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Alto Vista Chapel
With the blue Caribbean sky and calm sea as its backdrop, the Alto Vista Chapel, or “Pilgrims Church,” is one of the most photographed attractions on the island of Aruba. This bright yellow chapel, which also hosts weekly religious services, is visited by Christians and non-Christians alike and is a popular stop for small-group tours.
The Basics
Built by Spanish missionaries in 1750, the Alto Vista Chapel is said to be the oldest continuously operating church in the Caribbean. After falling into disrepair after a plague hit the island, it was rebuilt in 1952. A winding path lined with white crosses leads through the desert landscape to the small, unassuming church. The chapel is included in most small-group tours of Aruba and is considered a must-see attraction.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Services are held Tuesday evenings at 5:30pm.
- Outside the chapel lies the “peace labyrinth,” which is used by pilgrims for prayer and meditation; there is no right or wrong way to walk through the maze.
- Because the chapel is quite small, you may need to wait to enter if there are crowds.
How to Get There
The Alto Vista Chapel is located in Boca Noord, Aruba, on the eastern side of the northwestern tip of the island, off Alto Vista Road. It is accessible via taxi or car. From the Aruba Cruise Terminal, it’s about a 20-minute drive to the chapel; follow Route 2 to Alto Vista in Noord.
When to Get There
To avoid the crush of crowds, visit the chapel early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Mass is held on Tuesdays at 5:30pm, and is conducted in the local language of Papiamento. Also, every year on Good Friday, local Catholics make a pilgrimage on foot from Oranjestad to Alto Vista Chapel.
Nearby California Lighthouse
Another striking landmark in Aruba is this stone lighthouse, which was built between 1914 and 1916 and is located at Hudishibana near Arashi Beach. Named after the S.S. California, the lighthouse measures 100 feet tall (35 meters), so it offers expansive views of the coastline and is arguably the best place to catch the sunset on Aruba.
Address: Alto Vista, Noord, Aruba
From $ 41
9th Arrondissement
The 9th Arrondissement is located on the Right Bank in Paris and is home to a number of places of cultural, historical and architectural interest. It also boasts more hotels than any other arrondissement in Paris, so it can be a great area to base yourself to explore the city. Here you will find the Palais Garnier, which is home to the Paris Opera, as well as the Musee Grevin, a waxwork museum featuring more than 500 characters from French history. As you walk around the arrondissement, look for commemorative plaques outside of homes indicating notable landmarks. Be sure to check out the covered passageways near Boulevard Haussmann and rue Vivienne. Dating to the 19th century, these were precursors to the modern shopping mall.
The 9th Arrondissement is also home to several major department stores, including Printemps and Galeries Lafayette, both of which offer good skyline views of the city. In the young and vibrant South of Pigalle district, you can find a variety of restaurants, bars and cafes, and in Little Tokyo you can discover some of the best Japanese food in Paris.
Practical Info
The 9th Arrondissement covers less than one square mile. To get there, take Metro line 3, 7 or 8 to the Opera station; line 7 or 9 to the Chausette d’Antin La Fayette station or line 8 or 9 to the Grands Boulevards station.
Address: Paris, France
From $ 87
6th Arrondissement
For many, the 6th Arrondissement is the quintessential Parisian neighborhood, complete with cafes, wine shops, patisseries, small art museums and shops lining its streets. Situated on the left bank of the Seine, the walkable neighborhood is home to the Latin Quarter, Saint-Germain-des-Pres, Medici Fountain and the beautifully manicured Luxembourg Gardens.
Saint-Germain-des-Pres has long served as the literary and intellectual heart of the city, and some of Paris’s most iconic cafes are here, including Les Deux Magots, Cafe de Flore, Brasserie Lipp and Le Precope. Each make for a perfect people watching perch.
Practical Info
Access the 6th Arrondissement from Odeon, St. Germain, Solferino, Musee’ d’Orsay, rue du Bac and Sevres Babylone metro stations.
Address: 6th Arrondissement, Paris, France
From $ 29
7th Arrondissement
The 7th arrondissement of Paris is home to some of the city’s most famous attractions, including the Eiffel Tower, the Musée d’Orsay, and Napoleon’s tomb. Situated on the left bank of the River Seine, the 7th arrondissement is a charming mix of narrow cobblestone streets, bustling street markets, quaint cafés, and local shops.
