Choose from 5,104 Fun Things to Do in Kelowna & Okanagan Valley
ShowingFilter 3801-3820 of 5104 listings.
Siq
The signature sight of Petra, Jordan’s signature sight, the Siq is a geological wonder: a stark rift in the land, smoothed by time into a scenic swirl of sandstone. The walls reach more than 500 feet (150 meters), while the path narrows to just 7 feet (2 meters), and the view of the Treasury at the end is one of the world’s great reveals.
The Basics
The Siq is the most common approach to rose-red Petra, the lost city created by the mysterious Nabateans over 2,300 years ago. To enter the Siq, you’ll need a Petra admission ticket; the 2-day and 3-day tickets are excellent value compared to the single-day version. Besides, the site requires lengthy exploration.
Almost all Petra tours start by walking—or occasionally riding—down the Siq toward the Treasury. One particularly notable Siq tour is the Petra night tour, when flickering candles illuminate the canyon, creating a sense of mystery and drama. It’s worth visiting by day first to savor the Treasury reveal.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Even if you’re not hugely into history, the beauty of Petra makes it an absolute must-visit on any trip to Jordan.
- Bring your camera: As the sunlit pink stone of the Treasury comes into view between the towering walls of the Siq, it’s an incredible sight to behold.
- As you stroll the Siq, keep an eye out for the drainage systems and the niches where guards may have stayed.
How to Get There
You can reach Wadi Musa, the support town for Petra, by minibus from both Aqaba and Amman; the visitor center for Petra is a bit over a mile (2 kilometers) from the station. If you’d like to visit Petra as a day trip, an organized tour with door-to-door round-trip transfers is the most practical option. Note that the site is at least three hours away from Amman.
When to Get There
Beat the crowds by arriving as early as you can bear during Jordan’s tourist peaks: spring (mid-March to mid-May) and fall (mid-September to mid-November). The site opens at 6am year-round, and the best way to arrive early is to stay at one of the many hotels in Wadi Musa.
The Siq at Petra: Not Just a Canyon
While the Siq looks like a canyon—or an Arabic wadi—shaped by water carving a course through the landscape, it’s actually a geological fissure. The Siq was formed when tectonic forces split the land in two, and it’s been smoothed as water followed the line of the fault over the course of centuries.
Address: Wadi Musa, Jordon, Jordan
Admission: Varies
From $ 62
Skeppsholmen
One of the largest of the Stockholm Archipelago’s 24,000 islets and skerries, Skeppsholmen is close to the channel leading out into the Baltic Sea and historically had great tactical significance to Sweden’s capital city. However, although its 18th-century Bergrummet complex originally played a military role, now it has been transformed into museums and cultural emporiums including the Museum of Modern Art (Moderna Museet), the East-Asian Museum (Ostasiatiska Museet) and the avant-garde Theatre Galeasen. Other sights on this peaceful backwater island include a 19th-century fortress; the elegant Neoclassical church of Skeppsholmskyrkan, which is now a concert venue; an historic shipyard where wooden boats are still made; and open-air installations of unique sculpture by Niki de Saint Phalle and her partner Jean Tinguely.
Accessible from mainland Stockholm by road bridge, Skeppsholmen is also connected to the neighboring islets of Blasieholmen and Kastellholmen by foot bridges. The island’s leisure facilities include restaurants and an upmarket hotel as well as a floating youth hostel on the yacht Chapman. The week-long Stockholm Jazz Festival also takes place on the island every July. These days Skeppsholmen is on the itinerary for Segway tours of Stockholm as well as hop-on, hop-off boat tours of the city.
Practical Info
Open 24/7. Admission free. Accessible by ferry to Nybroplan, Slussen or Djurgarden from Gamla Stan (Old Town); footbridge from Kungsträdgården; road bridge from the city center and bus no 65.
Address: Skeppsholmen, Stockholm 111 49, Sweden
From $ 56
Sint-Janshospitaal (Saint John's Hospital)
SintJanshospitaal (Old St John's Hospital) is one of the oldest surviving hospital buildings in Europe. The hospital cared for pilgrims, travellers, and the sick for more than 800 years. The old infirmary cared for patients from the 12th century to the middle of the 19th century when the hospital moved to a nearby red brick building, where patients were treated until 1978.
