Choose from 5,104 Fun Things to Do in Kelowna & Okanagan Valley
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Ortahisar
Famous for the castle-like rock formation looming 90 meters high above the town, Ortahisar, or Middle Castle, is, well, right in the middle of the Cappadocian towns of Goreme, Urgup, Uchisar, and Neveshir.
Though it is becoming more popular with visitors, Ortahisar is still a quiet farming town that’s sleepier than many of the other Cappadocian hotspots that are today bursting with boutique hotels. Life in Ortahisar is based around the cobbled streets which extend from the central square, and wandering the streets lined with stone houses is a great way to get a taste of life in a traditional Cappadocian town.
The town is also known for the Culture Museum Restaurant, where a series of dioramas in the upstairs room displays traditional life in Cappadocia, while downstairs the restaurant isn’t a sideline next to the gift shop, it’s in the actual museum. Just a few kilometers is a museum of another kind, Goreme Open Air Museum. You can walk there from Ortahisar if you have good hiking legs! Also, 1km northeast of the town center, you can visit Hallacdere Monastery where intriguing animal heads are sculpted on the walls.
Practical Info
Located only a few kilometers southeast of Goreme, there’s an ATM at Orthahisar’s main square, and a number of good hiking trails lead out from town.
Address: Ortahisar/Nevşehir 50650, Turkey
From $ 404
Ortakoy
Once a small village, Ortakoy is now a neighborhood in the Besiktas district on the European side of Istanbul. With a plethora of bars, restaurants, cafes and nightclubs, Ortakoy buzzes with locals and tourists alike and is a great place to spend a day – especially a Sunday, when the street market comes to life.
During the Ottoman area and in the early years of the Turkish Republic, the area was home to a mix of Turks, Greeks, Armenians and Jews. Though the population today is primarily Muslim, remnants of the neighborhood’s historic diversity are still visible in the form of Muslim, Jewish, Orthodox and other Christian structures.
On the waterfront, you’ll find the Ortakoy Mosque, built in the mid-19th century and featuring a blend of baroque and neoclassical influences. Behind the mosque looms the Bosphorus Bridge, which makes for a classic photo opportunity exemplifying the old-meets-new character of Istanbul. You might also check out the Ciragan Palace. Built in 1871 by Sultan Abdulaziz, it was also used as the Ottoman Parliament building until a fire damaged the building in 1910. Today, it has been completely restored and is one of the most luxurious hotels in the city.
During the Ottoman area and in the early years of the Turkish Republic, the area was home to a mix of Turks, Greeks, Armenians and Jews. Though the population today is primarily Muslim, remnants of the neighborhood’s historic diversity are still visible in the form of Muslim, Jewish, Orthodox and other Christian structures.
On the waterfront, you’ll find the Ortakoy Mosque, built in the mid-19th century and featuring a blend of baroque and neoclassical influences. Behind the mosque looms the Bosphorus Bridge, which makes for a classic photo opportunity exemplifying the old-meets-new character of Istanbul. You might also check out the Ciragan Palace. Built in 1871 by Sultan Abdulaziz, it was also used as the Ottoman Parliament building until a fire damaged the building in 1910. Today, it has been completely restored and is one of the most luxurious hotels in the city.
Practical Information
If you are staying in Sultanahmet, you can reach Ortakoy by taking the tram to Kabatas and then bus 22, 25E or 30D. From Taksim Square, take any of buses DT2, 40, 40T or 42T and get off at either the Ortakoy or Kabatas Lisesi bus stop.
Address: Turkey
From $ 15
Orava Castle
Set on a hill above the Orava River in northern Slovakia, the Orava Castle is considered one of the most beautiful castles in Slovakia. Built in the 13th century while the area was part of the Kingdom of Hungary, the castle stands on the site of an old wooden fortification that was built to protect from Mongol invasions. While it was originally designed in the Romanesque and Gothic styles, it was later rebuilt as Renaissance and neo-Gothic.
Today, the castle is home to the Orava Museum, one of the oldest in Slovakia. The museum features multiple exhibitions, including an ethnographic exhibition focused on Orava regional folk culture that is located in the Dubovsky Palace within the castle. The natural history exhibition displays photographs of the natural history of the region, rock and mineral specimens and paleontological findings. An archaeological exhibition features findings from excavations at the castle itself and the historical exhibition documents the castle’s transformation over time. Also worth seeing are the castle’s chapel, the Knights’ Room, the Painting Gallery and the Weapon Room.
