Choose from 5,104 Fun Things to Do in Kelowna & Okanagan Valley
ShowingFilter 3161-3180 of 5104 listings.
Playa Caleta
A small, rocky beach frequented by locals, Playa Caleta gives visitors a more cultural taste of beach life in the Dominican Republic than other beaches in La Romana. You'll enjoy stunning scenery and local cuisine while at Playa Caleta.
This remote beach area comes equipped with stunning scenery, local cuisine and a small bay ideal for swimming. Snorkel equipment may come in handy here, as there are fish and sometimes other sea creatures to see off its shores. There are also many vendors at Playa Caleta who serve fresh fish and other local delicacies like yaniqueques. Bring pesos or be prepared to bargain, as vendors don't always have change for American dollars. Finish off your meal with a refreshingly cold Presidente beer, a favorite brew in the Dominican Republic.
Practical Info
Hop in a cab to get to La Caleta, or take a tour bus. If taking a cab, arrange a time for the driver to pick you up. Otherwise, you may have a hard time getting back to your resort or cruise ship. The beach is quite rocky, so you may want to pack a pair of water shoes to avoid the pain that comes from stepping on sharp rocks.
Address: La Romana, Dominican Republic
From $ 110
Playa Dorada
Playa Dorada is one of the most popular beaches in the Puerto Plata area. Here you will find a number of the major resorts along its shoreline. The gated community features around a dozen luxury resorts and hotels that border the Amber Coast.
If you are not staying along the bay of Playa Dorada, one of the best ways to experience the area is from the water. Take a catamaran tour along the North Coast from Playa Dorada to the Bay of Sosua. If the idea of spending an afternoon on a boat isn’t appealing, resorts along Playa Dorada rent watersports equipment. Try your hand at windsurfing, kayaking, sailing or parasailing. The waters at Playa Dorada are crystal clear and the shallow, sloping beach makes it a popular spot for families with small children. You can go snorkeling right off the beach with coral reefs only a short swim away.
If you want to experience more than a day on the beach, Playa Dorada has a number of options to keep you busy. Go shopping at the plaza, which features boutiques, restaurants and a cinema. There is also an 18-hole golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones. Other non-beach activities include an equestrian center and several casinos. Playa Dorada is also home to the Caribbean’s biggest go-kart center, complete with three tracks.
Practical Info
Playa Dorada is considered the Dominican Republic’s first tourist area but it still remains one of the best. The beach is only a five-minute drive from Puerto Playa. Other things to see and do in the area include the 16th-century San Felipe Fortress and a cable car ride up to the Mount Isabel de Torres summit.
Address: Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
From $ 59
Plage de Pampelonne
Often named “St-Tropez’s jewel beach”, Pampelonne Beach is actually located just outside city limits in nearby Ramatuelle. The beach is a 4.5-kilometer stretch of sand very popular amongst tourists, as just one of the few sandy beaches on the French Riviera (as opposed to the pebbly beaches in Nice, for example). Pampelonne was one of the main targets of Operation Dragoon, the large-scaled Allied invasion of southern France in August 1944 that ultimately caused the German army to abandon southern France altogether. After World War II, the Parisian elite, including big names like Brigitte Bardot, Coco Chanel, and Juliette Greco, gave St-Tropez its glitz and glam reputation by spending their summers at the beach, a tradition that most Northern French vacationers still uphold today – hence why the French Riviera is often qualified as overcrowded in August when the majority of the country is on holiday.
Logistics-wise, a supervised bathing zone is roped off from June 15 through September 15th, making it ideal for families wishing to spend a carefree day at the beach. Topless sunbathing is accepted everywhere in southern France, and two areas of Pampelonne are "clothing-optional" (between the Tamaris and Patch entrances, as well as at the chemin des Barraques entrance). It is a very natural beach: there are no souvenir stalls, no promandes, just beautiful white sand.
There are public washrooms and showers near the access points of Tamaris, Patch and Barraques, where parking is also available. Many restaurants and beach clubs also call the beach their home, amongst the better known ones are Club 55, great for celebrity spotting, and Nikki Beach, which has its own pool.