Visitors may tour the chapel and the medieval wards where monks and nuns performed their charitable work, and explore the hospital’s impressive collection of artwork, vintage medical instruments, and archives. Also worth a visit are the pharmacy and its herb garden, the Diksmuide attic, the old dormitory, and the custodian’s room. SintJanshospitaal owns six works by the artist Hans Memling (one of the most important Flemish Primitive painters, who lived and worked in Bruges in the 15th century), as well as many religious sculptures and paintings that depict what life in the hospital was like throughout the centuries. The museum, which is now located in the old infirmary, teaches the curious visitor more about hospital life in the past and how the wards would have looked then.
Practical Info
SintJanshospitaal is open Tuesdays through Sundays from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and can easily be reached by public transit. The nearest train station is ‘Brugge’ and the nearest bus stop is ‘O.L.V. Kerk, Katelijnestraat ingang O.L.V. Kerk.’ Your museum ticket price includes entry to the hospital’s restored 17th-century pharmacy (Apotheek), which is accessed by a semihidden rear door.
Address: Mariastraat 38, Bruges, Belgium
Admission: €8 adults; €6 seniors older than 65 and adults younger than 26; free for children under 12
From $ 53
Sirince
The small village of just 600 inhabitants has a long history that is intrinsically linked to Ephesus; indeed, rumor has it that it was founded by freed Greek slaves who named it “ugly” in Turkish to deter others from following them after the fall of Ephesus. It wasn’t until the early 20th century that the name was changed to Sirince, which means ‘pleasant.’ Nowadays the mountainous village is mainly known for its many preserved whitewashed stucco homes, bucolic and lush setting, as well as its fruit-based wineries and olive groves. The Church of St John the Baptist, although neglected by Turkish authorities, still houses fantastic Byzantine frescoes. Most tourists tend to visit for one day as part of excursions to nearby Selçuk, but there’s a handful of guesthouses and cafés for overnight guests as well. Visitors should be aware that Sirince gets very crowded on the weekend.
Practical Info
Sirince is located on the Aegean coast, one hour south of Izmir via route E87. Bus service to Sirince via Selçuk is sparse and inconvenient but nonetheless available to visitors without a car.
Address: Sirince, Turkey
From $ 12
Skerries Mills
Rising out of the green Irish countryside, the working watermill and windmills in the town of Skerries are both scenic and historic. Learning about the operation of the mills provides context on the history of the area, which has ties to stone-ground milling back to the 12th century. Visitors can walk the interior of the mills to see how they operate, and even try their hand at milling flour the old way.
Particularly scenic are the two windmills perched up on the rolling hills, where you can find views of the nearby islands off the coast—as well as the idyllic wetlands and millpond. Take a stroll through the sprawling area to get a sense of true, Irish countryside, without even being that far from Dublin.
Practical Info
Skerries is a small coastal town 19 miles (30 km) north of Dublin City. Though the mills are located just outside of town (parking available) the town itself is also worth a stroll. Guided tours of the mill are given daily, and a bakery on site serves up tasty local breads and pastries. The mills are open from 10am to 4:30pm, and the costs for entry with tour are EUR 6.50 for adults and EUR 3.50 for children.
Address: Skerries, Dublin, Fingal, Ireland
Hours: 10am–4:30pm daily
Admission: Varies
From $ 67
Sitges
Situated along the Costa Dorada, southwest of Barcelona, Sitges is one of the most popular gay beach resorts of southern Europe. Young Europeans flock to this gem on the Costa Dorada for its white sand beaches, sizzling nightlife, festivals, and artistic culture—the 19th-century modernismo movement began here.
The Basics
Sitges is a popular day trip destination from Barcelona. While some visit independently, other travelers opt for the convenience and enhanced experience of a guided tour, with trips including add-ons such as a visit to the Roman ruins of nearby Tarragona. Most day-trippers come for the sandy beaches, but the old town is also home to numerous galleries and boutiques, as well as several excellent museums. Most notable is the Cau Ferrat Museum, which tells the story of the town’s early years as an art colony.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Sitges is a must-visit for sun-seekers and gay travelers.
- A full-day tour from Barcelona can last upwards of 10 hours.