Practical Info
The opening hours of Orava Castle vary throughout the year, depending on the season. It can be entered only with a guide and tours last about two hours. Admission is 5 or 6 Euro, again depending on the season. To get to the castle from Kralovany, take the train to the Oravsky Podzamok station or drive from Dolny Kubin on the road toward Poland.
Address: Oravský Podzámok, Slovakia
Hours: Vary by season
Admission: Varies by season
From $ 1,668
Orange
Orange is a town in the Provence region of France with a mainly agricultural economy. The famous town is known because the Romans left their mark there; Orange is often cited as having the most impressive Roman architecture still standing in Europe.
The town’s Roman theatre and Triumphal Arch of Orange and surroundings were classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1981. In addition, the town’s Museum holds the largest marble cadastral Roman maps ever discovered. Orange’s lovely cobblestoned pedestrian roads, plazas, and fountains make it a charming place to visit.
Practical Info
Orange is located about 21 kilometers (13 miles) north of Avignon. The town's Roman Theatre plays host to annual opera music festival in the summer.
Address: Orange 84100, France
From $ 75
Oslo City Hall (Radhus)
Home to the Oslo City Council and numerous galleries and studios, the Oslo City Hall (or Radhus) showcases the city’s political and cultural sides. It is widely considered one of Oslo’s architectural gems, winning the 2005 vote for Oslo’s "Structure of the Century."
Planning for City Hall began in 1915 and served a dual purpose: not only establishing an Oslo City Hall, but also replacing the old Oslo harbor slums. The building exemplifies a changing mentality in Norwegian architecture at the time, combining native romanticism, functionalism, and classicism.
Once inside, the building contains the Festival Gallery, complete with a stunning view of the harbor side, the East Gallery, with Petr Krohg’s stunning mid 20th century frescoes, “The town and its surroundings,” Banquet Hall, and Central Hall, with a mural of Oslo’s patron saint, St. Hallvard.
Practical Info
Oslo City Hall is located on Pipervika in central Oslo, close to many of the city’s other important landmarks, including the Royal Palace, Karl Johan’s gate, the Oslo Cathedral, Nobel Peace Center, and the Ibsen Museum.
You will not have a hard time finding it, minutes away by public transportation on either the metro to Nationaltheatret or Stortinget, or by the 12 tram that surfs along the harbor.
Address: Rådhusplassen, Oslo 0037, Norway
Hours: Open daily 9am - 6pm
Admission: Free
From $ 34
Omaha Beach
As one of Normandy’s D-Day landing beaches, Omaha beach was the backdrop to one of the most significant events of World War II, immortalized in the movie Saving Private Ryan and forever etched into history. Today, visitors to Omaha Beach can follow in the footsteps of the Allied soldiers and pay their respects at the American Cemetery.
The Basics
Guided tours of the five D-Day beaches—Utah Beach, Omaha Beach, Gold Beach, Juno Beach, and Sword Beach—run from Bayeux, Caen, Le Havre, Carentan, and Paris, and often include visits to other Normandy battlefields such as Pointe du Hoc, Arromanches, and Pegasus Bridge. For a more personalized experience, opt for a private tour or small-group tour and choose to focus on the American, Canadian, or British sites and memorials.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Most tours visit WWII cemeteries and memorials, so it’s important to dress and act respectfully.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes to explore the battle ruins and beaches.
- Some tours are wheelchair accessible, but it’s best to check in advance with your tour operator.
How to Get There
Omaha Beach is located along the coast of Normandy in northern France, 15 miles (24 kilometers) northwest of Bayeux. Although buses run to the beach from Bayeux, the easiest way to visit is by private transportation or as part of a guided tour. The American Cemetery lies above the beach, from where a long walkway heads down to the beach itself.
When to Get There
Tours run to Omaha Beach year-round, but it can get busy during peak summer season. If you’re visiting in July and August, try to arrive early morning or early evening to avoid the large groups of day-trippers. The most moving time to visit is during the annual D-Day Festival, which commemorates the anniversary of the Allied Landings with a program of memorials, parades, and beachside picnics.