Practical Info
Pampelonne Beach is located 5km south-west of Saint-Tropez and is bordered by Cap Camarat and Cap Bonne Terrasse to the South, cap Pinet to the North, and vines, prairies, camping sites and luxury villas to the West. The boulevard Patch access point can be reached by shuttle bus from central St-Tropez, although visitors should know the service is infrequent. Otherwise, the beach is just a 10-minute drive away via road D98A and then via aptly-named Route des Plages. There is plenty of parking available at the different entrances to the beach, and it costs around €5 per day.
Address: Plage de Pampelonne, Ramatuelle, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur 83350, France
From $ 110
Planetarium Cusco
The Planetarium Cusco is one of the most unique planetariums in the world. Housed in a humble Andean adobe home, the family-run planetarium sits on a Cusco hillside amid the archeological site Saqsayhuaman and the Llaullipata ecological reserve. From this wonderful locale, you can explore the mysteries of the universe as told through the eyes of the Inca.
The Basics
In a domed projection room, passionate local astronomers offer deep knowledge and fascinating stories as they guide visitors through the cosmos, explaining how the Inca saw and interpreted the stars. Using the rotating sky to guide their everyday life, the Inca were advanced and creative astronomers, finding Southern Hemisphere constellations like the Southern Cross and Orion's Belt as well as their own personalized groupings such as a baby llama, a puma, a toad, and a condor. After the educational presentation and tour—and depending on the weather conditions—you can peek through powerful telescopes to glimpse stars, planets, nebulae, and constellations.
Travelers have the choice to visit this singular planetarium alone, or as part of an evening tour of Cusco that also includes the San Pedro market, the illuminated historic center, and a restaurant for a traditional Peruvian dinner.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The planetarium is suitable for all travelers, including families with young kids.
- Tours may include round-trip hotel transport, entrance fees, a local guide, and, depending on the tour, dinner and a Pisco sour. Gratuities and other extras aren’t include, and some tours require a minimum of two people.
- Independent travelers will need to self-book in advance so that planetarium staff is prepared.
How to Get There
The Planetarium Cusco is located up a hill, about a 15-minute drive from the historic center. It’s easily accessible by taxi—just ask your hotel. Tours include round-trip transfer from your hotel.
When to Get There
Open year-round, the planetarium welcomes visitors Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4pm.
Expert Inca Stargazers
The science of astronomy was deeply important to the Inca, who worshipped the sun and the moon as gods and connected it to agricultural planning and sacred ceremonies. Their stargazers identified constellations, sorting them in two groups: shapes linked in the classic connect-the-dots way to form “inanimate” animals, Gods, and mythological figures; and those formed by the dark spots of the Milky Way, the so-called “animate” animals.
Address: Av. Pardo 800, Cusco, Peru
From $ 23
Playa Lagun
If you’re looking for an off-the-beaten track beach on Curacao, but don’t want sacrifice on amenities, try Playa Lagun. This protected beach within a deep cove flanked on either side by sheer cliffs is near the northern end of the island, far enough from Willemstad that you can avoid the cruise crowds, and with a small beachfront restaurant that does double duty as a dive shop. Playa Lagun is also well known as one of the best spots for diving and snorkeling from the shore, and you can get scuba tanks or snorkel gear from the dive shop to explore the nearby reefs. And there are plenty of picnic tables where you can relax and have lunch after a morning of swimming, snorkeling and sunbathing.
Practical Info
Playa Lagun is a 37-minute drive northwest of Willemstad and about 7 minutes south of Westpunt. There is parking available at the beach, and no entry fee required to visit here.
Address: Curacao
From $ 49
Pirogovo Open-Air Museum
Officially known as the National Museum of Ukrainian Architecture and Culture, the Pirogovo Open Air Museum is the largest open air museum in Europe. Covering 1.3 million square meters, it reproduces the traditional ways of living in different regions of Ukraine and is a great way to understand the way Ukrainians lived a hundred years ago. The museum is located just south of Kiev, next to the Holosiyivskiy forest and near the village of Pirogovo. Founded in 1969, it includes examples from all of the historical ethnographical regions of the country, as well from throughout the 16th through 20th centuries. Buildings include windmills and watermills, a traditional sauna, village administration buildings, a church school, a priest’s mansion, cafes, huts and barns. Items on display include agricultural items, household articles, musical instruments, ceramics, clothing and icons.