- Remember to bring swimwear, sunscreen, a towel, hat, and sunglasses to make the most of your time on the Mediterranean.
- There are three gay-friendly nude beaches: Playa De la Bassa Rodona, Playa De Las Balmins, and Playa del Muerto.
How to Get There
Sitges an easy trip from nearby Barcelona, with commuter rail trains departing from Barcelona-Sants and Estacio de França every 15 to 30 minutes daily. The journey takes about 30 minutes. Travelers with a rental car can make the 45-minute drive along the scenic C-246 coastal road or the quicker A-7 express highway.
When to Get There
Sitges is a year-round destination. In July and August, the town becomes one giant beach party, perfect for lazing in the sun by day and reveling in the cranked-up nightlife after dark. The volume gets turned up once again come Carnaval in Catalonia, when a quarter of a million people descend on the town for a week of parades, shows, and parties. Horror, sci-fi, and fantasy fans should plan to visit in October during the Sitges International Fantastic Film Festival.
Do Your Beach Research
Sitges has 17 beaches, ranging from family-friendly to clothing-optional stretches of sand. The beaches directly in front of the town center and those on the eastern end tend to be the best for families, while the beaches to the west tend to attract nude swimmers and sunbathers. Women can and do go topless all along the coast.
Address: Sitges, Spain
From $ 68
Sistine Chapel
The Sistine Chapel, part of Rome’s Vatican Museums, was decorated by art masters Sandro Botticelli and Pinturicchio in the 15th century before being completed with Michelangelo’s stunning 16th-century ceilings frescoes and monumental “The Last Judgement,” which covers the apse wall. The fresco-covered ceiling is the artist’s greatest work and one of the most important masterpieces in history, while the Sistine Chapel serves as a glorious homage to Renaissance art and one of the most visited sights in all of Italy.
The Basics
A Vatican Museums ticket includes access to the Sistine Chapel, and as part of the Vatican Museums, the chapel cannot be visited on its own and can only be entered through the museum complex. Because the Sistine Chapel attracts millions of visitors each year, those who don’t reserve skip-the-line access in advance will find long lines upon arrival. Many travelers find that the complex frescoes are best appreciated with the assistance of an official tour guide, so booking a group tour, an expert guide for a private tour, or even a self-guided audio tour is recommended.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Seeing Michelangelo's frescoes can be unforgettable even for kids if seen as part of a small-group or kid-friendly Sistine Chapel and Vatican tour.
- Because the chapel is a Catholic church, appropriate attire and decorum are required. Wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees and to keep your voice low.
- Though photography (without flash) is permitted in the Vatican Museums, no photography is allowed in the Sistine Chapel.
How to Get to the Sistine Chapel
The Sistine Chapel is part of the Vatican Museums complex adjacent to St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican City. The Ottaviano station on Line A of the city’s underground metro system is about a five-minute walk away.
When to Get There
The Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel are famously crowded, especially during the middle of the day. To skip the line and savor the chapel frescoes in relative peace, reserve an exclusive first-entry or early-access tour in the morning or a night tour after the general public has left. The chapel is often quieter on Wednesday mornings, when the papal address attracts most visitors to St. Peter’s Square instead of the museums.
Sistine Chapel Highlights
It’s easy to be overwhelmed by the majesty of Michelangelo’s sumptuous ceiling frescoes, which cover 5,000 square feet (460 square meters) and depict more than 300 figures illustrating the “Creation of the Earth,” the “Creation of Humankind,” and the “State of Humanity.” Take a few moments to focus on and appreciate the iconic scene of the “Creation of Adam” in the ceiling’s central section, one of the most famous and replicated religious paintings of all time.