The D-Day Landings
Omaha Beach was the location of one of the most significant battles World War II. On June 6th 1944, American troops were given the task of securing Omaha beach as part of a strategy to land Allied troops along five points on the coast of Normandy—an operation code-named D-Day. Due to unforeseen tidal forces and stronger than expected German defenses, the American soldiers suffered massive losses—2,400 casualties in a day of bloody fighting. However, the landing was eventually successful with 34,000 troops securing the area for the Allies, and thus beginning the end of the war.
Address: France
Admission: Free
From $ 69
Olympic Stadium (Olympiastadion)
Berlin’s Olympic Stadium was built for the 1936 Summer Olympics, and still serves as one of the city’s main arenas for football games and events. The stadium, where Hitler presented his Nazi propaganda to the world, is best known for hosting the 2006 FIFA World Cup Championship. It is now home to the Hertha BSC football club from Berlin.
The Basics
The Olympiastadion can seat more than 74,000 spectators and is part of the massive Olympiapark complex, which includes the 25,000-seat open-air Waldbuhne amphitheater, the large track field known as Maifeld, an Olympic-size swimming pool, and the 255-foot (78-meter) Glockenturm Bell Tower. Many hop-on hop-off tours in Berlin include a stop at the Olympiastadion, which you can visit on days when there are no scheduled events.
Guided and self-guided tours are available to explore the facilities. The topics for the guided tours can be architecture, sports, or history, and generally include visits to off-limits areas such as VIP lounges, the locker rooms, and the field. Self-guided tours include audio guides in a variety of languages.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The stadium is a must-visit for sports lovers and those interested in Olympic history.
- The on-site restaurant, Ostkurve, is open on non-event and event days.
- Wheelchair seating is available throughout the stadium, as are accessible restrooms and parking areas.
How to Get There
Berlin’s Olympic Stadium is located past Charlottenburg, in West Berlin. Take the U2 underground line or the S5 commuter train to the Olympiastadion stop. If driving, there is generous parking available on non-event days, though it’s quite limited during events.
When to Get There
The best time to visit the Olympiastadion is on non-event days, generally from 9am to 7pm, when the grounds are open to the public. Visitors generally spend about two hours exploring Olympiastadion and Olympiapark. Since it is quite far west, you can combine a visit to the Olympic Stadium with nearby sights such as Charlottenburg Palace and Zoologischer Garten.
The History of Olympiastadion
The Olympic Stadium was built for the 11th Olympic Games, which took place in August 1936. The National Socialist Germany party commissioned architect Werner March to build a stadium suitable for the games as well as any future rallies for the German people. A history trail is available at the stadium, with 45 signs about the building’s past and notable artworks.
Address: Olympischer Platz 3, Berlin 14053, Germany
Admission: Varies
From $ 9
Omonoia Square
Omonoia Square is a big square located north of the central market in Athens, Greece. It's the city's oldest square, and pictures show it was once a lovely square with lots of trees. However, it has been reconstructed several times in order to adjust for the introduction of cars and other vehicles. Six streets intersect at the square, making it a busy traffic hub. Buses, metros, and taxis can all be found here. There are no ancient ruins here like in other parts of the city, but the area surrounding the square is known for its bohemian vibe and cultural mix, and it is popular with students.
You can find affordable hotels, inexpensive restaurants and cafes, and other types of shops here. Nearby are several flea markets as well. The National Archaeological Museum is the most well known attraction located near Omonoia Square. Other important buildings include the Athens Art Gallery and the National Theater.
Practical Info
Omonoia Square is located where Athinas Street becomes 3rd Septemvriou. The transport stop here is called Omonoia.
Address: Omonoia Square, Athens, Attica, Greece 10431, Greece
From $ 23
Omodos Village
Nestled in the foothills of the Troodos Mountains, Omodos Village is one of Cyprus’ most picturesque villages, with its aged cobblestones, flower-lined shop fronts and stone-brick buildings lending a nostalgic air to the small mountain settlement. Omodos is an idyllic spot to shop for local handicrafts, explore the museums of the Monastery of the Holy Cross or watch the world go by from one of the many traditional cafes and tavernas, but its biggest claim to fame is its long history of wine production.