The museum celebrates religious holidays in a traditional manner thanks to three orthodox churches on the grounds. Each weekend, visitors will find a variety of activities taking place, from markets to crafts classes to traditional Ukrainian singing and dancing.
Practical Info
The open air museum is located south of Kiev and is accessible by bus or trolleybus. Take bus 172 or 173 from the Druzhby Narodiv, Lybidska, Demiyivska, Holosiyivska, Vasylkivska, Vystavkovyi Centre metro stations or take bus 156 from Moskovska Square. You can also take trolleybus 11 from Vystavkovyi Centre. Once inside the museum, you can rent a bike or horse carriage to get around the grounds.
Address: Pyrohiv, Kiev, Ukraine
Hours: Daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Closed Wednesdays.
Admission: 30 hryvnas
From $ 23
Pirita
Pirita is a section of Tallinn located just a few miles west of Old Town and city center. Dating back to at least the 15th century when a convent was founded here, the area hugs the coastline, where many people enjoy spending time on the beaches. Pirita Beach is the largest and most popular stretch of sand, running for 1.25 miles (2 kilometers) and including a good view of Old Town and the ships in the Gulf of Finland. There are ball courts, playgrounds, lockers, chaise lounges and water sport equipment rentals here, and during summer, up to 30,000 people visit the beach each day.
There are forested parks a little farther in from the coast, the Tallinn Botanical Gardens on both sides of the Pirita River and the entire Pirita River Valley. Also nearby is the Forest Cemetery and the Tallinn TV Tower. The Pirita Promenade paves the way for pedestrians, cyclists and skaters while connecting Kadriorg to Pirita. Visitors can also enjoy Pirita Adventure Park, complete with six different tracks involving rope bridges, nets and more. Throughout the area, you'll find trails for cycling, jogging or walking and even cross-country skiing in the winter.
To get to Pirita, take bus number 1, 1A, 8, 34A, or 38 from the underground stop at the Viru Centre. For the beach, convent or river area, get off at the Pirita stop, which is the first one after crossing the river.
Address: Tallinn, Estonia
From $ 35
Place des Lices Market
Place des Lices, in the heart of St-Tropez’s Old Town, is mostly famous for its open-air market every Tuesday and Saturday, from 8 am until 1 pm. The Square is then bursting with colorful stalls full of fresh local produce, flowers, spices, baked goods, olives, and hand-made preserves; it is consequently very popular with tourists and locals alike, as it offers an aromatic glimpse into the legendary southern French cuisine. It is advised to arrive early in order to beat the crowds and get a less overwhelming experience. Place des Lices is still busy even on non-market days with seven long lines of kiosks flanked by dozens of centennial plane trees, it probably feels and looks like it did two hundred years ago when it first came to life . This is the perfect opportunity for pétanque players to gather into small groups and play the iconic southern French sport all day. There are also many restaurants, cafés and bars nearby.
Practical Info
Getting to Place des Lices is very easy, as it’s just a 10 minute walk from the Old-Port via Rue Gambetta and Rue du Temple. It can also be reached by car from the Old-Port and other parts of town; there is a small outdoor parking named Parking du 15e Corps just a few meters further west on Rue du Temple.
Address: 5 Traverse des Lices, St-Tropez, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur 83990, France
Hours: Every Tuesday and Saturday from 8 am until 1 pm
From $ 161
Playa Mia Grand Beach Park
Playa Mia Grand Beach Park offers myriad options for enjoying the Caribbean Sea, whether you want to swim in the warm ocean, enjoy a massage, zip down water slides, or float in one of the park’s many pools. Here you can find beachfront lounge chairs and hammocks, a buffet and full bar, and even an underwater Maya city to explore.
