Choose from 5,104 Fun Things to Do in Kelowna & Okanagan Valley
ShowingFilter 3281-3300 of 5104 listings.
Provand's Lordship
Built in 1471 as the home to a hospital chaplain, this grey-stone house is one of just a few surviving medieval buildings—and the only surviving medieval residence—in all of Glasgow. Provand’s Lordship now serves as a museum, with period-accurate rooms filled with antique furnishings and displays relating to the history of the house.
The Basics
Some choose to visit Provand’s Lordship—a rare example of medieval Glaswegian architecture and Glasgow’s oldest house—as part of private guided day tours, while others opt to explore the recreated rooms independently. Adjacent to the property is the tranquil St. Nicholas Garden, a herb garden where medicinal plants that would have been used in the 15th-century Scotland grow. The museum is also a stop on some hop-on hop-off tour-bus routes of Glasgow.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Provand’s Lordship is a must-see for history buffs.
- Although the house itself doesn’t have a café, you’ll find one at the St. Mungo Museum of Religious Life and Art, just across the street.
- The ground floor of Provand’s Lordship is wheelchair accessible. The upper floors—accessible only via a steep, uneven set of stairs—are not.
How to Get There
Provand’s Lordship is situated on Castle Street, just a short walk from Glasgow’s Buchanan and Argyle streets. The nearest train station is High Street, which is a 5-minute walk away. First Bus routes 19, 19A, 38, 57, and 57A all stop near Provand’s Lordship.
When to Get There
Provand’s Lordship is open Tuesday through Sunday, year-round. Peak visiting hours are between noon and 2pm, so arrive early in the morning or later in the afternoon for a quieter, less-crowded experience.
Glasgow’s Other Medieval Gems
Glasgow Cathedral, another of Glasgow’s remaining medieval structures, is just a short stroll from Provand’s Lordship; the Gothic-style building was the only cathedral on the Scottish mainland to survive the Reformation. The National Trust–owned Provan Hall, a fortified country estate that dates back as far as the 15th century, is about 5 miles (8 kilometers) east of Provand’s Lordship; meanwhile, Crookston Castle, Glasgow’s only surviving medieval castle, is located about 7 miles (11 kilometers) away.
Address: 3 Castle Street, Glasgow G4 0RB, Scotland
Admission: Free
From $ 19
Puente del Inca
The area surrounding Mendoza, Argentina is of great historical importance, having been used as an important pass connecting the east and west parts of the South American continent. There is a natural bridge called Puente del Inca, not far from Mendoza (towards the Andes) over the Río Mendoza, that used to have a hot spring. It is hypothesized that the bridge itself was formed by the accumulation of sediment over ice, such that the sediment petrified, and when the ice melted, it left the orange, yellow and ochre-colored bridge behind. The bridge was given its name due to the presence of the Inca people in this area, and the belief that they would have visited the springs for the curative qualities of the water.
The bridge itself sits at about 9,000 feet, and is closed to the public, due to some instability in the structure, but it is still very photogenic. The area surrounding the bridge is spectacular, and includes views of several major peaks surrounding Aconcagua, including Tupungato, which tops out at 6,650 meters. Also nearby is the Cementerio de los Andinistas, built in homage to mountain climbers, both those who perished in the Andes, and those who had tremendous respect for the mountains.
Practical Info
Crossings in this area are tricky in winter months, due to blustery weather at the pass. Keep a close eye on weather conditions, and plan your trip for days with stable weather.
Address: Argentina
From $ 69
Pulau Ubin (Ubin Island)
Pulau Ubin is a small island located to the north east of Singapore and is one of the last undeveloped areas of the country. Legend says that the island was formed when three animals—an elephant, frog and pig—challenged each other to a race; the losers would be turned to stone. As none of the animals could finish the race, the elephant and pig were turned to stone and became Pulau Ubin and the frog became Pulau Sekadu (Frog Island). Whether the legend is true or not is up for debate, but the truth is that the island is made of granite, a fact that thrilled the English when they were settling the area.
