Things to Do in Napa & Sonoma

The Kumu Art Museum is the main branch of the Art Museum of Estonia and is also the largest and most impressive exhibition venue in the country. The museum opened in February 2006 and in 2008 received the European Museum of the Year Award.

On both the third and fourth floors are collections of Estonian art starting from the early 18th century. Art from before World War II is also exhibited on the third floor, and on the fourth, an exhibition of works from the Soviet occupation period is on display. On the museum's fifth floor, find a modern art gallery and exhibitions of contemporary art from Estonia as well as other countries.

Each year, 11 or 12 rotating exhibits are displayed, half of which come from Estonia, while the other half is made up of international pieces. The museum also has a 250-seat auditorium for film programs, performances, concerts, seminars and conferences; an educational center with programs and courses for different age groups; and a library with the widest collection of art literature in Estonia.

The Kubinka Tank Museum is the largest museum in the world of armored vehicles. Located just outside of Moscow, it houses more than 300 tanks and vehicles from throughout the 20th century. One of the most unique vehicles on display is the German super-heavy tank prototype known as the Panzer VIII Maus—one of just two made and the only one still in existence.

Other exhibits include the Troyanov heavy tank and a Karl-Gerat self-propelled artillery, as well as single and limited edition prototypes from Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union and Cold War era tanks that were war trophies from the Middle East, Africa, Vietnam and Latin America. The vehicles are displayed throughout seven hangars, including four for Soviet and Russian armor alone, divided into heavy, medium, light and wheeled vehicles hangars. In 2000, all of the old vehicles were repainted in their original manner by Russian historical specialists.

The Kuala Lumpur National Monument (Tugu Negara) commemorates the 11,000 people who lost their lives fighting for Malaysian independence. The 51-foot (15.5-meter) bronze statue of seven soldiers, built to replace a colonial-era cenotaph that now stands behind it, is part of a site that also includes a central pavilion with regimental emblems.

There is no entrance fee to visit the National Monument. It’s difficult to reach by public transport but quick to experience once you arrive, so the site is a popular stop on Kuala Lumpur day tours. Many tours visit simply as a photo stop, so military buffs who want to really take in the cenotaph—which has a list of fallen heroes from two world wars and more— should visit independently. Alternatively, work with a guide or driver on a private Kuala Lumpur National Monument tour.

The National Monument is an easy, scenic walk from the Perdana Botanical Garden (Lake Gardens) but fiddly to access from elsewhere. A taxi from Kuala Lumpur city center should take no more than 15 minutes. Alternatively, catch a KTM Komuter train from KL Sentral, get off at Bank Negara station and walk more than a mile (2 kilometers). Many will find it quicker and easier to join a tour or ride a hop-on hop-off bus.

The Kuala Lumpur National Monument is open seven days a week throughout the year, from 7am to 6pm. To beat the crowds, arrive early in the day. The site is often used for ceremonies on Remembrance Day (the Sunday closest to November 11), Warriors’ Day (July 31), and Malaysia Day (September 16).

The most striking element of the Kuala Lumpur National Monument is the towering bronze sculpture of ascendant soldiers. If the style looks familiar, that’s because it shares a sculptor: Felix de Weldon, the man responsible for the famous depiction of U.S. Marines raising the flag over Iwo Jima during World War II. Like it, the bodies in the group are portrayed in energetic harmony.

One of the largest and least touristic of Stockholm’s many islands, Kungsholmen is a popular retreat for locals during the summer months, when its scenic walkways and waterfront restaurants offer a tranquil alternative to the lively shopping and nightlife districts of Södermalm or Gamla Stan.

 

The star attraction of Kungsholmen is the grand Stockholm City Hall, which famously hosts the annual Nobel Prize ceremony, and visitors can not only tour the legendary building, but take in the views from its 100-meter tall bell tower. Other highlights include the scenic waterfront promenade of Norr Mälarstand, which stretches all the way to Rålambshovs Park, the central Scheelegatan, crammed with bars and restaurants, and the harbor by City Hall, from where boat cruises head out to explore the islands of the Stockholm archipelago.

Berlin’s biggest cultural center is the Kulturforum, an affiliation of 12 prestigious museums, galleries, libraries, churches and concert halls whose overall concept was designed by Modernist architect Hans Scharoun in the 1960s. The forum sits just off Potsdamer Platz, which was brutally divided by the Berlin Wall during the Cold War, and it came to represent West German success in the face of increasing poverty and degradation in East Germany before the Wall was ripped down in 1989. Today it is highly regarded both for its architectural diversity and its top-quality museums.