The Basics
Playa Mia Beach Park is an ideal place to relax and enjoy Cozumel’s ample sunshine. A day pass offers access to the water park, beachfront lounge chairs, and use of kayaks, sailboats, paddle boats, and other water gear. You can choose to upgrade your ticket to an all-inclusive option, which offers an international buffet and open bar. It’s also possible to visit Playa Mia as part of a Cozumel snorkeling tour, during which you can explore some of the island’s vibrant coral reefs.
Things to Know Before You Go
Playa Mia Grand Beach Park is an great for families with kids.
Remember to bring sun protection, swimwear, and towels.
There is an onsite shopping center offering handicrafts, clothes, and jewelry.
How to Get There
Playa Mia Grand Beach Park is located on the island of Cozumel, off the coast of Playa del Carmen on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. Ferries to Cozumel typically leave every half hour from Playa del Carmen and arrive at San Miguel, the island’s main town and cruise ship port. From San Miguel, it takes roughly 25 minutes to get to Mr. Sancho’s by road. Taxis, rental cars, and scooters are easy ways to travel on the island.
When to Get There
Playa Mia is open daily from 9am to 6pm. The park is busiest from December through April, when the weather tends to be sunny and warm. There are fewer crowds during hurricane season (May through October), but be sure to check the weather for storms. Arrive early to grab a beach chair close to the water.
Family-Friendly Activities at Playa Mia Grand Beach Park
Kids can enjoy the water park’s 200-foot-long (61-meter-long) Twin Twister water slides, a colorful playground, and Buccaneer's Bay, which features a pint-sized pirate ship and water cannons. Beach activities such as volleyball and water balloon tossing are also an option.
Address: Carretera Costera Sur Km 15, Cozumel, Mexico
Admission: Varies
From $ 30
Pisaq Potato Park
Located in the Sacred Valley of Peru, Pisaq Potato Park encompasses nearly 30,000 acres (12,000 hectares) of high-altitude Andean land where local residents manage and conserve one of their most important agricultural resources: potatoes. Some 700 varieties of potatoes grow within the park, many of them endemic to the region. Six Quechua communities joined forces on the conservation project with the aims of eradicating hunger, promoting gender equality and ensuring environmental sustainability.
Visitors to the Pisaq Potato Park can choose between three- or five-day guided treks through the park, or a single-day visit which includes a hands-on tour of a potato farm, a meal made from a variety of local Peruvian potatoes and visits to some of the communities involved in the project. The park also offers a cooking class using local potato varieties.
Practical Info
Pisaq Potato Park is significantly higher in altitude than Pisaq — something to keep in mind when deciding between a multi-day trek or day tour.
Address: Pisaq, Peru
Hours: Mon-Sat 7:30am-8:30pm
From $ 180
Platz der Republik
The Platz der Republik in Berlin is a square in front of the Reichstag Building, which is the German government building and the seat of the German Parliament. The square covers an area of more than 397,000 square feet and is almost entirely covered in grass. There are also a few hedges and trees. The square was originally called Königsplatz, which means Square of the King, but in 1926 the name was changed since the monarchy was abolished. However, when the Nazis came to power in 1933, the name was changed back to Königsplatz. In 1948 the name reverted back to Platz der Republik once again.
Today visitors can relax in the square and enjoy being surrounded by important symbols of Germany's history as well as its present. You can take a tour of the Reichstag Building where the glass-domed roof offers great views of the city and an audio guide tells stories of the country's history and explains how the German government works. Also nearby is Brandenburg Gate.
Practical Info
The Platz der Republik is bound by Scheidemannstrasse to the south and Paul-Löbe-Alle to the north. To get there take the U55 to the Bundestag station.
Address: Platz der Republik, Berlin 10557, Germany
From $ 37
Plantin-Moretus Museum
In the 16th century Antwerp – along with Paris – was one of the leading lights of the Northern Renaissance; among the brightest stars on the city’s stage at that time was Christophe Plantin, who established a printing workshop in his imposing townhouse in 1555. As well as contributing one of the most popular fonts still in use today, Plantin developed one of the busiest and most advanced publishing houses in northern Europe, now a UNESCO World Heritage-listed museum of print and early book publishing.