Address: St Peter’s Square, Vatican City 00120, Italy
Hours: Mon–Sat 9am–6pm, last Sunday of the month 9am-2pm
Admission: Adults €16, Children €8
From $ 25
Skanderbeg Statue
Albania’s greatest national hero is aristocratic military leader Gjergj Kastrioti – universally known as Skanderbeg, or Skënderbej in Albanian. He lived between 1405 and 1468 and managed to create a strong, independent country for 25 years before it was torn apart again by the might of invading Ottoman forces. Throughout the Ottoman occupation of Albania, Skanderbeg became a symbol of national pride and still today he is regarded as the father of the nation. Such is his place in Tirana life that the city’s gently chaotic central square is named after him and dominated by his mighty equestrian statue, which was erected in 1968 on the 500th centenary of his death. In stark contrast to the socialist-realist architecture that surrounds the square, Skanderbeg’s statue is remarkably Byzantine in style. The masterpiece of Albanian sculptor Odhise Paskali, it sits on a stone plinth and is 36 feet (11 meters) high, depicting the much-venerated military leader in full armor and on horseback; the Albanian flag flies alongside.
Practical information
Sheshi Skënderbej (Skanderbeg Square). Open to all, no admission charges. Best accessed on foot.
Address: Sheshi Skënderbej (Skanderbeg Square), Tirana 1000, Albania
From $ 28
Skálholt
From the eleventh to the eighteenth centuries, the town of Skálholt served as one of two episcopal bishoprics in Iceland. As a center for Christianity, it became one of the wealthiest and most influential settlements in the country. In 1550, the last Catholic bishop was beheaded (along with his two sons), marking the end of the Reformation in the area. The town remained a Lutheran center until the seat was moved to Reykjavik in 1797.
Modern-day visitors will find a large Protestant cathedral in Skálholt, built between 1956 and 1963 to replace one destroyed by an earthquake in the 1700s. An underground vault below the church houses what are believed to be the sarcophagus remains of Pall Jonsson, one of the town’s most powerful bishops, which were discovered during an excavation in 1954.
Practical Info
Skálholt is located along Road 31 in the lower Biskupstungur Valley.
Address: Skálholt 801, Iceland
From $ 47
Skaftafell National Park
Established in 1967, Skaftafell National Park became a part of the enormous Vatnajokull National Park in 2008, but the area, which sprawls across the southern tip of the vast Vatnajokull glacier, still remains one of the most popular corners of the park. Skaftafell is dominated by the Skaftafellsjökull glacier, one of the most accessible parts of Vatnajokull and offers 5,000 square-kilometers of rugged mountainous terrain and icy glacial tongues.
With no roads traversing the region, hiking, glacier hiking and ice climbing are the main ways to get around in Skaftafell and a vast network of trails are mapped out by the Skaftafell Visitor Center, which now acts as an information center and exhibition space for the entire Vatnajokull National Park. Dotted with active volcanoes, fast-flowing glacial rivers and lava-sculpted peaks, Skaftafell’s highlights include the dramatic Svartifoss waterfall (Black Fall), tumbling 20 meters over a cliff of black basalt, the scenic Morsárdalur valley and the looming ice caps of nearby Öræfajökull, Iceland’s highest peak.
With no roads traversing the region, hiking, glacier hiking and ice climbing are the main ways to get around in Skaftafell and a vast network of trails are mapped out by the Skaftafell Visitor Center, which now acts as an information center and exhibition space for the entire Vatnajokull National Park. Dotted with active volcanoes, fast-flowing glacial rivers and lava-sculpted peaks, Skaftafell’s highlights include the dramatic Svartifoss waterfall (Black Fall), tumbling 20 meters over a cliff of black basalt, the scenic Morsárdalur valley and the looming ice caps of nearby Öræfajökull, Iceland’s highest peak.
Address: Skaftafell Visitor Centre, Öræfi 785, Iceland
Hours: Nov-Feb 11am - 3pm; Mar-Apr 10am - 5pm; May 9am - 7pm; Jun-Aug 8am - 9pm; Sept 9am - 5pm; Oct 10am - 5pm.
From $ 137
Singel
This slow, winding canal served as a moat around Amsterdam before the capital city expanded in 1585. Today, Singel has become a top attraction thanks to scenic passes and easy access to a number of Amsterdam’s most popular neighborhoods, including the infamous Red Light District.
Travelers looking to explore the Singel can peruse Bloemenmarkt—a well-known flower market that’s comprised of floral-filled boats floating between Koninsplein and Muntplein squares. And a trip along the canal will take travelers past architectural masterpieces from the Dutch Golden era, including iconic houses, the Munttoren tower and the library of the University of Amsterdam. A stroll along the Singel is the perfect way to enjoy an early spring day while taking in the sites, culture and history of one of the Netherlands most favorite cities.