Places of interest at the Kulturforum include the Gemäldegalerie, with a world-class collection of medieval art, and the Neue Nationalgalerie (New National Gallery), a steel and-glass masterpiece designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe in 1968 that houses Germany’s most important collection of European art — it is currently closed until 2019 for refurbishment. Along with collections of musical instruments and graphic arts, the Museum of Applied Art (Kunstgewerbemuseum) is also on the plaza, housed in purpose-built gallery designed by Rolf Gutbrod in 1985. Likewise the Berlin Philharmonic and State Library (Staatsbibliothek) are located in the Kulturforum and both are the work of Hans Scharoun. A new Museum of Modern Art is scheduled for 2020.

Built in the sixth century by Emperor Justinian I as the Church of the Saints Sergius and Bacchus, the Kucuk Ayasofya (Little Hagia Sophia) later took its name from its resemblance to the larger Hagia Sophia, which was built nearby a few years earlier. After the Ottomans conquered Constantinople, the church was converted into a mosque.

The Kucuk Ayasofya has a distinctive irregular octagonal shape. After a restoration in 2006, the mosque’s interior was returned to its Ottoman-era decoration, though some aspects that date to Byzantine times are still visible. Kucuk Ayasofya still functions as an active place of worship.

Some small-group and private walking tours combine a visit to Kucuk Ayasofya Mosque with other sights nearby, including Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Suleymaniye Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and the Chora Museum.

 

Located in the Kumkapi neighborhood, the Kucuk Ayasofya is walking distance from the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia in Sultanahmet Square. It is easily accessible by bus and from the Sultanahmet tram stop.

The Kucuk Ayasofya is open daily from the morning until evening. Arrive early to beat the crowds. The mosque is closed to non-Muslims during prayer times, which are longer on Fridays; check times online. Muslim and Turkish holidays can affect opening hours as well.

To enter a mosque in Istanbul, it is necessary to dress appropriately. All visitors must remove their shoes and cover their shoulders and knees; women need to cover their heads as well. Most Istanbul mosques provide coverings if you need them, but plan ahead and bring your own scarf—or wear long pants or a long skirt and something on your shoulders—to visit mosques more easily and efficiently.

This impressive and historic fortress is located a three-hours walk from the hotel district of Santa Maria and attracts travelers from across the globe thanks to its imposing stone walls and the four hundred individual buildings that make up the complex.

 

Travelers can climb to the top of the fortress and look out over the lush vegetation of the Utcubamba Valley on a trip to this remote destination. Locals agree that the pre-Incan structure is far less visited than the famed Inca Trail, but travelers say its impeccable views, ancient history and steep hiking paths make it the perfect stop for anyone looking to learn more about the culture and history of Peru. Be advised that high elevation means weather can change in an instant, so warm and dry clothes are essential. Though Kuelap is well off the beaten path, visitors say the journey to get there is almost as scenic as the destination itself.

Just a few steps away from Mostar’s landmark Stari Most, the historic bridge that was destroyed in the Balkan Wars of the 1990s, lies the Stari Grad, the oldest part of town. The historic and commercial heart of this district is the Kujundziluk (Old Bazaar) overlooking the left bank of the River Neretva, which in Ottoman times was where all the trading and bartering took place. In the 16th century, Turks and Bosnians alike congregated here daily to do business; today the Kujundziluk is just as crowded with international visitors keen to seek out traditional crafts and street snacks from the tiny stalls and artisan shops of this cobbled warren of alleyways backed by pink-painted houses. Colorful geometric-patterned rugs, intricate handmade jewelry and gaudy beads, embroidered scarves, bags and shisha pipes are some of the treasures to be unearthed here; be prepared to bargain for discounts off the initial prices.

Kuala Lumpur Cruise Port, located 40 miles (64 kilometers) outside of the city , provides a gateway to the metropolis of Kuala Lumpur. Unless you're a golfer looking to improve your handicap at Port Klang Golf Resort, the port is mostly used as a transport hub. Activity-packed shore excursions help you cover more ground in Kuala Lumpur.

 

 As Malaysia's capital city, Kuala Lumpur is a melting pot of Chinese, Indian, and Malay cultures and Buddhist, Hindu, and Islamic religions. On arrival at the cruise port, travelers generally head out on a sightseeing tour of the city's most photogenic attractions, which include the Batu Caves and the iconic Petronas Towers. Taking a private shore excursion means you can customize your itinerary and make the most of limited time in Kuala Lumpur as you visit only the sights that capture your interest.

 

To save time, you can take a chartered taxi into the center of Kuala Lumpur or opt to rent a car. Most Kuala Lumpur shore excursions include port pickup and drop-off, meaning you won’t have to spend the day worrying about missing your boat.