Nowadays, the island is an oasis of green with old wooden homes and jetties and abandoned plantations and quarries illustrating the traditional kampong village, a side of Singapore that is mostly absent on the mainland. Many Singaporeans visit the island during the summer months for recreation—there are plenty of hiking and biking paths—and tourists have taken note and followed suit. One of the most popular aspects of the island is Chek Jawa, a former coral reef that allows visitors to get an up-close glimpse at a variety of marine wildlife. There are several restaurants that specialize in seafood and have amazing views, so don’t worry about going hungry during your day of exploring.
Practical Info
To get to Pulau Ubin from the main island of Singapore, it’s just a 10- or 15-minute bumboat ride from the Changi Point Ferry Terminal. The bumboats run from about 6 a.m. to about 8 p.m. and each boat can fit 12 people. The fare is $2.50 Singapore dollars (SGD) each way, $2 SGD for a bicycle. The boat operators will wait until the boat is full before departing, but if you want to get there more quickly, you can rent out the whole boat for $30 SGD.
Address: Pulau Ubin, Singapore
From $ 64
Puerta del Sol
As the central hub of Madrid, the Puerta del Sol makes a popular starting point for sightseeing tours of the city, with a vast number of hotels, hostels and tourist apartments lying on or near the plaza. The famous public square, laid out in its current form back in the 1850s, was once the site of the city’s gates, whose sun emblem gave the area its name – Puerta del Sol translates to ‘the Gate of the Sun.'
Not only is the square a key navigational landmark but it’s also home to a number of iconic sights. The 18th century Real Casa de Correos is best known for its monumental clock tower – the city’s principal timekeeper and the centerpiece of the city’s lively New Year’s Eve celebrations – and by its entrance lies the famous Kilometer Zero stone, the official starting point for Spain’s 6 National Roads, laid out in 1950. Take a moment by the legendary stone to ponder the square’s turbulent history - the 1766 Esquilache Mutiny, the 1808 resistance against Napoleon’s troops and the 1812 coronation of Fernando VII all took place on this very spot. A number of prized statues also overlook the square, most notably the ‘El Oso y El Madroño’ (the Bear and the Strawberry Tree), a bronze work by sculptor Antonio Navarro Santa Fe that is known as the official symbol of the city.
Despite its historic roots, Puerta del Sol and its surrounding streets are one of the most modern and liveliest areas of the city, with bars, restaurants and shops crammed in among the period architecture. With so many of the city’s principal attractions within walking distance, it’s the perfect location for a mid-sightseeing coffee break.
Not only is the square a key navigational landmark but it’s also home to a number of iconic sights. The 18th century Real Casa de Correos is best known for its monumental clock tower – the city’s principal timekeeper and the centerpiece of the city’s lively New Year’s Eve celebrations – and by its entrance lies the famous Kilometer Zero stone, the official starting point for Spain’s 6 National Roads, laid out in 1950. Take a moment by the legendary stone to ponder the square’s turbulent history - the 1766 Esquilache Mutiny, the 1808 resistance against Napoleon’s troops and the 1812 coronation of Fernando VII all took place on this very spot. A number of prized statues also overlook the square, most notably the ‘El Oso y El Madroño’ (the Bear and the Strawberry Tree), a bronze work by sculptor Antonio Navarro Santa Fe that is known as the official symbol of the city.
Despite its historic roots, Puerta del Sol and its surrounding streets are one of the most modern and liveliest areas of the city, with bars, restaurants and shops crammed in among the period architecture. With so many of the city’s principal attractions within walking distance, it’s the perfect location for a mid-sightseeing coffee break.
Address: Plaza Puerta del Sol, Madrid, Spain
From $ 6
Procida
The smallest island in the Campanian Archipelago, a trip to Procida can make a big impression.
Compared to its better known island neighbors, a small number of visitors venture to Procida, making it a great destination for travelers who don’t enjoy crowds. While Chiaiolella Beach is the island’s most popular stretch of sand, the beach at Pozzo Vecchio is known for its role in the film Il Postino.
Lined with a pastel rainbow of buildings, just wandering the narrow streets can provide hours of enjoyment. It’s questionable who has the better view, the houses and churches along the coast, or the many boats anchored offshore.
Practical Info
Procida was created by the eruption of now dormant and submerged volcanoes. It is connected to the Island of Vivara by a narrow bridge. The island, less than 4.1 square kilometers (1.6 square miles), is located between Capo Miseno and the island of Ischia.