The Basics
For first-time visitors, the 7th arrondissement is the perfect place to begin an exploration of Paris. Take a sightseeing tour to see the district’s highlights and enjoy a great introduction to Paris culture, history, and architecture. You’ll admire views of the Eiffel Tower, wander the Musée Rodin Sculpture Garden, discover quaint cobbled side streets, and sample traditional French foods.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The 7th arrondissement is a must for first-time Paris visitors.
- Book a walking tour to see neighborhood highlights and hidden treasures.
- Wear comfortable shoes and plan to spend a lot of time walking.
- Book Eiffel Tower tickets and tours in advance to avoid long wait times.
How to Get There
It is easy to get to the 7th arrondissement using public transportation from anywhere in Paris. Metro lines 6, 8, 10, 12, and 13 service the arrondissement with stops including Bir-Hakeim (for the Eiffel Tower), Musée d'Orsay, and Varenne (for Les Invalides and Musée Rodin).
When to Get There
The 7th arrondissement is worth exploring any time of year. If visiting during the summer months, consider booking tours and museum admission tickets ahead of time to avoid long lines. If you’re on a budget, you’ll find the best deals visiting November through February and also enjoy less tourist crowds, though with fewer services.
Shopping in the 7th Arrondissement
The 7th arrondissement boasts a vast array of shops, from small speciality stores and consignment shops to high-end boutiques and large department stores. Fashion enthusiasts must visit Le Bon Marché, Paris’s oldest and most prestigious department store. Showcasing the finest designer brands and gorgeous window displays, Le Bon Marché is like an art gallery for fashion lovers.
Address: 7th Arrondissement, Paris, France
From $ 68
Albi Cathedral
The Basilique Cathédrale Sainte-Cécile d'Albi, commonly known in English as the Albi Cathedral, looks quite a bit different than most of the churches in France. First, it is made from clay brick instead of stone, giving it a pinkish hue rather than grey. Second and more noticeable still is the bell tower, which looks more like a fortress lookout than the usual intricately carved spires that visitors may be used to.
There's a reason for its fortified presence–it was built after the Church vanquished the Cathars, whose desire to create a new church was considered heretical. Although the site had housed other religious sites (including one that burned down in the year 666!), it is this one that has remained since its construction in the 13th century. Included on the grounds is the Berbie Palace, where bishops once lived and where the Toulouse-Latrec Museum sits today.
Practical Info
The Albi Cathedral is open from 8:30 a.m. to 6:45 p.m. every day from June to October. During the rest of the year, it closes from noon until 2 p.m. Entrance is free. Note that this is an active church, so it may be closed for religious services.
Address: 5 Boulevard Général Sibille, Albi 81000, France
Hours: Daily 8:30 a.m. to 6:45 p.m.
From $ 4,000
13th Arrondissement
Paris is made up of 20 arrondissements or neighborhoods, which are arranged in a clockwise spiral of ascending numbers from the 1st arrondissement in the center. Southeast of the city center along the left bank of the River Seine, the 13th arrondissement is best known as the home of Paris’s booming Asian Quarter or Quartier Asiatique.
The Basics
Less touristy than other parts of Paris, the 13th arrondissement has a rich Chinese, Cambodian, and Vietnamese community and is a great place to find Asian restaurants and shops as well as one of the largest Chinese New Year Celebrations in Europe. The 13th district has also become something of an open-air museum, with dozens of massive works of street art, and several walking tours of the district highlight these urban pieces.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The 13th arrondissement is great for visitors wishing to explore off the beaten tourist path.
- Explore the lesser-known Butte aux Cailles neighborhood to view the area’s abundant street art.
- Bring comfortable shoes and be prepared for lots of walking in this hilltop district.
How to Get There
The 13th arrondissement is easily accessible by public transportation. Metro lines 6, 7, and 14 make numerous stops throughout the neighborhood. Not far from the Latin Quarter, it’s a nice walk from central Paris along the River Seine to the 13th arrondissement.
When to Get There
The less-visited 13th arrondissement is wonderful to explore any time of year. The neighborhood is particularly lively during the Chinese New Year, in January or February, when the streets fill with brightly lit lanterns and colorful costume parades. The festival features plenty of children’s activities, traditional music performances, and authentic food.
The French National Library
The 13th arrondissement is also home to the massive French National Library. Comprised of four 25-story glass towers, the library houses one of the largest collections of books in the world with well over 10 million titles. The library also contains numerous historical texts including thousands of ancient Greek manuscripts, as well as antique ceramics, coins, sculptures, and King Louis XIV’s globes.