 

The port has a taxi counter, free Wi-Fi, a lounge, and a shop selling essentials such as water and snacks. ATMs and money exchange bureaus are plentiful, and English is widely spoken at the port.    

Set in an old colonial building beside Merdeka Square, the Kuala Lumpur City Gallery is a great place to learn about the history of the Malaysian capital. It features a collection of paintings and photographs recording the city’s past, plus miniature-scale models of its most famous landmarks.

A huge timeline chronicles the city’s history, from its origins in the 1850s up until the present day. The two main attractions at the gallery include the small-scale model of the historic Medeka Square, as well as the Spectacular City Model Show, which represents modern-day Kuala Lumpur. There are videos of the city’s proudest and most important events, such as the 16th Commonwealth Games, and photographs of the progress of the iconic Petronas Twin Towers. The museum also features displays on the country’s multicultural population, with traditional national dress such as baju kurungs and sarees on display.

Before leaving, visitors can enjoy some Malaysian food at the gallery’s ARCH Cafe, before taking a look around the gift shop, which offers locally-made handicrafts like batik, pewter, and hand-woven items.

Insider’s Tip: Be sure to pick up the gallery’s free Walks & Tours Map – it was initiated by the gallery founder, Andrew Lee, and has all the best Kuala Lumpur landmarks highlighted.

Bask in the bioluminescence of thousands of fireflies as they do their mating dance around the berembang trees along the Selangor River at Malaysia’s Kampung Kuantan Firefly Park, in Kuala Selangor. Each species of firefly has a different light pattern and together, as they swarm around their chosen branches, they create a symphony of light in the mangrove swamps—one of Mother Nature’s most spectacular displays.

Head down to the jetty after sunset, alight into one of the silent electric boats, and glide over the dark river to watch the amazing light show provided by these little luminescent lovelies. While it’s possible to make your way to the small fishing village of Kuala Selangor on your own, many visitors find it convenient to join a guided tour from Kuala Lumpur, which often includes hotel transfer, a boat ride to see the spectacle, and a waterfront seafood dinner. You can also combine the fireflies display with an afternoon visit to Kota Melawati (Fort Altingsburg), where you may be able to spot silvered-leaf monkeys.

Reaching the jetty in Kuala Selangor from which firefly tours depart can be a bit complicated; taking your own car or joining a guided tour make for the most convenient experience. If you visit independently, make sure to arrange your return transportation ahead of time or plan to spend the night in the village.

Kuala Selangor’s fireflies are visible throughout the year thanks to Malaysia’s tropical climate. During the monsoon season, from October to December, be prepared for heavy showers that could disrupt the viewing experience.

Situated off the beaten tourist path, this village at the mouth of the Selangor River maintains a traditional atmosphere that feels worlds away from the big city. The fireflies might be the biggest draw, but there are plenty of other attractions in the area as well, including the 19th-century Bukit Melawati fortress, Sri Shakti Temple, and the outdoor sanctuary of Kuala Selangor Nature Park.

Besides housing myriad bars, restaurants and shops, Kuala Lumpur City Centre houses Suria KLCC, a massive six-floor shopping mall occupying the lower levels of the Petronas Twin Towers and filled with international retailers and an excellent supermarket.

Considered among the world’s most beautiful train stations, the Kuala Lumpur Railway Station showcases the Moorish style of architecture favored by the British during Malaysia’s colonial era. Built in 1911 and designed by A.B. Hubback, the station is one of the most recognizable (and most photographed) landmarks in the city, thanks to its white arched facade and onion domes on the roof.

Kuala Lumpur Sentral Station took over as the city’s major train transport hub in 2001, but the old station still operates on a smaller scale (for commuter trains mostly) and remains a popular sightseeing stop.

Look past the pirated goods stalls and you will see a heritage area of old Chinese shop houses selling spices and food stalls selling local dishes like Hainanese chicken rice and nasi lemak.  The side streets leading from Petaling Street are where you will find wet markets and shops selling everything from spices to electronics to funereal wreaths.

Other highlights of Chinatown besides shopping are the temples, some of the finest examples in Kuala Lumpur. There is the stunning Hindu temple Sri Mahamariamman and the two late 19th-century Chinese temples Koon Yam and Chan See Shu Yuen.

This Rem Koolhaas-designed art museum houses about half a dozen exhibits at a time in its sleek, low-slung stone and glass exhibition hall. Exhibits in the museum’s spacious white galleries have included the works of Andy Warhol, an extensive collection of objects from World War II and the avant-garde fashions of Jean Paul Gaultier. Kunsthal Rotterdam made headlines in 2012 when seven important works by the likes of Monet, Gaugin, Matisse and Picasso were stolen in a daring late-night raid of the museum.