Address: Procida, Italy
From $ 1,998
Propylaea
The Propylaea is an ancient gateway in Athens, Greece that leads to the famous Acropolis. It surrounds the natural entrance to the plateau where the Acropolis is located. This entryway is actually a collection of impressive buildings that were built from 438 to 432 BC. Today you'll see two large structures with a smaller one in the center, but this is because most of the center structure is missing. When it was complete, it looked like the front of a temple with Doric columns. Inside the structure are several Ionic columns.
The stairway visitors walk up while approaching the Propylaea is built into the natural rock of the plateau. The Propylaea itself is made of the same marble that was used in constructing the Parthenon. Though it is in a ruined state today, it is still an impressive structure, and visitors can imagine how much more striking it must have been in ancient times.
Practical Info
The Propylaea is located at the entrance to the Acropolis. To get there, take the metro to Acropoli. Acropolis opening hours are 8am to 6:30pm daily, and admission is 12 euros.
Address: Acropolis, Dionysiou Areopagitou, Athens, Attica, Greece 10558, Greece
Hours: Daily 8am-6:30pm
Admission: 12 euros
From $ 23
Principe Real Garden (Jardim do Principe Real)
The Principe Real Garden is a small green space in the Bairro Alto neighborhood of Lisbon. It was built in the mid 1800s. The park covers an area of only a little more than 2.5 acres but it is filled with impressive cypress trees that are hundreds of years old and have grown to diameters of more than 65 feet. These trees provide welcomed shade for those who visit the park during warmer months.
The park is a popular one with locals. Families bring their children to play on the playground, and older men can often be seen playing cards for hours. It's a nice place to get something to drink or eat and relax with friends. In the center of the park is a large lake with a fountain in it. Every Saturday, the Biological Products market is held in the garden where people can buy fresh, organic fruits and vegetables. At the end of each month, there is an urban craft fair.
Practical Info
The Principe Real Garden is located at Praça do Principe Real. It's a 10 minute walk from the Avenida metro station.
Address: Praça do Principe Real, Lisbon, Lisboa 1250, Portugal
From $ 23
Pueblito Paisa
Medellin, now sprawling with more than three million people as Colombia’s second city, is fast becoming an ultra-modern conurbation of rapid transit, experimental architecture, and rising seas of skyscrapers. So it’s comforting to know that you can take the city train to a well-preserved (well, mostly fabricated) monument to Medellin’s quaint colonial past.
The absolutely adorable Spanish pueblito (“little town”) of Paisa, founded in 1978, crowns 80m (262ft) Cerro Nutibara, a natural landmark named for legendary Cacique (Chief) Nuibara. It would worth climbing just for the views. Today it is home to a perfect central plaza, surrounded by colonial adobes rescued from an actual Spanish outpost since flooded by the Penol-Guatape Hydroelectric Project. The beautifully restored buildings, complete with flower-draped wooden balconies and ceramic tejas tiles, is centered on the single cutest Catholic chapel you’ve ever seen.
While originally designed to depict businesses you’d find in a typical rural community—pharmacy, tobacconist, barber—as well as a school and city hall, have been largely replaced with souvenir shops, and the place is populated by a surprising number of mimes and living statues, especially on weekends.
Be sure to visit the Parque de Esculturas, next door, displaying the artistic inclinations of modern Medellin and Latin America, an interesting contrast to the idealized vision of the city’s colonial past.
The absolutely adorable Spanish pueblito (“little town”) of Paisa, founded in 1978, crowns 80m (262ft) Cerro Nutibara, a natural landmark named for legendary Cacique (Chief) Nuibara. It would worth climbing just for the views. Today it is home to a perfect central plaza, surrounded by colonial adobes rescued from an actual Spanish outpost since flooded by the Penol-Guatape Hydroelectric Project. The beautifully restored buildings, complete with flower-draped wooden balconies and ceramic tejas tiles, is centered on the single cutest Catholic chapel you’ve ever seen.
While originally designed to depict businesses you’d find in a typical rural community—pharmacy, tobacconist, barber—as well as a school and city hall, have been largely replaced with souvenir shops, and the place is populated by a surprising number of mimes and living statues, especially on weekends.