As well as visiting the many vineyards and family-run wineries that surround the village, wine enthusiasts visiting Omodos can also see the island’s oldest Linos (a medieval wine press), which offers a unique insight into the region’s historic wine-making traditions.
Practical Info
Omodos Village is located in the foothills of the Troodos Mountains in central Cyprus, approximately 40 km northwest of Limassol.
Address: Omodos, Cyprus
From $ 23
Open Air Museum of Ethnography
Set on a hill overlooking Tbilisi’s Vake District, the Open Air Museum of Ethnography provides examples of folk architecture and crafts from around Georgia. Named after Giorgi Chitaia, a Georgian ethnographer who founded the museum in 1966, it features 70 buildings spread across 52 hectares of land. The exhibits are divided into nearly a dozen areas, each one representing a different part of Georgian ethnology.
Among the buildings that visitors will see are traditional, flat-roofed stone houses from eastern Georgia, watch towers from mountainous regions like Khevsureti and Svaneti, wooden houses with gable roofs from western Georgia, a Kakhetian wintery and a Kartlian water mill. Within many buildings, you will find displays of traditional costumes, ceramics, furniture and other household items specific to the region.
The museum also hosts a folk culture festival each summer and, in addition to the ethnographic exhibits, it offers superb views around Tbilisi. It also features the Rachasubani restaurant, a good place to try traditional Georgian cuisine.
Practical Info
To reach the museum, take bus 59 from the Rustaveli metro station toward Vake and get off at the last stop. From there, it is about a 30-minute walk, or you can catch a taxi for 3 or 4 lari. Alternatively, you can take bus 61 to Vake Park and walk through the park to the museum, or take the bus all the way to the gas station just past the Iranian embassy and then walk just over a kilometer up the road opposite.
Address: Kus Tbis qucha 1, Tbilisi, Georgia
Hours: June - September: Open Tuesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
October - May: Open Tuesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission: 3 Georgian lari; guided tours for 10 lari
From $ 70
Orvieto Duomo
Orvieto’s magnificent cathedral (duomo) can be seen from miles around, its soaring facade and spires towering high above the rooftops of the clifftop town. Once you get closer, you can take in its intricate external mosaics and stonework, rose window, bronze doors, and sumptuous Signorelli frescoes inside.
The Basics
Orvieto Cathedral (Duomo di Orvieto) is considered one of the most beautiful churches in Italy, begun in the early 1200s based on a design by Arnolfo di Cambio, who also designed Florence’s duomo. The original plan was Romanesque, but was transformed into the more fashionable Italian Gothic over the centuries; the facade designed by Sienese sculptor and architect Lorenzo Maitani is one of the great architectural masterpieces of its time, covered with splendid mosaics and bas-reliefs and crowned by Orcagna’s 14th-century rose window. Inside, the main nave has the same stark stripes of white travertine and gray basalt stone as the external walls, but the apse is richly frescoed, as are the Chapel of the Corporal and the Chapel of the Madonna of San Brizio, the latter decorated by Signorelli’s masterful Apocalypse and the Last Judgment fresco cycle.
Orvieto is just over an hour outside Rome, and a popular day trip along with nearby Cività di Bagnoregio and Assisi. Join a walking tour of Orvieto that includes an in-depth visit of the Cathedral, or zip around the medieval center on an electric bike. The entrance to Orvieto’s popular underground tour is just across the square from the duomo, so you can easily pair a visit to the town’s most famous above-ground attraction with a tour of its warren of underground tunnels and caves.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Modest attire is required to enter the church, so be sure to cover your shoulders and knees.
- Walking tours of the duomo and city of Orvieto cover quite a bit of ground; comfortable shoes are recommended.
- The cathedral is accessible via a secondary entrance to the left of the main staircase; the internal chapels are all accessible.
- Flash photography isn’t allowed inside the church.
How to Get There
The Orvieto Duomo is on Piazza Duomo in Orvieto’s pedestrian-only historic center and can only be reached on foot. You can reach Orvieto from Rome by car or train in just over an hour.
When to Get There
Orvieto’s two main celebrations—Festa della Palombella on Pentecost and Corpus Domini—center around celebrations, processions, and ceremonial games in the square just outside the duomo and are a particularly festive time to visit.