After Plantin’s death in 1589, his son-in-law Jan Moretus took over the printing empire and it remained active until 1867. Today the museum is laid out as if the compositors had just downed tools; the period workshops and rooms showcase printing presses dating back to the 16th century, graphic anatomical drawings featuring dissections, a vast collection of prints by Antwerp masters dating from the 16th and 17th centuries, and a library of 30,000 rare volumes. The artist Peter Paul Rubens, another local boy made good, illustrated many of the books published by the Plantin workshop and painted some of the family portraits displayed in the museum but the masterpiece of the collection is undoubtedly the priceless 36-line Gutenberg Bible dating from 1455.
Practical Info
Vrijdagmarkt 22–23, Antwerp. Open Tue–Sun 10am–5pm. Admission adults €8; seniors & students aged 12–25 €6; free for children under 12. Take tram 4 to Groenplaats.
Address: Vrijdagmarkt 22–23, Antwerp, Flanders, Belgium 2000, Belgium
Hours: Open Tue–Sun 10am–5pm
Admission: Adults: €8; Children: Free
From $ 70
Plaka
Plaka is the oldest residential district of Athens. Its historic narrow lanes and stepped alleys wind up the lower slope of the Acropolis. Once the heart of working class Athens, then the centre of music and nightclubbing, nowadays it's full of cafes and restaurants, also shops which tend to be aimed at tourists with prices to match. But it's definitely the nicest part of Athens to wander around between visits to the nearby archaeological sites and museums.
Head up the steps to the small area of Anafiotica. This is like a little Greek island village transplanted to Athens. It was built by the migrant workers who came to build the Presidential Palace in the 19th century when it was King Otto's palace.
Practical Info
Plaka is situated between the Acropolis and the National Gardens. The nearest metro is Akropoli.
Address: Athens, Greece
Admission: Free
From $ 20
Planty Park
Surrounding Krakow's Old Town, Planty Park stretches about 2.5 miles (4 km) and covers 52 acres. It was established in the early 19th century to take the place of the Old Town walls after they were destroyed. The park is really a chain of gardens designed in different styles, connected by walkways and lawns and topped off with a variety of fountains and sculptures.
Walking through Planty Park is like walking through Krakow’s history. You will pass a small segment of the old walls, as well as the 13th-century Gothic-style Florianska Gate and the Barbakan, a defensive fortress dating to 1499. Other notable landmarks include a Carmelite monastery that was once used as an Austrian prison, the 17th-century bishop’s palace from whose window Pope John Paul II once greeted the residents of Krakow and the Church of the Snowy Mother of God, built in 1635. More modern structures along the park are the art nouveau Palace of Art and the Bunkier Sztuki, a concrete exhibition hall that has been transformed into a museum and bar.
Practical Info
Allow an hour or two to walk around the entire park. Admission is free, and while you can enter anywhere, the most interesting route may be to start at the base of the historic Wawel Castle and go from there.
Address: Plantry, Kraków, Poland
Hours: Daily
From $ 17
Pisac Indian Market
The Pisac Indian Market is one of the most popular and picturesque of the indigenous markets in the Cusco region. Travelers from all over the world make the pilgrimage to this mountain town to purchase all manner of textiles, ceramics, jewelry, ponchos, rugs, hats, gloves, Andean instruments, ceramics, alpaca and llama woven clothing, and a host of lovely souvenirs.
The Basics
This atmospheric village, snug inside the Sacred Valley of the Incas, was once a lofty citadel protecting the Inca Empire from invaders. These days, the only invaders are friendly ones—shoppers looking for beautiful handicrafts and housewares from talented local artisans.
Travelers have many options: you can explore the Pisac Indian Market as part of private or group half-day, full-day or multi-day tours that incorporate other attractions inside the Sacred Valley of the Incas, including the archeological sites on the way to Machu Picchu.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Bargaining for prices is expected; feel free to offer what you feel is a fair price, while considering the skill and time that goes into making the wares.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as you will be walking on uneven stone pathways.