Practical Info
The canal runs between IJ Bay, near Central Station and Muntplein square.
Address: Singel, Amsterdam, Netherlands
From $ 26
Sisowath Quay
Take a tuk-tuk to the Royal Palace and begin the day along Phnom Penh’s three-kilometer strip of shops, hotels and eateries. This scenic walk wanders along the river’s edge and visitors can lounge easily at one of the numerous outside tables in popular cafes. Sisowath Quay is an ideal spot to sample local beer, strong coffee and real French baguettes. Travelers can comb through traditional handicrafts at Colours of Cambodia, or purchase a “happy monk” painting at the Happy Painting Gallery next door. Street 178, also known as Artists’ Street, offers local silk and numerous shops that are worth a look.
Sisowath Quay is also convenient to the ferry terminal. Visitors can hop a boat to Siem Reap, where famous temple ruins draw travelers from around the world. Nearby Street 104 offers plenty of backpacker-friendly options, cheap accommodations and crowded, friendly pubs. This well-known walkway is a haven for tourists, so while you may not want to dedicate days to its exploration, the close proximity to many of Phnom Penh’s destinations make it worth an afternoon’s visit.
Practical Info
The quay is located near the junction of the Mekong and Tonle Sap River by the Royal Palace.
Address: Sisowath Boulevard, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
From $ 110
Sintra
Once a hot spot destination for Portuguese royalty—Lord Byron called it a “glorious Eden”—Sintra is widely acclaimed as one of Portugal's most beautiful destinations, full of gardens, tiled villas, colorful palaces, and neo-Gothic structures, all surrounded by verdant hills rolling toward the Atlantic Ocean.
The Basics
Visitors who experience Sintra on a guided tour from Lisbon benefit from a tour guide’s insight and included transportation. Popular attractions within this UNESCO World Heritage Site include the Museum of Modern Art, Monserrate Palace (Palacio de Monserrate), Pena National Palace, Castle of the Moors, and the beautiful Gothic architecture of the Quinta da Regaleira. While it’s possible to spend an entire day (or week) in this captivating town, travelers with limited time can also combine a visit to Sintra with stops at other nearby points of interest, such as Praia Grande, Cascais, Guincho Beach, or the wineries of Colares.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Travelers can dedicate an entire day to the UNESCO-listed city, or incorporate other stops, such as Cascais, Colares, and Guincho Beach.
- Day trips to Sintra generally last about eight hours and typically include return transportation.
- Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking on uneven surfaces.
How to Get There
The easiest way to get to Sintra is by train from Lisbon. Trains depart every 10 to 20 minutes from Estação do Rossio to the Sintra Railway Station, and the journey takes about 45 minutes. There’s also a slower bus service from both Lisbon and Cascais.
When to Get There
For the best experience and minimal crowds, plan to visit early in the day, midweek, and outside of the summer high season. Classical music lovers gather in late spring and early summer, when the Sintra Festival takes place and concerts are hosted all over town.
Getting Around Sintra
There are a number of cost-effective ways to get around Sintra, including Bus 434, which goes from Sintra station to most of the major attractions. If you're looking for a more romantic and historic mode of transportation, try a horse-drawn carriage ride around the town center or through the Park of Pena.
Address: Sintra, Portugal
From $ 34
Skocjan Caves
Formed by the Reka River, which still flows through this underground canyon, the Škocjan cave system is a 4-mile (6-kilometer) network of interconnected caves and one of Slovenia’s most impressive natural attractions. The UNESCO World Heritage Site includes cavernous chambers, pools, sinkholes, and jumbo-size stalactites and stalagmites.
The Basics
Visitors can explore the Škocjan cave system during various guided tours. Lasting 1.5–2 hours, the Through the Underground Canyon tour includes access to many of the dramatic subterranean landscapes, such as the Silent Cave, a dry canyon replete with stalactites, stalagmites, and flowstones; and Cerkvenik Bridge, which is suspended about 160 feet (50 meters) above the Reka River. Between April and October, it’s possible to take the Following the Reka River Underground guided tour, which follows the river path.