The Corporal of Bolsena
Orvieto’s impressive cathedral was built to house the Corporal of Bolsena. A corporal is a small square of cloth that holds the communion host and wine chalice during Mass, and in 1263 a host is said to have miraculously dripped blood onto the corporal below in the nearby town of Bolsena. The stained cloth, known as the Corporal of Bolsena, is now displayed in the duomo’s Chapel of the Corporal, and has been attracting pilgrims for almost 800 years.
Address: Piazza Duomo, Orvieto, Umbria 05108, Italy
Admission: Varies
From $ 14
Oslo Cathedral (Oslo domkirke)
Consecrated in 1697, Oslo Cathedral (Oslo Domkirke) is used for Norwegian Royal Family weddings and funerals. The public is also welcome to admire its interesting architectural details, including a 1950 tempera ceiling by Hugo Louis Mohr, stained glass windows by Emanuel Vigeland, and magnificent altarpiece with acanthus carvings.
The Basics
Oslo Cathedral is the main church for the Church of Norway Diocese of Oslo. Elements original to its construction include the pulpit, organ front, and altarpiece—a 1748 model of The Last Supper and the Crucifixion. Dating from the 1850s, the bazaar halls (Basarhallene) behind the cathedral periodically host markets and cafés. A variety of group and private tours of Oslo—including by bus, foot, and Segway—visit the cathedral as well as the city’s other top sights. Shore excursions generally also stop here. If traveling independently, book ahead for a guided tour of the cathedral.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Oslo Cathedral is a must-visit for history and religious architecture enthusiasts.
- Entrance is free.
- The cathedral is accessible to wheelchair users.
How to Get There
Oslo Cathedral is located on Stortorvet Square, just north of Oslo’s main street, Karl Johans Gate. It’s an easy 5-minute walk from Oslo Central Station and a 15-minute walk to the Royal Palace.
When to Get There
Oslo Cathedral is open from 10am to 4pm Saturday through Thursday and 4pm Friday until 6am Saturday. Masses are held on Sunday morning and Wednesday and Friday afternoons.
Organ Recitals
The Oslo Cathedral is home to a 5-story-tall, 18th-century organ, and it hosts popular organ recitals every Saturday afternoon in summer. You can buy tickets and learn about the musicians on the cathedral’s website.
Address: Stortorvet 1B, Oslo 0155, Norway
Admission: Free
From $ 34
Ortiz Gurdian Foundation Art Center
Nicaragua may not be known for its museums, but León’s Ortiz Gurdián Foundation Art Center holds its own. The center seamlessly blends a private collection of national and international art, from renowned Nicaraguan painter Armando Morales to world-famous artists like Rubens, Miró, Picasso, Chagall, Matisse, and Diego Rivera.
The Basics
The nonprofit Museo de Arte Fundacion Ortiz-Gurdián is spread across four restored colonial buildings in León’s historic center, each with a different collection spanning from pre-Columbian Nicaraguan artifacts to contemporary works from around the world. You can comb through the galleries on your own or hire a guide at the museum for a small fee. As one of the best art galleries in León, the gallery is included in a number of city tours, which show you the museum in the context of León’s thriving cultural scene.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Ortiz Gurdián Foundation Art Center is a must for art aficionados.
- Plan to spend roughly two hours exploring the collection.
- Courtyards with gardens and fountains offer places to relax between browsing.
- Entrance is free on Sundays.
- The museum has a sister location in Managua.
How to Get There
The Ortiz Gurdián Foundation Art Center is centrally located just off the park in León at Del Parque Central 2c. Pass right by it on a walk through the historic center, or take a taxi if you’re coming from another part of town. You can also visit as a day trip from Managua or Granada.
When to Get There
The center is open from 9am to 5pm Tuesday through Friday, 9:30am to 5pm Saturday, and 9am to 4pm Sunday. Go midday as a reprieve from León’s infamous heat.
Nearby Attractions
For a DIY León city tour, string together a visit to the art foundation with other nearby attractions such as the Rubén Darío Museum (Museo Rubén Darío), San Francisco Church (Iglesia de San Francisco), and León Cathedral (Catedral de León or Basílica de la Asunción)—the largest cathedral in Central America, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the burial place of Rubén Darío.