- Because of the high altitude, be sure to stay hydrated and take it slow. Chewing on coca leaves or drinking coca tea helps alleviate symptoms of altitude sickness.
- Many tours include ground transportation, transfers, entrance fees, camping and hotel accommodations, and guides. Check individual tours for precise arrangements.
- Tours operate in all weather conditions, so remember to dress appropriately. Bring sweaters for colder months and a rain poncho for rainy season, generally January through April.
How to Get There
The Pisac Indian Market is in the mountain town of Pisac, which is about 20 miles (32 kilometers) northeast of Cusco in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Minibuses run from Cusco and take about an hour; hire a cab or join a market tour. Tours include round-trip transport from your hotel.
When to Get There
The Pisac Indian Market is open Tuesdays and Thursdays, but nothing compares to Sundays when the market expands exponentially. Arrive in the morning so you can catch a mass (conducted in both Quechua and Spanish) attended by artisans in vibrant garb; Sunday hours are 9 am to 5pm.
Visit the Pisac Ruins
Combine a market visit with a tour of the nearby Ollantaytambo ruins, the Inca Temple of the Sun, and a fortress made of gigantic 12-foot (3.5-meter) stones, mysteriously placed to perfection. Hike about an hour from Pisac to the ruins, which are perched dramatically on a magnificent mountain top.
Address: Pisac, Peru
From $ 32
Plauen
Plauen is located in Saxony in the eastern part of the country near the border of Bavaria and Czech Republic. In the 1930s, Plauen hosted the first chapter of the Nazi Party outside of Bavaria, and about 75% of the city was destroyed during World War II. During the division of Germany, Plauen fell into East Germany. Plauen was also the site of some of the earliest and most significant peaceful demonstrations against the socialist regime in 1989, which helped lead to the fall of the Berlin Wall.
The city of Plauen is well known for its lace production that began in the late 19th century. The lace is highly regarded throughout the world due to its quality. At the Plauen Lace Museum, the only lace museum in Germany, visitors can learn about the lace and embroidery industry and how it has developed over time. Plauen is also home to the Alte Elsterbrücke, the oldest bridge in Saxony, and the Friedensbrücke, the largest stone arch bridge in the world.
Practical Info
Plauen is approximately two to 2.5 hours by train from Nuremberg, Dresden, and Leipzig, all of which are connected by several airlines to other parts of Europe. From North America, it is best to fly to either Berlin or Munich and take the train from there.
Address: Plauen, Germany
From $ 637
Place du Grand Sablon
Located just a 10-minute walk from Brussel’s bustling Grand Place, Place du Grand Sablon is a historic square at the heart of the Sablon quarter. It feels a world away from the busy city center, with striking medieval townhouses, stylish restaurants, terrace cafés, and a lively antiques market.
The Basics
The Sablon District of Brussels is an ideal spot for dining, shopping, or enjoying a peaceful glass of Belgian beer after a day of sightseeing. Visit on a hop-on, hop-off bus tour to explore the area’s maze of cobbled streets, or opt for a private city tour to learn about the square’s history and visit other Brussels highlights such as St. Michael’s Cathedral and the Royal Palace.
While the star attraction is the weekend antiques market, the area around Place du Grand Sablon is also a popular stop on chocolate tours of Brussels, with Belgian chocolate shops such as Marcolini, Godiva, Neuhaus, Wittamer, and Leonidas located on and around the square. Place du Grand Sablon is also a good jumping-off point for visiting nearby attractions such as the Manneken Pis, the Mont des Arts gardens, and Brussels Park (Parc de Bruxelles).
Things to Know Before You Go
- Place du Grand Sablon is a must-see for culture, food, and history lovers.
- Wear comfortable shoes to explore the cobbled lanes of the Sablon District.
- The Place du Grand Sablon is wheelchair accessible, although if you’re attending the market it’s a good idea to arrive early to browse before crowds arrive.
How to Get to There
Place du Grand Sablon is a 10-minute walk from the Grand Place in central Brussels. The closest metro station is Louise, and trams 92 and 93 also stop nearby.