Visitors can prebook tour tickets for the caves and make their own way to the site. Alternatively, visit as part of a half-day or full-day tour from Ljubljana, Koper, Rovinj, or Trieste in Italy. These longer tours typically combine a cave visit with other Slovenian attractions, such as Lipica Stud Farm or the seaside town of Piran.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Find a restaurant and souvenir shop on-site.
- The temperature in the caves is a cool 53°F (12°C) year-round, so bring an extra layer or two.
- Sturdy walking shoes are a must, as paths can be slippery.
How to Get There
Škocjan Caves are situated about 28 miles (77 kilometers) southwest of Slovenia’s capital, Ljubljana, and about 16 miles (26 kilometers) east of Trieste in northern Italy. Take the train from Ljubljana to Divača station. Shuttle buses run from the station to the caves.
When to Get There
Tours through the caves run year-round but are more frequent during the busy summer months (June–September). The caves are quieter in winter and the water levels of the Reka River are often higher, meaning the roar of the current can be louder.
The Škocjan Educational Trail
If, after seeing the caves, you want to further explore Škocjan Caves Regional Park, follow the self-guided Škocjan Educational Trail. This circular 1.2-mile (2-kilometer) walking route begins at the park’s visitor center, where you can see models of the underground canyon and exhibits explaining the unique karst landscape. The route leads past various geological features, including sinkholes, and through the villages of Betajna and Škocjan.
Address: Škocjan 2, Divača 6215, Slovenia
Admission: Varies
From $ 18
Skalka Sanctuary
The Skalka Sanctuary and St Stanislaw's Church are a Roman Catholic Church and monastery on the banks of the Vistula River in Krakow. The original Romanesque church which stood on this site was the place of one of Poland's crucial historic events - the murder of Stanislav, bishop of Krakow by the king, Boleslav. There are differing reasons why this happened but regardless, the people were not happy and Stanislav was eventually made a saint by Pope Innocent IV in 1253 - he has been called the saint of moral order. He was the first n ative Polish saint and remains patron saint of Poland. His relics are now in Wawel Cathedral.
The current Gothic church which stands on the site dates from the 14th century, with a Baroque update from the mid-18th century. Beginning in the 19th century, the church became a place for burial for well-known artists and writers, including Nobel Prize winning poet Czeslaw Milosz. Each year on May 8th, the Bishop of Krakow carries the bones of St Stanislav from Wawel Cathedral to St Stanislav's church.
The church or sanctuary is a short walk down the Vistula River from Wawel Cathedral, in the Kazimierz district of Krakow. Begin at the base of Wawel Hill and walk south along the river bank, just past the Grundwald Bridge you'll see the Pauline Church of SS Michael & Stanislaus, also known as Skalka, It is still an active church.
Address: Ul Skaleczna 15, Krakow 31-065, Poland
Hours: Open Daily
Admission: Free
From $ 116
Skógafoss
Stretching 82 feet (25 meters) across the Skógá River, into which its teeming waters plunge 197 feet (60 meters) from a rocky cliff, Skógafoss clocks in as one of Iceland’s biggest waterfalls. Its clouds of spray regularly create vivid rainbows—often double rainbows—across the waters. The waterfall is also an important site for local folklore.
The Basics
As one of Iceland’s biggest waterfalls and one of its most picturesque, Skógafoss is a must-see on any trip to the south coast of Iceland. Visits to Skógafoss are typically included on guided tours—private or group—of Iceland’s south coast, most of which depart from Reykjavik. Those tours usually also include visits to nearby Seljalandsfoss waterfall, the black-sand beach of Reynisfjara, Thingvellir National Park, and other sites around the Golden Circle. Upon arrival, climb up the fall’s staircase for a sweeping view of the surrounding landscape and learn about the entertaining folklore associated with the site.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Skógafoss is a must-see attraction for nature lovers and those who want to check off Iceland’s most important sites.
- Waterproof clothing is recommended—Iceland’s weather changes quickly and you can get soaked by the spray, especially when it’s windy.
- Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking over uneven surfaces.
- The climb to the top of the fall’s stairway is fairly demanding, but there are also plenty of photo opportunities from the bottom.