Address: 3a Av SO, Leon, Nicaragua
Hours: Tues-Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 8am-4pm
Admission: Varies
From $ 45
Orient Museum (Museu do Oriente)
The origins of the Orient Museum (Museu do Oriente) date back to 1988 and the founding of the Fundação Oriente to strengthen Portugal’s ties with Asia. Twenty years later, the foundation opened the Orient Museum with the purpose of preserving and showcasing the richness of Portuguese influence in Asian art and culture.
Housed in a former salt cod warehouse, the Orient Museum’s permanent collection focuses on the Portuguese presence in the Far East, with pieces like statues of Jesuit martyrs, Chinese and Japanese folding screens, Ming porcelain and ritual masks from East Timor. A second collection showcases some 13,000 pieces related to performing arts in the region spanning from Turkey to Japan.
A top floor restaurant serves Asian fare with impressive views over the River Tagus.
Practical Info
To get to the Orient Museum, take the Cascais Line to Alcântara Station. The station has an underground crossing with an exit next to the museum.
Address: Av. Brasília Doca de Alcântara Norte, Lisbon, Portugal
Hours: Open Tues-Sun 10am-6pm and Fri 10am-10pm
Admission: Adults: € 6; Children: € 2
From $ 23
Ometepe Island (Isla de Ometepe)
With its pair of volcanic peaks shrouded in mist and rising up from the waters of Nicaragua Lake, Ometepe Island paints a hauntingly beautiful landscape for those looking out across the lake. A popular choice for a day trip from Managua or Granada, Ometepe is more than just a pretty face – it’s also a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and its sandy beaches, cloud forests and two volcanoes (the mile-high Concepción and 4,400-foot Maderas) are teeming with unique plant and wildlife.
Outdoors enthusiasts will find ample opportunities for hiking, cycling and horseback riding, as well as swimming, kayaking and fishing around the coast, but equally fascinating is a series of pre-Columbian petroglyphs and artifacts on the island dating back to 2000 BCE., which offer an intriguing insight into the island’s rich cultural history. You may want to hire a local guide to help you get around (transportation on the islands isn't extensive) and direct you to the best hiking trails.
Outdoors enthusiasts will find ample opportunities for hiking, cycling and horseback riding, as well as swimming, kayaking and fishing around the coast, but equally fascinating is a series of pre-Columbian petroglyphs and artifacts on the island dating back to 2000 BCE., which offer an intriguing insight into the island’s rich cultural history. You may want to hire a local guide to help you get around (transportation on the islands isn't extensive) and direct you to the best hiking trails.
Practical Info
Ometepe Island is located on Lake Nicaragua and can be reached by ferry from Granada and San Jorge.
Address: Nicaragua
From $ 99
Orchard Road
Singapore’s premier retail street, Orchard Road is a one-stop destination for everything from giant shopping malls, upmarket hotels and fine-dining establishments to basement food halls and entertainment complexes. There’s something for everyone in the famous district, which is named after the nutmeg plantations that once occupied the area during the 19th century.
The Basics
Stretching between Istana Park and the Singapore Botanic Gardens, Orchard Road offers a lot of ground to cover for those looking to shop, drink, dine, or simply take in the city sights. While the street is often busy with traffic, underground tunnels provide easy access to its shops and restaurants. Highlights include Orchard Tower with its racy performances, the traditional shophouses of Emerald Hill, ION Orchard shopping center, nearby Scotts Road, and Ngee Ann City, known for its Japanese brands. Many Singapore city sightseeing tours stop at Orchard Road, including the hop-on hop-off bus.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Orchard Road is a must-see for shopaholics.
- Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to walk.
- Beat the Singapore heat by taking advantage of the air-conditioned underground walkways.
How to Get There
While long, Orchard Road is easy to get to, as it’s serviced by the MRT stations Orchard, Somerset, Dhoby Ghaut, and City Hall.
When to Get There
The shops of Orchard Road buzz with activity throughout the year, but some times do offer a bit of extra excitement. Many retailers in the area offer significant discounts during the Great Singapore Sale (usually mid-June through mid-August), while the Christmas season is another popular time to visit, thanks to over-the-top decorations and a festive atmosphere.