Address: 13th Arrondissement, Paris, France
From $ 110
Al Alam Palace (Sultan's Palace)
With its funnel-like gold and blue pillars and lone flagpole extending like an antenna from its flat roof, Al Alam Palace (Sultan's Palace) is one of Oman’s most striking examples of contemporary Islamic architecture. The palace, built in 1972, is set between the Mirani and Jalali forts along the coast of Muscat’s Old Town and is one of six royal residences belonging to His Majesty Sultan Qaboos.
Over the years, the ceremonial palace has received a number of important visitors, including Queen Elizabeth of England and Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands, as well as hosting a number of official functions and ceremonies. Although the palatial buildings are closed to the public, visitors can still enjoy views of Imam Sultan bin Ahmed’s masterpiece from the surrounding palace gardens or the waterfront of the nearby Muscat Port.
Address: Waterfront, Muscat, Oman
From $ 52
Alofaaga Blowholes (Taga Blowholes)
Created by a network of lava tubes, the thundering blowholes at Alofaaga are arguably the most popular visitor attraction on the island of Savai’i. When waves crash on the coastal shelf outside the village of Taga, some of the water gets trapped in the tubes that are right by the surface of the water. When the pressure simply becomes too much and it notices an opening to escape, it erupts as a natural, saltwater geyser that often reaches neck-craning heights of over 100 feet. Depending upon the swell angle and tide, multiple blowholes can all erupt within powerful moments of each other, and are often accompanied by a deafening roar of water being jettisoned through the hole. Because the spot is popular with visitors, local villagers will often be there to offer their services as a guide—or simply to toss a few coconuts in the hole and then watch as they take off like cannonballs. The blowholes are part of south coast tours that leave from Salelologa, and if you choose to visit the site on your own, the drive to the blowholes can sometimes be rough, especially for low-clearance cars.
Practical Info
The Alofaaga Blowholes are most powerful around high tide and on days with elevated surf. The hike from the initial entrance can be rugged so you’ll want to have proper footwear, and the rocks around the blowholes can be very slippery, so be extra cautious when walking. There are basic toilet facilities near the blowholes, and remember to lock your car.
Insider's Tip: Whatever the locals do or tell you, do not get close to any of the blowholes since a fall through the hole would be fatal.
Address: Alofaaga Blowholes, Taga, Samoa
Hours: 7am-6pm
Admission: About $2 initial entry fee and $2 -$4 parking fee to park at the closer lot.
From $ 64
Aiguille du Midi Cable Car
Soaring up the rocky peak of Aiguille du Midi at 12,605 feet (3,842 meters), the Aiguille du Midi Cable Car is one of the highest in Europe. Setting out from Chamonix, the cable car has two stages, culminating in an elevator ride to the summit with spectacular views over Mont Blanc and the surrounding French and Swiss Alps.
The Basics
Visitors to Chamonix usually opt for the popular cable car ride. Tickets include access to the 360-degree summit viewing station and Step into the Void observation deck, a glass cage teetering over the cliff edge.
Many visitors arrive on a day trip from Geneva, just over the Swiss border. Full-day tours often combine Aiguille du Midi cable car skip-the-line tickets with a ride on Montenvers Railway, an open-top bus tour of Chamonix, or free time to explore the resort town.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The cable car takes you to the top station, from where it’s a short elevator ride to the summit. Plan two to three hours for the entire trip.
- Ticket lines can take more than an hour at peak times, so it’s worth prebooking skip-the-line admission.
- A restaurant, café, and souvenir shops are located at the second station.
- Dress warmly—temperatures can be as low as 14°F (–10°C) even in summer—but don’t forget sunglasses and sunscreen, too, as the sun can be strong at the peak's high altitude.
- The Aiguille du Midi cable car is wheelchair accessible, although some activities and attractions on the mountaintop may not be accessible.
How to Get to There
Aiguille du Midi is in the Mont Blanc massif in the French Alps, close to the Swiss border. Cable cars set out from the Aiguille du Midi station on Place de l'Aiguille du Midi in Chamonix—easily reached on foot from the village center. At the top, take an elevator to the highest observation point.
When to Get There
The cable car runs year-round, except November (annual closure). The busiest time is in July and August, when queues can be long. Visit in the early morning to avoid crowds.
Things to Do at Aiguille du Midi
Ski, rock climb, and paraglide at Plan de l'Aiguille mid-station, depending on the season. Or, hike to Montenvers Train Station and look out over Mer de Glace glacier, before riding the train back to Chamonix. At the top station, brave the Step into the Void observation platform, before walking through The Pipe to encircle the entire summit, or ride the Mont Blanc Gondola to the peak of France’s Helbronner.