Be sure to visit the Parque de Esculturas, next door, displaying the artistic inclinations of modern Medellin and Latin America, an interesting contrast to the idealized vision of the city’s colonial past.
Address: Top of Cerro Nutibara, Medellin, Colombia
Hours: Open all day
From $ 20
Protestant Cemetery
Rome may be home to the Vatican, but not everyone who lives (or dies) in the Eternal City is Catholic. One of the city’s loveliest cemeteries is dedicated to Protestants and non-Catholics, both Italian and foreign, and is home to a number of important tombs, including those of English poets Keats and Shelley.
The Basics
English travelers began to come through Rome on the Grand Tour in the 18th century, followed by a wave of writers and artists who settled there. Many were not Catholic, and Rome soon found it needed a cemetery to lay to rest Protestants who died while in the city. The first burial in Rome’s Protestant Cemetery was in 1738, making it one of the oldest cemeteries in continuous use in Europe. With the tombs of luminaries such as John Keats, Percy Bysshe Shelley, American poet Gregory Corso, and Italian philosopher Antonio Gramsci, the cemetery is said to contain the highest density of famous graves anywhere in the world.
The Protestant Cemetery is also known locally as the Cemetery of the English (Cimitero degli Inglesi), though its official name is the Non-Catholic Cemetery for Foreigners. Visit the most famous graves in the Protestant Cemetery by joining a guided cemetery tour, or stop in to appreciate its beautiful statuary and moving inscriptions as part of a Rome highlights walking or bike tour.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The cemetery offers 1-hour guided tours that must be booked at least 10 days in advance.
- To find a specific grave, consult the burial database or pick up a cemetery map at the visitor center.
- Restrooms are available in the visitor center at the cemetery entrance.
- The cemetery is crisscrossed by paved and gravel walkways, some of which may be hard to navigate with a wheelchair or stroller.
How to Get There
The Protestant Cemetery is located in the southern Roman neighborhood of Testaccio, near Porta San Paolo and the Pyramid of Cestius. Take metro line B to the Piramide station.
When to Get There
The cemetery is outdoors so best toured on a clear day in spring and fall, when the temperatures are mild. The site is closed in the afternoon on Sundays and holidays.
The Most Beautiful Tombs in the Protestant Cemetery
Many of the most famous graves in the cemetery are surprisingly simple, while there are a number of remarkably beautiful tombs for less famous figures. Some of the most important are the neoclassical grave of Dutch sculptor Pier Pander, the statue of the young Georges Volkoff, and the Angel of Grief, designed by American sculptor William Wetmore Story for his wife’s grave.
Address: Via Caio Cestio, 6, Rome, Province of Rome 00153, Italy
Admission: Varies
From $ 58
Puente de Occidente
Surrounded by the green mountains and the bright blue skies of Antioquia, the 984-foot (300-meter) Puente de Occidente, or the Bridge of the West, spans a vast river that once divided the region and tells a story of ingenuity, creativity and the strength of the human spirit.
The Cauca River divides the area and impedes access to other parts of the country, long isolating the inhabitants of the area. In the late 1800s, the need for a bridge was obvious, and the suspension bridge that was built over the river is considered one of the most important civil engineering projects in America at the time it was built.
Colombian José María Villa studied engineering in the United States and later participated in the construction of the Brooklyn Bridge. In the early 1880s, he returned to Colombia and decided to take on the task of building a series of bridges. One of those was the Bridge of the West. Construction started in 1887 and lasted five years.
The problems Villa faced and the creative ways he solved them show the extraordinary vision of the engineer. With limited technical resources and many challenges due to the mountainous terrain, he came up with a design that overcame all the difficulties.
Colombia lists the bridge on its UNESCO World Heritage tentative list due to the value of Villa’s design, which was one of the most advanced projects in Latin America at the time, combining sound construction with a particular beauty. Originally one of the longest suspension bridges in South America, it played a key role in the development of the region and the country.
Practical Info
The Bridge of the West connects the towns of Olaya and Santa Fe de Antioquia, east and west of the Cauca River, respectively.