Things to Do on Orchard Road (Besides Shopping)
There’s more to Orchard Road than just retail therapy. Check out the collection at the Pop and Contemporary Fine Art gallery, grab a cocktail (a Singapore Sling perhaps) at Emerald Hill, admire the architecture of Itsana, climb Singapore’s tallest indoor wall at BorderX, indulge in a spa treatment, or catch a movie at the Cathay Picturehouse.
Address: Orchard Road, 238879, Singapore
Admission: Free
From $ 14
Open-Air Mining Museum
Set in the Stiavnicke Vrchy Mountains near the town of Banska Stiavnica, Slovakia’s Open Air Mining Museum is one of a kind and not for the faint of heart. Mining in the area dates back to the 3rd century B.C. and the area boasted one of the richest silver deposits in the Middle Ages. Gunpowder was used here for the first time ever in 1627 and over the two centuries that followed, the region was home to most of the major developments in mining and metallurgy, as well as forestry and chemistry.
Visitors have the opportunity to descend into an underground mining pit that stretches for 1300 meters underground, with the deepest section laying 45 meters below the surface. During the 90 minute tour, visitors learn about the history of mining in the Stiavnicke Vrchy Mountains and see exhibits showing both current and obsolete mining techniques and technologies, including drilling technology and methods for transporting ore. Above ground, exhibits include original mining buildings and an exposition about the geological development of the country.
Practical Info
Banska Stiavnica and the Open Air Mining Museum are located about two and a half hours from Bratislava. Visitors can get to Banska Stiavnica by taking the bus or train to Zarnovica and continuing by taxi to the town, or by joining an organized tour. The mining museum itself is 1.5 kilometers from the town center on the Jozefa Karola Hella Road.
Address: Jozefa Karola Hella 12, Banska Stiavnica, Slovakia
Hours: Hours vary throughout the year. In the low season, visits are by tour only, usually three times each day. Check with the tourist information.
Admission: 5 Euro, photos an additional 2 Euro
From $ 123
Oskar Schindler's Factory
A wealthy German and member of the Nazi Party, Oskar Schindler bought an enamel factory in Krakow following the German invasion of Poland during World War II. By insisting that his Jewish employees were vital to the workforce and often advocating for them, he saved more than 1,000 people from death. Today, Schindler's Factory, part of the City of Krakow Historical Museum, houses a highly emotive, interactive, and visually stunning permanent exhibition on the Nazi occupation of Krakow.
The Basics
Within the Schindler Factory, a series of exhibits tell the story of the Nazi occupation of Krakow from 1938 to 1944. Plan to spend up to two hours going through the exhibits. You can visit the Schindler Factory independently or stop by as part of a Krakow walking tour, a film sites walking tour, or a Jewish heritage tour. To see more, book a combo package that includes a guided tour to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum and a two-day museum pass that offers admission to the Schindler Factory.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Admission is free on Mondays, but entry and hours are limited.
- It's best to book tickets in advance online, as same-day tickets may not be available.
- Note that the Schindler Factory closes early on the first Monday of the month.
- The last tickets are sold an hour and a half before closing time.
- English explanations are available throughout the museum.
How to Get to Oskar Schindler's Factory
The Schindler Factory is located on Lipowa Street, several miles southeast of Krakow's Old Town. If you are not visiting on a tour, public transport is available by bus or tram. Take the bus to the Krakowska Akademia stop on Herlinga Grudzinskiego street, or take tram 7, 13, or 24 to Ghetto Heroes Square (Plac Bohaterow Getta).
When to Get There
The Schindler Factory is open throughout the year, with extended hours from April 1 to Oct. 31. It is busiest on weekends and holidays.
Krakow's Jewish Heritage and Schindler's List
To learn more about Krakow's Jewish heritage and the significance of Oskar Schindler's actions during World War II, visit the Jewish Quarter (Kazimierz) and view the 33 memorial chairs in Ghetto Heroes Square, which symbolize the tragedy of the Holocaust. Also check out the Remuh Synagogue and Cemetery, the oldest in the city, and stroll along Szeroka Street, the heart of the Kazimierz, to see remnants of the old ghetto wall. Finally, follow in the Schindler's footsteps and visit several real-life filming locations used for Schindler's List, the 1993 Steven Spielberg film that immortalized him.