When to Get There
Summer (especially July and August) is the most popular time to visit Place du Grand Sablon, when the weather is typically warm and sunny. Be sure to visit on a weekend to catch the famous antique and book markets, which are held all day Saturday and on Sunday mornings.
Exploring the Sablon District
The picturesque lanes of the Sablon District are ideal for strolling and the whole area is packed with art galleries, antique shops, and cafés. After browsing the market stalls on Place du Grand Sablon, make the short walk uphill to the Place du Petit Sablon, home to the beautiful late-Gothic church of Notre-Dame du Sablon. Close by, the Mont des Arts District is home to museums including the Magritte Museum, the Museum of Musical Instruments, and the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium.
Address: Place du Grand Sablon, Bruxelles 1000, Belgium
From $ 29
Platform 9 3/4
Fans of Harry Potter will be familiar with the importance of Platform 9 ¾. The fictional platform is located at the very real King's Cross train station in London between platforms 9 and 10. In the Harry Potter books and films, Platform 9 ¾ is where the Hogwarts Express can be boarded on September 1 at 11am. There is a wrought iron archway in between platforms 9 and 10, and the students must walk or run directly at what appears to be a solid wall barrier.
Due to the logistics of platforms 9 and 10, filming of Platform 9 ¾ actually took place between platforms 4 and 5. But so many people came to see Platform 9 ¾ that eventually half of a luggage cart was permanently installed to look like it is going through the archway. Harry Potter fans from around the world come here to have their picture taken with the luggage cart. There is also a Harry Potter themed shop located nearby where you can purchase a wide variety of souvenirs and prop replicas.
Practical Info
Platform 9 ¾ is located in King's Cross train station in London. King's Cross is located along Euston Road next to St. Pancras International train station.
Address: Kings Cross Station, London, United Kingdom N1C 4AP, England
From $ 16
Playa Palancar
Playa Palancar is a laid-back beach where you can swim, snorkel, or just relax in a hammock under the coconut-palm trees. It’s one of Cozumel’s most beautiful beaches, with fine white sand and access to an outstanding coral reef just offshore. For a relaxing beach day away from the crowded tourist spots, there’s no better place.
The Basics
While pretty Playa Palancar is surrounded by posh all-inclusives, it’s a public beach. There are several small restaurants and shops selling seafood, drinks, and souvenirs, as well as renting snorkeling equipment and organizing dives. Playa Palancar doesn’t have the party atmosphere or range of hotels and other services that some of the beaches closer to San Miguel do, but for family-friendly fun and fantastic views, it’s hard to do better on the island.
Visit Playa Palancar independently; boats wait to take snorkelers out to the reef, and you can rent equipment close by. Alternatively, go as part of a Cozumel sightseeing tour with hotel or port pickup and drop-off. Island tours typically also include a chocolate factory, a tequila tasting, and the San Gervasio Maya ruins.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Playa Palancar is ideal for beach bums, snorkelers, and families with kids.
- Remember to bring sun protection and water, as the beach offers little shade.
- Bring cash—the bars, restaurants, and shops don’t accept debit or credit cards.
- The beach offers basic facilities, including restrooms and outdoor showers.
- Lounge chairs and beach umbrellas are available to rent.
How to Get There
Playa Palancar is located off the coastal highway, about 20 minutes south of the Cozumel Cruise Terminal. It’s well signed from Avenida Melgar; look for signs before the Costera Sur exits inland. There’s no public bus service (yet, but ask around to see if this has changed). If you hire a taxi to this more remote part of the island, be aware that you may need to wait a bit to get a taxi back to your hotel.
When to Get There
The beach is lovely year-round. Winter brings large numbers of travelers to Cozumel, and the weeks before and after Easter are some of the busiest. Yet even during high season, Playa Palancar is less crowded than other spots on the island.
Cozumel Maya Ruins
Close to the beach turnoff you’ll see signs for El Cedral Maya Ruins. El Cedral is the site of the first Maya settlement on Cozumel. The tiny Maya ruin, a fertility temple, is the size of a small house. It has some historic significance for locals, but fails to impress most visitors.
