia-Romagna 41053, Italy
Hours: Daily Nov–March 9:30am–6pm; April–Oct 9.30am–7pm
Admission: Adult €16, child (under 19) €6
From $ 156