How to Get There
Set on Iceland's south shore, Skógafoss waterfall is about 93 miles (150 kilometers) from Reykjavik along Route 1 (the Ring Road), which makes for a simple day trip from the capital. You can rent a car in Reykjavik and make stops along the Ring Road, or skip the hassle of driving and book a guided tour that visits Skógafoss as part of a southern Iceland day tour that includes Reykjavik hotel pickup and drop-off.
When to Get There
Iceland’s most important attractions are all at their busiest in summer. Beat the biggest crowds by arriving early in the morning or at night—during the height of summer, it is still light out around midnight. If you can brave the cold, you’ll have an even quieter experience in winter, when you’ll see surrounding icicles and snow with a chance at spotting the northern lights as well.
Skógafoss and Icelandic folklore
Skógafoss is a popular subject of local Iore, which tells that the region’s first Viking settler, Thrasi Thórólfsson, buried a chest of treasure in a cave behind the mighty falls. Legend has it that a local boy found the chest years later and while attempting to haul it out, pulled the ring from the front of the chest. According to the story, this ring is now displayed in the nearby Skógar Museum.
Address: Skógá River, South Iceland, Iceland
From $ 81
Sir John Soane's Museum
Housed within the walls of his own home, Sir John Soane’s Museum was designed to inspire students of architecture and drawing by providing examples of different architectural styles and decoration. It has been open to the public since 1837.
The Basics
Sir John Soane was a successful British neoclassical architect, responsible for designing several important Regency-era buildings, including the Bank of England. After becoming professor of architecture at the Royal Academy, he decided to create a museum within his home (made up of three buildings in Lincoln’s Inn Fields) for his students, and the result is a quirky collection of copies of famous statues, Soane’s architectural models, and artifacts from ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome.
Visit independently or book a tour that visits the museum, like the secret gardens excursion of London that includes afternoon tea.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Admission to the museum is free.
- The museum is wheelchair accessible but is narrow in parts. There are a few special custom-sized wheelchairs available.
- You can prebook a guided tour.
- The museum does not have a shop or cafe.
How to Get There
The museum is located at 13 Lincoln’s Inn Fields in Holborn, London. The closest tube (subway) stop is Holborn (Piccadilly and Central lines) which is a short walk away. Numerous buses including nos. 1, 59, and 188 stop nearby on Kingsway.
When to Get There
Sir John Soane’s museum is open from Wednesday to Sunday, from 10am–5pm. Last entry is at 4:30pm. It’s also open on bank holidays. Weekends are the busiest time to visit.
Take a Break at Lincoln’s Inn Fields
Thought to have inspired Central Park in New York, the urban green space at Lincoln’s Inn Fields is a popular spot to stop and take a break on any busy day out visiting London’s museums. Close to Sir John Soane’s Museum and the British Museum, it’s the largest public square in the city.
Address: 13 Lincoln's Inn Fields, England
From $ 93
Skanderbeg Square
Named after a national hero of Albania, Skanderberg Square is the main plaza in the capital city of Tirana. All roads in Tirana seem to lead into the square, which has been the subject of various reconstruction plans since 2010. Many of the original buildings on the square were destroyed during communist times, but a few older structures do remain, like the early 19th century Eth’em Bey Mosque and Clock Tower. In 1968, a statue of Joseph Stalin was replaced by the Skanderberg Monument, honoring a nobleman who once resisted the Ottoman invasion. The equestrian monument stands 11 meters tall and depicts Skanderberg on horseback in full armor, with an Albanian flag flying alongside.
Around the square today, you will find the National History Museum, the Tirana International Hotel, the National Library of Albania, City Hall and the Palace of Culture, which is home to the National Theater of Opera and Ballet. Don’t miss a climb up the Clock Tower, which offers superb views around Tirana.
Practical Info
Skanderberg Square serves as a meeting point for many walking tours of Tirana. If your hotel is not within walking distance, get there by taking a bus along Rruga e Kavajes or Rruga e Dibris.
Address: Skanderberg Square, Tirana, Albania
From $ 28
Ski Dubai
Ski Dubai is an indoor ski resort with five slopes of varying difficulties, lengths, and gradients, including the world's first indoor black run and largest indoor snow park. Aside from the sporting opportunities, the park offers plenty of snow-centric fun for non-skiers as well.