Address: Medellin, Colombia
From $ 80
Pripyat Amusement Park
The grand opening of the amusement park in the northern Ukrainian city of Pripyat was set for May 1, 1986, but sadly the catastrophic nuclear meltdown at Chernobyl just a few miles away on April 26 put an abrupt stop to that. In the panic-stricken aftermath of the disaster, the park opened for a few hours on the following day to entertain Pripyat’s population of 50,000 people — many of whom worked at the Chernobyl power plant — before they were all evacuated from the disaster zone.
Along with the city, the amusement park has remained empty ever since, standing as a stark reminder of the worst nuclear disaster of modern times; its rusting Ferris Wheel in particular has come to symbolize the tragedy of Chernobyl, with stuffed animals left as memorials in its dilapidated yellow boat-shaped seats. The merry-go-round is at a permanent standstill, the graffiti-covered bumper cars are decaying and, after 30 years, nature is beginning to reclaim the park, with mosses, trees and shrubs growing up through cracks in the concrete.
Although the park still contains minimal levels of radiation, its concrete areas are clear and it is open for brief guided visits. It has become an eerie tourist attraction included on itineraries in the 18.75-mile (30-km) Chernobyl exclusion zone, which is considered safe enough for two-day tours and includes visits to Reactor 4, the crumbling concrete high-rise apartment blocks of Pripyat and the abandoned villages of Kopachi and Zalissya. Passports are required for entry into the exclusion zone at the checkpoints.
Practical Info
Pripyat is in northern Ukraine, close to the border with Belarus. At 94 miles (150 km) north of Kiev, the city can only be visited by guided tour as it lies in 18.75-mile (30-km) Chernobyl exclusion zone. The amusement park is only accessible as part of guided tours.
Address: Pripyat, Kiev, Kiev Oblast, Ukraine 01196, Ukraine
Admission: Only accessible as part of guided tours
From $ 88
Puerto Morelos National Reef Park
Set equidistant between Playa del Carmen and glitzy, busy Cancun, Puerto Morelos is a laidback beach town on Mexico’s Riviera Maya. While some visitors come for the sunshine, sand, serenity, and cenotes, many come here to dive or snorkel the Puerto Morelos Reef Park. As part of the world’s second largest coral reef system, Puerto Morelos became protected in 1998, and today is tightly administered and monitored to ensure the health of the reef. Unlike other sections of the reef—which runs for 600 miles—the corals found off Puerto Morelos are relatively close to the shore. When scouring the 80° water for marine life, watch as schools of colorful fish all flit and swim in unison, and keep an eye out for barracuda, lobster, star fish, or conch shells. In total, over 500 different species of marine life inhabit this vast stretch of reef—a whole new world that’s waiting underwater just 500 yards from the shore.
Practical Info
Swimming from shore is not allowed inside the National Reef Park, and all visitors must wear eco-friendly sunscreen and life jackets while snorkeling are mandatory.
Address: Puerto Morelos, Riviera Maya, Mexico
From $ 35
Princess Mother Memorial Park
Work began on the Princess Mother Memorial Park in 1993, after King Bhumibol Adulyadej, in remembrance of his mother Srinagarindra, began plans to renovate the area around her childhood home in Thonburi.
Known by the Thai people as the Princess Mother, a museum within the park depicts stories of her life and a reconstruction of her old home. Two exhibition halls within the park are dedicated to the Princess Mother’s memorabilia and mementos. The first hall displays photographs chronicling her life, while the second hall contains items relating to her various projects, and even some of her personal belongings.
However, the majority of the park is dedicated to wide-open spaces, including a number of well-maintained gardens. There’s also a pavilion featuring a statue of the princess sheltered under a gazebo.
Practical Info
The Princess Mother Memorial Park is located within the Khlong San district of Bangkok, close to the banks of the Chao Phraya River. The easiest way to reach the park is to catch the Chaophraya River Express boat to the Memorial Bridge Pier. The park museum is open daily from 9am to 4pm and admission is free.
Address: Bangkok, Thailand
Hours: Daily from 9am to 4pm.
From $ 48
Public Latrine
The ruins of the ancient Roman city of Ephasus are located in Selcuk, Turkey. The city was the second most important city in the Roman empire during the 1st and 2nd centuries AD. One of the popular sections of the ruins are the public latrines, which are on next to the Hadrian Temple and the Bordello. The latrines were the city's public toilets, and they were built in the 1st century AD as part of the Scholastica Baths. These baths were built to provide the city with the modern conveniences of public works, including 36 marble toilets.