Address: Chamonix, France
Hours: Varies by season
From $ 63
8th Arrondissement
The 8th arrondissement (neighborhood), one of Paris’ 20 districts, is probably best known for the famous boulevard Champs-Élysées. With sidewalks lined by trees, high-end shops, and fashion boutiques, the boulevard is also home to the Arc de Triomphe and the Place de la Concorde, as well as the Élysée Palace (the official residence of the President of France). On one end of the Champs-Élysées is the Arc de Triomphe, which offers sweeping views of the city from its top. On the other end of the Champs-Élysées is the Grand Palais, an historic building dedicated “to the glory of French art.” The Grand Palais is now a museum and an exhibition hall that is home to an impressive art collection. The 8th arrondissement is probably best known as a retail district, where posh shoppers come to sip a beverage at one of the area’s numerous cafes or restaurants, then browse name-brand boutiques like Chanel, Christian Dior, and Louis Vuitton.
Practical Info
Located on the right bank of the Seine river and centered around the Champs-Élysées, the 8th arrondissement is one of Paris's main business districts and employs more people than any other single neighborhood in the city.
Address: Paris, France
From $ 74
Almourol Castle
Atop a tiny island in the middle of the Tagus River, Almourol Castle looks positively medieval towering over the calm water below. Surrounded by rocks and trees, it was built on the former site of a Roman fort and held by the Grand Master of the Knights of Templar. The castle served as an important vantage point and guardian of this section of the river, though it was conquered in the time of the Reconquista.
After losing strategic significance, the castle was abandoned until it was restored in by the Romantics in the 19th century. It was deemed a national monument in 1919. There are views of the castle from the riverbank, or panoramic views of the surrounding hillsides from the upper court of the castle. Legends of the knights who passed through and the prisoners held here are still told.
Practical Info
The castle is located 90 minutes to the north of Lisbon, not far from the small town of Tomar. It is open from 10 am to 1 pm and 2:30 to 7:30 pm from March to October, with reduced hours from 10 am to 1 and 2:30 to 5:30 pm in the winter. Boats (€2) take visitors from the riverside to the island in a short five minutes.
Address: Almourol 2260, Portugal
Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 10am-1pm and 2:30pm-7pm
From $ 58
Amboseli National Park
Amboseli National Park is one of Kenya’s most popular nature reserves. This wide stretch of savannah and swampland encompasses the largely dry Lake Amboseli, and much of it is within sight of Tanzania’s mighty snow-capped Kilimanjaro. Complementing this awe-inspiring landscape are mighty herds of elephants, the park's biggest draw. Head to Observation Hill for some of the most impressive views; early morning and late afternoon are best for spotting these majestic animals.
Persistence will reward you with sightings of the rest of the “Big Five” of game: lions, leopards, rhinos and buffaloes. There are also a number of Maasai villages which welcome visitors. Make sure your camera has a generous memory card; Africa has few better combinations of wildlife and scenery.
Address: Kenya
Hours: Accessible daily
Admission: Nonresidents - Adult: $80, Child/Student: $40
From $ 200
58 Tour Eiffel Restaurant
Chef Alain Soulard serves up French cuisine on the first level of the Eiffel Tower at 58 Tour Eiffel, a name that references the height in meters of the restaurant's kitchen range from the ground. The2-story eatery features a modern interior design and is surrounded by glass windows so you can take in views of Paris and the tower's intricate metal architecture while you dine.
The Basics
Eating at 58 Tour Eiffel is one of the best ways to escape the tower's crowds and get more out of your visit. You can sit down and relax before or after heading up to the Eiffel Tower's second level or summit for the requisite look down on the city (which may require an additional ticket purchase). Make your lunch or dinner reservation directly with 58 Tour Eiffel, or take a tour that combines your meal with other Parisian experiences such as a Seine River cruise, a city tour, a show at the Moulin Rouge, or a trip to Versailles.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The restaurant is not available for drinks only; you must have a full meal.
- Large bags are not permitted at the tower.
- The restaurant is accessible for guests with limited mobility.
How to Get There
Walking, taxi, and public transit are the best ways to reach the Eiffel Tower, located in the 7th arrondissement on the banks of the Seine. By public transport, head to the Bir-Hakeim, Trocadéro, or Ecole Militaire metro station or the Champ de Mars–Tour Eiffel RER station. Upon arrival, if you have a booking, go to the restaurant welcome desk on the esplanade to receive a priority-access ticket for the elevator.