The Basics
The idea of skiing on real snow in the desert is so very Dubai, and when it's over 100°F (38°C) outside, stepping into this indoor winter wonderland can be a hugely surreal relief. Skiers can choose between five runs and a freestyle zone outfitted with rails and jumps, and while the vertical drop is only 196 feet (60 meters), even advanced skiers will appreciate the novelty of the site's lift-accessed "mountain." Non-skiers can ride toboggans or the giant ball run, take a spin on the ski lift, observe Ski Dubai's resident colony of gentoo penguins and king penguins, or soar above the faux mountain on the Snow Bullet zip line. Two cafes offer areas to relax and sip hot chocolate in the 25°F (-4°C) weather.
Things to Know Before You Go
- This site is a must for families and active travelers.
- Choose between a single attraction ticket and an unlimited park pass.
- All equipment and winter gear is included, but remember to bring a hat and gloves.
- New skiers can sign up for a lesson from ski instructors at the Ski Dubai ski school.
- Lockers are available for a small fee.
How to Get There
Ski Dubai is inside the Mall of the Emirates, one of the largest malls in the world. The easiest way to get there is by riding the metro red line to the Mall of the Emirates station.
When to Get There
Ski Dubai is open and snow-covered throughout the year, so there isn't really a bad time to visit. As one of Dubai's most popular attractions, especially when outdoor temperatures start to soar, it's a good idea to book in advance. Guests interested in the penguin encounter should plan to book at least 24 hours in advance.
Skiing Up an Appetite
Skiers and non-skiers alike should set aside some time to visit the site's Avalanche Cafe. Located mid-slope and accessible via the chairlift or a short uphill climb, this alpine-themed eatery is the perfect setting for people watching and sipping hot chocolate. The St Moritz Café, located at the Ski Dubai entrance, serves heartier fare, including burgers and French onion soup.
Address: Mall of the Emirates, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Hours: Thurs-Sat 10am-midnight;
Sun-Wed 10am-11pm
Admission: Varies
From $ 57
Skansen
Skansen is the world’s oldest open-air museum and zoo. Located in Stockholm, the museum was founded in the late 19th century by Artur Hazelius, originally as a branch of the Nordic Museum (Nordiska Museet). Today it illustrates the different ways of life prevalent in old-time, pre-industrialized Sweden.
The Basics
Hazelius originally built Skansen from 150 reconstructed historical buildings. Since then the museum has expanded dramatically, featuring houses and workshops where you can experience the making of traditional Swedish crafts such as butter-churning, weaving, shoemaking, and glassblowing. There is also a children’s zoo containing a wide range of Nordic animals such as bison, brown bears, moose, reindeer, and wolverines.
The museum is one of Stockholm’s top cultural attractions, and many city tours include a visit to Skansen. A Stockholm Pass provides free entrance to the museum, and cruise ship passengers can visit on a shore excursion from Nynashamn port. Hop-on, hop-off bus tours are also a good option for travelers who want to see the museum at their own pace.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Skansen is a must-see for history buffs and culture lovers.
- A variety of restaurants and food stands serve both traditional Swedish items and modern fare. You can also find dedicated picnic sites on Offerholmen (the small island in one of the ponds) and other sites throughout the museum park.
- Strollers are available for rent, and wheelchairs are available free of charge at all entrances.
- Most of the property is outdoors, so dress appropriately for the weather.
How to Get There
Skansen is located on the island of Djurgården outside the city center, and is accessible by public transportation. While parking for private vehicles is not available, guided tours typically provide round-trip transportation.
When to Get There
Skansen is open year-round, but hours vary seasonally. In the winter, the site’s central Bollnäs square is home to a popular Christmas market. Spring brings the Walpurgis bonfire and egg decorating, and in the summer Skansen plays host to folk dancing and concerts. Autumn features the celebration of harvest time and linen-making demonstrations.
Children at Skansen
Many of Skansen’s activities are specifically catered to children. There is a popular children’s zoo, where guests can ride ponies and even help out with farm tasks during the summer. Kids can also play with old-fashioned Swedish toys, go on fair rides, navigate a classic car track, or participate in summertime sing-alongs.
Address: Djurgarden 49-51, Stockholm 115 93, Sweden
Admission: Varies
From $ 24