Kunst Haus Wien in Vienna is home to the only permanent collection of the work of Friedensreich Hundertwasser in the world. The building itself, a former furniture factory, was designed by the eccentric artist, along with the neighboring apartment building. The wild facade, with its irregular glass, brick, wood, ceramic and metal features, bright colors and trees sprouting from the windows, reflect the spirit of the art displayed within.

Two floors of the modern art museum are dedicated to the works of Hundertwasser, while two more feature changing exhibitions. The ground floor houses a cafe and a museum shop, while the museum also offers audio guides.

Tumbling through the jungle about 18 miles (29 kilometers) from Luang Prabang, the Kuang Si Falls (Tat Kuang Si) are among the area’s most attractive waterfalls, combining a dramatic drop and pools. In addition to swimming in the cool water, swinging on ropes, and enjoying snacks from on-site eateries, you can visit a bear-rescue sanctuary and a butterfly park.

There’s a small charge to visit the Kuang Si Falls, which are usually experienced as part of a day trip from Luang Prabang. While you don’t need a guide to enjoy the falls, the general absence of public transport and challenges of self-driving in Laos make tours worthwhile. 

Day tours typically combine the Kuang Si waterfalls (and perhaps the Tat Kuang Si Bear Rescue Centre) with other attractions, such as minority villages, the Pak Ou Caves, or the Pha Tad Ke Botanical Garden. Kuang Si Falls hiking tours are also an option. 

The Kuang Si Falls cascade about 18 miles (29 kilometers) southwest of Luang Prabang. As so often with Lao tourist attractions, there is no public transport. Chartering your own tuk-tuk or joining an organized Kuang Si tour is easier and safer than driving. The journey takes around 45 minutes in each direction.

The Kuang Si Falls are at their most intense between June and October but are still impressive during March, April, and May. The dry season, roughly November to January, is Luang Prabang’s tourist peak. The falls are far from magical during this time, although the butterfly park and bear-rescue center are operational.

Moon bears (Asian black bears) are often farmed for their bile, which is used in traditional medicines. Crammed into cages, unable to move, with catheters inserted directly into their gall bladders, it’s a brutal life, and the Tat Kuang Si Bear Rescue Centre helps save them from it. Do consider a visit while you’re at the falls.

See how the royalty of Istanbul’s past lived centuries ago with a visit to Kucuksu Palace, also referred to as Kucuksu Pavilion or Kucuksu Kasri. Built in the mid-1800s after being commissioned by Sultan Abdulmecit, Kucuksu Palace was used by Ottoman sultans as a summer palace where they headed for some hunting and relaxation.

Kucuksu Palace is smaller compared to other royal summer residences in Turkey, but still has an impressive façade and interior that blends together both European and Ottoman styles from the time period with intricate carvings along the exterior and gilded accents inside. Both history and design buffs will enjoy visiting the palace and learning more about life within its walls and outdoor gardens. The palace still reflects a stately Turkish home from the 19th and 20th centuries with traditional furniture along with a large collection of artwork. The lower level is where the servants and kitchen staff of the sultan lived and it is interesting to walk through to see their way of life as well.

Looming 1,381 feet (421 meters) atop the Bukit Nanas (Pineapple Hill) in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, the Kuala Lumpur Tower (KL Tower) is one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. Visible from all around, it also affords a spectacular 360-degree view from its observation deck. 

The KL Tower offers different viewing experiences: standard admission tickets for the enclosed Observation Deck and additional tickets for the open-air Sky Deck and Sky Box. For the best value, combine a visit to the KL Tower with the nearby Petronas Twin Towers, visit as part of a Kuala Lumpur city tour that also includes sights like the Central Market and Batu Caves, or opt for a night tour that includes a buffet dinner at the tower’s revolving restaurant.

The Kuala Lumpur Tower is located within the KL Forest Eco Park, just a short walk from the Petronas Towers; free shuttles run from the park’s main entrance up the hill to the KL Tower. The closest stations are Bukit Nenas on the KL Monorail and Dang Wangi station on the PUTRA LRT line. 

The tower is open daily year round,and can get busy, especially in peak season (December and January). Opt to visit in the morning to avoid the crowds or in the evening for a dazzling nighttime view.

The KL Tower is just one of the many family-friendly attractions in the KL Forest Eco Park. After looking down over the city from the Sky Deck, venture into the surrounding rainforest to brave the canopy walk, visit the Malaysian Cultural Village, or spot wildlife along the nature trails. There’s also the Blue Coral Aquarium, where you can see sharks and clown fish, and a mini zoo with monkeys, parrots, and snakes.