Visitors can still see, but not use, the toilets that are lined up along the walls. There was an uncovered pool with columns surrounding it which supported a wooden ceiling. Underneath the latrines was a drainage system. There was also a trough with relatively clean water near where your feet would be. People who wanted to use the toilets had to pay an entrance fee.
Practical Info
The public latrine and the Ephasus ruins are located about 5 minutes by bus from the main bus station in Selcuk. Opening hours are 8am to 7pm in the summer and 8am to 5pm in the winter. Admission to Ephasus is 30TL.
Address: Efes Harabeleri, Selcuk, Izmir Province, Turkey 35920, Turkey
Hours: Open daily, summer 8am-7pm and winter 8am-5pm
Admission: 30TL
From $ 33
Pukaha Mount Bruce National Wildlife Centre
Because of its remote, isolated location and the fact it’s surrounded by water, New Zealand houses species of birds found nowhere else on the planet. Unfortunately, decades of growth and introduced species have had drastic effects on their habitat, with many species having gone extinct from hunting, disease, and predation. One place the birds are thriving, however, is the Pukaha Mount Bruce National Wildlife Center, located 2 hours north of Wellington in the Wairarapa region. When visiting this captive breeding sanctuary, you’ll see rare birds like takahe, stitchbirds, saddlebacks, and kokako, and this is the only place in New Zealand where many of these birds are living in captivity. Follow along with daily talks as staff discuss the bird species, and get the chance to feed playful kaka at one of the numerous feeding stations. You can also see New Zealand’s only white kiwi that’s currently found in captivity, and venture inside the nocturnal house for a look at its brown-feathered cousins. You’ll also find slippery, long filled eels and learn their fascinating history, and maybe even lend a hand in planting some native trees.
Practical Info
General admission includes daily talks as well as access to the aviaries. For an added fee, you can also experience multiple tours that range from foraging for tuatara food to wandering the center at night.
Trains are available from Wellington to Masterton, where you can rent a car, take a taxi, or board a Tranzit bus for Palmerston North and disembark at the wildlife center.
Address: 85379 SH 2, Mount Bruce 5881, New Zealand
Hours: Open daily 9am-4:30pm
Admission: Adults: $20; Children: $6
From $ 14
Pub Street
Travelers looking for cold beers and cheap food almost always find themselves in the throes of chaotic Pub Street. Local taverns, unique vendors, musicians and traditional dancers line this paved pass, giving Siem Reap’s entertainment Mecca a true party vibe.
Pedestrian-only streets mean it’s easy to wander between stalls selling traditional crafts, ice-cold beers and spicy hot soups. Food here is as popular with locals as it is with travelers. Strong-stomached visitors can sample frog legs, beetles, snake and crispy grasshoppers, while the less adventurous can head indoors to dance at bumping disco techs, or simply saddle up to one of the numerous outdoor tables and sip cool drinks while absorbing all of the city’s energy.
Practical Info
Pub Street is located between Sivatha Road and Hospital Street, south of Street 8 and north of Street 9 in Siem Reap.
Address: Pub Street, Siem Reap, Cambodia
From $ 48
Psiri
Psiri sits underneath the Acropolis and along with its neighbors Plaka and Monastiraki, is one of the buzziest districts in Athens. It’s not so long ago that it was a down-at-heel artisan area best known for its abandoned buildings and leather shops, but Psiri is undergoing a facelift and is currently one of the hottest addresses in the city. Yes, its narrow, meandering streets are still covered with graffiti and there are local grocery shops unchanged for decades but today Psiri is a magnet to locals and – increasingly – visitors alike. For starters, it’s slowly becoming home to small independent boutiques selling organic soaps, unusual handmade jewelry, old posters and glittering icons; and often market stalls selling homemade produce line the streets. And by night Psiri undergoes a radical transformation as cool cafés, bars, restaurants and local ouzeries open on to the alleyways and the laidback crowds come strolling in. Even later still the music clubs open, some playing rembetika, a bluesy urban folk music, others with live bouzouki music roaring out on to the crowded streets.