When to Get There
The restaurant is open daily for lunch and dinner. You may want to select one or the other based on the environment you're looking for—lunch is more casual and kid-friendly with light meals served in a picnic-style basket, known as a chic picnic, while dinner features a more sophisticated atmosphere and dishes.
Other Things to Do at the Eiffel Tower
It may seem that visiting the Eiffel Tower consists simply of riding up to the viewing platforms, taking photos, and heading back down. But this is far from the truth. In addition to 58 Tour Eiffel, on the first level is an immersive show and interactive exhibits. The second level features shops and Le Jules Verne by Alain Ducasse, and the summit is home to Gustave Eiffel's restored office and the Champagne Bar. Perhaps most interesting is the backstage tour, during which you can get a look at the 1889 machinery used to operate the tower’s lifts.
Address: 58 Tour Eiffel, Paris, Ile-de-France, France
From $ 54
Alive Museum
Sprawled over a huge area on the third floor of Suntec City's Towers 3 and 4, the Alive Museum is billed as Singapore's largest 3D visual attraction. Less of a museum and more of a series of interactive optical illusions, the Alive Museum is filled with over 80 trick art, digital art, experimental art, and object art installations.
With a focus on creating a fun and interactive 3D experience, the concept of the Alive Museum originated in Korea, with each piece of art being conceptualised and hand-painted in Korea or Singapore. Visitors are invited to get involved and become a part of each installation across the different areas of the museum, where 3D painting techniques combine with mechanical and digital technologies to create illusionary images.
The Alive Museum is a huge attraction for visitors to Singapore, who go not only for the visual experience in itself, but for the opportunity to get their cameras and smartphones out to take the ultimate selfies.
Practical Info
The Alive Museum is open daily from 10am until 10pm, with last admissions being at 9pm. Adult tickets cost $25 SGD and child tickets (aged 3-12 years) are $20 SGD. A deal for two adults and one child is available for $60 SGD. The museum is located at the Suntec City Mall, which can be easily reached by alighting at both Esplanade and Promenade MRT stations.
Address: 3 Temasek Blvd (Suntec City Mall), Singapore
Hours: Daily 10am until 10pm
Admission: Adults: $25 SGD; Child (3-12 years) $20 SGD.
From $ 30
55 Window Palace
Built by King Bhupatindra Malla in 1754, the stunning 55 Window Palace in one of the Kathmandu Valley’s most iconic landmarks and a destination for travelers venturing to the famed Bhaktapur Dubar Square. Although locals are quick to talk about an earthquake that devastated and destroyed much of the original structure—and in fact kept the palace closed to the public for some 22 years—visitors will today find the impressive structure mostly-open thanks to a Rs. 2.18 billion renovation and truly worthy of a visit.
Visitors can explore the incredible collection of ancient statues tucked among the remarkable architecture of the 55 Window Palace, which includes a 10-armed representation of the goddess Taleju Bhawani. Travelers should wander along the Golden Gate and journey into one of the former courtyards as well during a visit to this beautiful place.
Practical Info
The palace is located at the center of Bhaktapur Dubar Square. Entrance to the palace is included in the cost of a ticket to Bhaktapur, but travelers will need to pay 100 rupees to enter the museum.
Address: Bhaktapur Dubar Square, Bhaktapur, Nepal
Admission: Museum: 100 rupees
From $ 91
Afu Aau Falls
If there’s a single image of tropical paradise it’s a hidden waterfall in the rainforest. That’s the scene that visitors will encounter at Afu Aau Falls, where a waterfall peacefully plunges into a cool, crystalline pool. After paying a nominal entry fee at the gate to local villagers, park the car by the changing station and make the short, 10-minute walk to the tumbling stream of water. Be sure to pack along a swimsuit, since one of the highlights of Afu Aau Falls in splashing and swimming in the water. It’s the perfect refresher on a hot day of exploring Savai’i, and you could easily while away hours just splashing and hanging out on the rocks.
For visitors traveling without a car, the waterfall is a popular stop for half-day, guided tours of the island, where you can experience the lush, natural beauty just minutes away from town.
Insider's Tip: Be sure to bring proper walking shoes for the short hike up to the falls.
Practical Info
Alcohol is strictly forbidden at the falls, and there is no access on Sundays. There are basic toilets and changing rooms that offer minimal privacy, and the walk to the waterfall can often be slippery—particularly after it’s rained. Because the road to the falls is narrow, visitors who choose to drive independently will need to reverse down a long driveway since turning around can be a challenge.