Address: 4 Lipowa Street, Krakow 30-702, Poland
Admission: Varies
From $ 9
Oslo Cruise Port
Norway’s second-busiest port, after Bergen, Oslo Cruise Port is a popular destination on Scandinavian cruises, welcoming over a hundred annual cruise calls. Located at the head of the Oslo Fjord, cruise passengers have easy access to the Norwegian capital, with its many lakes, parks, and museums.
The Basics
With just one day in port, most visitors opt to take in the highlights of Oslo, either as part of a guided shore excursion or by exploring independently. Hop-on hop-off bus tours leave from right outside the cruise terminal and stop at sights, including the Kon-Tiki Museum, Akershus Fortress, and Vigeland Sculpture Park.
Other highlights of Oslo include the Nobel Peace Center, City Hall, and the Opera House, all located along the waterfront, while landmarks, such as Oslo Cathedral, Karl Johan Gate, and the Royal Palace, are also within walking distance. Water taxis and ferries run across the harbor to the Bygdoy Peninsula, where you will find the Viking Ship Museum, Fram Museum, and Norwegian Folk Museum.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Shore excursions typically include port pickup and drop-off.
- The weather in Oslo can change quickly, even in summer, so wear layers and pack an umbrella or raincoat.
- Most attractions are reachable on foot, so wear comfortable walking shoes and pick up a map from the cruise terminal on arrival.
How to Get to Oslo from the Port of Oslo
There are four main cruise terminals, located around the Akershus Fortress at Oslo harbor. All terminals are a short walk from central Oslo, with the closest terminal just a 5-minute walk from City Hall and the furthest an around 20-minute walk. Buses and trams also stop close to the terminals, and taxis are available outside.
Port Information
ATMs, currency exchange facilities, free Wi-Fi, and a tourist information desk are all available at the port. The local currency is the krone, but some shops will also accept euros and credit cards are generally accepted throughout the city. The local language is Norwegian, though most locals also speak English.
Address: Norway
From $ 46
Oslo Fjord
Norway’s cosmopolitan capital lies at the head of Oslo Fjord, a narrow body of water 68 miles (107 kilometers) in length that leads out to the strait of Skagerrak and eventually to the Baltic and North Seas. The fjord’s islets are its main attraction, home to sandy beaches, cycling and hiking routes, and historic lighthouses.
The Basics
Oslo Fjord—scattered with islets, isolated coves, and little pockets of beach—is a leisure destination for the inhabitants of Norway’s capital. Fjord cruises are a good way to take in the scenery and learn about the area’s history and geography, while island-hopping ferries allow you to visit the islands and see highlights such as the Cistercian monastery on the island of Hovedøya, the beaches of Huk bay, and a nature reserve for wading birds on Bleikøya. Fjord cruises are also featured on some full-day Oslo tours, during which you can visit city highlights such as Akershus Fortress, the Oslo Opera House, and Vigeland Park.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Oslo Fjord is a must-see for first-time visitors to the capital.
- Dress in layers. Temperatures on the water can be cold, even in summer.
- The best place to swim in the fjord is off Museum Island (Bygdøy), a peninsula on the western side of the city.
How to Get There
To reach Oslo Fjord, take ferry 92, 93, or 94 from Vippetangen in Oslo’s city center. The fjord’s islets are accessible by private boat, ferry, or guided tour, and it takes roughly 20 minutes to get to most islands from Vippetangen on the Oslo waterfront.
When to Get There
The narrow sounds of Oslo Fjord are best explored in summer, when weather is typically warm and the sun sets for only a few hours each night. This is the most popular time to visit, and the bays can be packed (by Scandinavian standards) with boats and swimmers. As such, it’s a good idea to book tours and accommodations ahead of time.
Viking History in Oslo
Vikings once called the area around Oslo Fjord home, and some ancient settlements surrounding the waterway date back to the Stone Age and Bronze Age. The world’s best-preserved Viking ship was unearthed from the fjord’s waters and currently resides in the city’s Viking Ship Museum.
Address: Oslo Fjord, Oslo, Norway
From $ 27