Practical Info
Psiri is northwest of Monastiraki, which is the nearest metro station.
Address: Athens, Greece
From $ 21
Puerto Seco Beach
Puerto Seco is a long white-sand beach stretching off to palm trees in the distance, lapped by calm shallow water.
A beach hub for families, it's lined with snack bars and vendors hiring boats and skis. A waterslide and playground for the kids adds to the fun.
There are changing facilities at the beach, thatch huts for shade, food vendors and snorkel hire.
Practical Info
Puerto Seco Beach is right in the center of Discovery Bay, on the eastern side of the harbor, a 30 minute drive west of Ocho Rios.
Address: A1 Highway, Discovery Bay JMCAN10, Jamaica
Hours: Open daily
Admission: Free
From $ 59
Ptuj Castle (Ptujski Grad)
The Renaissance-cum-Baroque castle in Ptuj stands over Slovenia’s oldest town on a bend in the Drava River and its site has been occupied since pre-Roman times. In the 16th century the castle began to take on its present shape, replacing the medieval fortress commissioned by an archbishop of Salzburg, of which only the Western Tower now remains. It has been extended piecemeal since then and was transformed into the Ptuj Regional Museum in 1945, showcasing a host of treasures from Slovenia’s cultured, aristocratic past.
The six permanent exhibitions are woven into a tour of the castle apartments and include Slovenia’s biggest collections of ancient armor and handmade musical instruments on the ground floor plus a series of fine paintings of the Habsburg Imperial Family in the Castle Gallery. The most sumptuous chambers are found on the first floor, where period furniture, Chinoiserie, tapestries and paintings are laid out in reconstructed rooms dating from the late 16th to the 19th centuries.
The Festival Hall houses a rare collection of Turqueries, which are 17th-century Turkish portraits of military commanders, dignitaries and fine Ottoman ladies. However, the real stars among the museum’s collections are the traditional shaggy costumes and animal masks worn during Ptuj’s Kurent (Shrove Tuesday) carnival to stave off winter spirits; they are displayed in castle’s former stable block.
Practical Info
Na Gradu 1, Ptuj. Open May–Oct 14 Mon–Fri 9am–6pm, Sat–Sun 9am–8pm; Oct 15–Apr 30 daily 9am–5pm. Admission adults €5; seniors €4; children younger than 16 €3. Ptuj is 81 miles (130 km) east of Ljubljana and the castle is best accessed on foot via Grajska ulica and a covered wooden walkway that leads to the Peruzzi Gate entrance.
Address: Na Gradu 1, Podravska 2250, Slovenia
Hours: May–Oct 14 Mon–Fri 9am–6pm, Sat–Sun 9am–8pm; Oct 15–Apr 30 daily 9am–5pm
Admission: adults €5; seniors €4; children younger than 16 €3
From $ 75
Public Transport Museum
Opened in 1993 in a former tram depot in Prague-Střešovice, the Public Transport Museum is a two-fold exhibition, with featured displays covering the history of public transport in Prague as well as showcasing more than 45 historic vehicles. Exhibits date back to 1875, when horse-drawn trams were introduced into the city and include well-preserved, gleaming electric trams, fire engines, coaches and buses, all neatly lined up in rows. Many other exhibits, including models, advertising posters, photographs, route maps, travel tickets, old models and short, flickering films, higlight the development of Prague’s transport network over the last 150 years.
Combine a visit to the Public Transport Museum with a turn on the ‘nostalgic’ Tram Line No 91. A fleet of bright-red trams set out from the tram depot — built in 1909 and a city landmark in its own right — every Saturday and Sunday between March 25 and November 17 to do the rounds of Prague’s major sights, including the Castle and Wenceslas Square. Departures are on the hour; the trip takes 40 minutes and costs 35 CZK one-way.
Practical Info
Open Mar 25–Nov 17 Sat, Sun and public holidays 9am–5pm. Admission for adults is 35 CZK; children are 20 CZK. For transportation, take Metro Line A to Hradčanská.
Address: Patočkova 4, Prague 6, Central Bohemian Region, Czech Republic
Hours: Mar 25–Nov 17 Sat, Sun and public holidays 9am–5pm
Admission: Adults: 35 CZK; Children: 20 CZK
From $ 35