Address: Avenida Rafael Melgar and the Costera Sur, Mexico
Admission: Free
From $ 51
Piraeus Cruise Port
The Piraeus cruise terminal is an important historical port in Greece and one of the largest cruise ship docks in Europe. While known by cruisers as a gateway to the ancient city of Athens, the Aegean Islands, and other destinations in the Mediterranean, the city of Piraeus also merits a visit with its traditional town center, lovely parks and churches, and numerous cafes set along the tree-lined streets of the harbor.
The Basics
Most shore excursions departing Piraeus head inland to nearby Athens (8 miles or 13.5 km away). With half- and full-day Athens tours available, travelers can explore the Greek capital and its UNESCO-listed Acropolis—including Parthenon Temple, the Plaka District, and Temple of Zeus—or visit popular attractions such as the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Olympic Stadium. Other popular day trips head to Vouliagmeni Beach (15 miles or 24 km away); southern Cape Sounion and its Temple of Poseidon (52 miles or 83 km away); ancient Corinth (52 miles or 83 km away); or the Greek islands of Poros, Hydra, and Egina (58 miles or 93 km across the Saronic Gulf). Back at the dock in Piraeus, visitors can experience the city’s National Archaeological Museum and its collection of art from Greek antiquity, including bronze statues of Athena and Apollo.
The Basics
Most shore excursions departing Piraeus head inland to nearby Athens (8 miles or 13.5 km away). With half- and full-day Athens tours available, travelers can explore the Greek capital and its UNESCO-listed Acropolis—including Parthenon Temple, the Plaka District, and Temple of Zeus—or visit popular attractions such as the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Olympic Stadium. Other popular day trips head to Vouliagmeni Beach (15 miles or 24 km away); southern Cape Sounion and its Temple of Poseidon (52 miles or 83 km away); ancient Corinth (52 miles or 83 km away); or the Greek islands of Poros, Hydra, and Egina (58 miles or 93 km across the Saronic Gulf). Back at the dock in Piraeus, visitors can experience the city’s National Archaeological Museum and its collection of art from Greek antiquity, including bronze statues of Athena and Apollo.
Things to Know Before You Go
How to Get to Athens from the Piraeus Cruise Port
To reach Piraeus city center from the cruise terminal, head to the Piraeus metro station about a mile away—you can walk 20 minutes around the harbor to get there, or take bus No. 843 from the port to the station. From here, take the green metro line to central Athens in about 20 minutes, alighting at Omonia Station or Thissio for the Acropolis. Shore excursion tours typically include round-trip transportation, while shuttles buses and private transfers are also available from Piraeus to central Athens.
Port Information
In Piraeus, the language is Greek and the currency is the euro, although you will find both English speakers and ATMs in the tourist areas of the city. It’s possible to ferry to just about any of the major Greek Islands from Piraeus—the biggest problem you will encounter is choosing which one.
- Discover Athens on foot, or by Segway, cruise, or hop-on, hop-off bus on a shore excursion tour.
- Booking an excursion that includes transportation and an English-speaking tour guide is the best way to learn about the ancient sights.
- Most Piraeus shore excursion tours include pickup and dropoff at the Piraeus port.
- For a taste of local flavor, choose a food tour or an outdoor excursion with a traditional lunch.
How to Get to Athens from the Piraeus Cruise Port
To reach Piraeus city center from the cruise terminal, head to the Piraeus metro station about a mile away—you can walk 20 minutes around the harbor to get there, or take bus No. 843 from the port to the station. From here, take the green metro line to central Athens in about 20 minutes, alighting at Omonia Station or Thissio for the Acropolis. Shore excursion tours typically include round-trip transportation, while shuttles buses and private transfers are also available from Piraeus to central Athens.
Port Information
In Piraeus, the language is Greek and the currency is the euro, although you will find both English speakers and ATMs in the tourist areas of the city. It’s possible to ferry to just about any of the major Greek Islands from Piraeus—the biggest problem you will encounter is choosing which one.
Address: Piraeus Harbour, Piraeus 18538, Greece
From $ 20