Address: Afu Aau Falls, Vailoa, Samoa
Hours: Closed on Sundays
Admission: $2 donation
From $ 64
Albrecht Durer House
Famous for his delicate and anatomically precise etchings, woodcuts and prints, Albrecht Dürer was a Northern Renaissance artist who lived all his life in Nuremberg between 1471 and 1528. During the 15th and 16th centuries, the city became one of Germany’s most successful commercial centers and also the focus of a great artistic flowering. Dürer was at the heart of this creative movement, visiting the great Renaissance cities of Italy, regularly attending courts of European royalty and revolutionizing printmaking. His iconic works include The Apocalypse, a number of self-portraits, books on the human anatomy and many sublime animal prints as well as friezes for civic halls in Nuremberg and altar pieces in Prague.
The Albrecht Dürer House is a fachwerkhaus, a half-timbered townhouse with a steep wooden roof and of an architectural style seen all over Bavaria. This is where he lived for many years and has been restored to its original 16th-century state; a costumed guide in the guise of his wife takes English-speaking tours from room to room, explaining the mechanics of life in the Dürer household. Printmakers work in the top-floor studio and reproductions of Dürer’s art are on display throughout the museum.
Practical Info
Located at Albrecht-Dürer-Strasse 39, the site is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 10am to 5pm. On Thursday, it is open until 8pm, and on Saturday and Sunday, it is open until 6pm. Admission costs €5 for adults and €3 for seniors and students, while a family ticket is €10.50. Take Tram Line 4 to Tiergärtnertor, bus Line 36 to Burgstrasse or U-bahn Line 1/U11 to Lorenzkirche.
Address: Albrecht-Dürer-Straße 39, Nuremberg, Germany
Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 10am-5pm. Thursday open until 8pm. Saturday-Sunday open until 6pm.
Admission: €5 for adults and €3 for seniors and students,
From $ 12
Al Jalali Fort
One of a pair of 16th-century ports perched on the coastal cliffs surrounding the Old Town of Muscat, the dramatic stronghold of Al Jalali Fort is one of the city’s most prominent landmarks. Built by the Portuguese in 1587, both Al Jalali and its neighbor, Al Mirani Fort, played important roles in the years of Portuguese colonization before being reclaimed by the Omani in the mid 17th century.
Today, the hilltop fortress houses a private museum set up by Sultan Qaboos bin Said to showcase items of Oman’s national heritage to visiting dignitaries and heads of state. Reached by a stairwell cut into the rocks or by cable car, the mighty fortress hosts a number of military parades and city celebrations, but remains closed to the public except for special events.
Address: Muscat, Oman
From $ 52
Al Mirani Fort
Looking down over Muscat’s Old Town from its cliff top perch, the mighty Al Mirani Fort is one of Oman’s most striking landmarks, guarding the entrance to Muscat Bay. Built in the 16th century, along with the neighboring Al Jalali Fort, the fort is one of the most significant structures left over from the years of Portuguese colonization and was occupied by Portuguese troops until Imam Sultan bin Saif recaptured it in 1649, spearheading the decline of the city’s Portuguese rule.
Restored and extended in the 19th century, the fortress of Al Mirani is the larger of the two forts and makes an impressive backdrop for those exploring the Old Town or strolling along the Muttrah Corniche. Despite its popularity though, the fort is closed to the public and visitors will have to make do with taking in the views from the outside.
Address: Muscat, Oman
From $ 37
Alma Bridge (Pont de l'Alma)
Pont de l’Alma is a Parisian bridge built in 1854 in commemoration of the Franco-British alliance’s victory over the Russian army during the Crimean War. The bridge underwent complete rebuilding in the 1970s in order to accommodate the rapidly increasing road and river traffic – only the statues were retained from the original structure. The arch bridge is now 42 meters large and 153 meters long, and links the right and left banks of the Seine River.
Pont de l’Alma offers splendid views of the Eiffel Tower and is often the go-to location for photographers wanting to capture Paris. What made the bridge a household name worldwide, however, is the role it played in Lady Diana’s death; indeed, she perished in a car crash at the entrance of the bridge’s tunnel in 1997. The Flame of Liberty at the bridge's north end has become an unofficial memorial to her memory.
Practical Info
Pont de l’Alma is located close to Palais de Tokyo and Quai de Branly in western Paris. It can be reached by metro via Pont de l’Alma and Alma-Marceau stations (lines RER C and 9). It is not advised to get to Pont de l’Alma house by car as parking is scarce and complicated.
Address: Paris, Ile-de-France, France
From $ 58