Choose from 5,104 Fun Things to Do in Napa & Sonoma
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Capitol Hill
There’s much more to Capitol Hill than the US Capitol building that stands atop it. It is both the heart of the American government and a vibrant neighborhood at the geographic center of Washington D.C. From the Capitol Grounds—a lush landscape of sweeping lawns and more than 4,000 trees—to the Capitol Reflecting Pool and Congressional office buildings, there is much to see and do on the Hill.
The Basics
Capitol Hill is home many historically and politically important building monuments, including the Supreme Court building, three Library of Congress buildings, and the Folger Shakespeare Library and Theatre. While you can visit these sights on your own, a Capitol Hill tour is a great way to gain context and delve deep into American history. If you’re lucky, you may even get to see Congress in session. For a bit less traditional Hill experience, you can take a guided ghost tour—legend has it that the Capitol is haunted!
Things to Know Before You Go
- You must reserve tickets to the Capitol Building interior in advance.
- Bars and restaurants are sprinkled throughout the Hill, especially in the Atlas District, along H Street NE.
- Though most of Capitol Hill is walkable, you can cover more ground on a bike, Segway, or electric cart tour.
- The US Capitol Visitors Center and information desk is a great place to start your visit.
- The Capitol Hill area, including the Capitol Building, is kid-friendly and wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
Smack in the middle of Washington D.C., Capitol Hill stretches north, south, and east from the US Capitol and the National Mall. East Capitol Street is the neighborhood’s main thoroughfare, running east through Lincoln Park until it reaches the Armory and RFK Stadium. The area is easily accessible on foot and by all forms of public transportation; driving is more difficult due to limited parking.
When to Get There
Capitol Hill is buzzing with activity both day and night. September to November and March to May are thought to be the best times of year to visit Washington D.C., when temperatures are mild and comfortable. The Hill is particularly lovely in cherry blossom season—generally in early April.
Touring the Capitol Hill Neighborhood
As you head east from the storied steps of the Capitol, the neighborhood turns into a lovely tangle of residential brownstone row houses shaded by big, elderly trees often teeming with gray squirrels. The center of gravity on the Hill is the Eastern Market. This covered bazaar and the surrounding blocks showcase local food, outsider art, handmade crafts, and a general bohemian vibe. It’s the place to be seen on weekends with families and friends.
Address: Capitol Plaza, Capitol Hill, Washington D.C., USA
From $ 20
Capodimonte Museum
Naples’ Capodimonte Museum contains masterpieces from the Neapolitan and other Italian schools, as well as furniture and decorative arts, and ancient Roman sculptures. With works by Raphael, Titian, and Caravaggio, this museum is a must for art lovers and a popular stop on many private and group tours.
The Basics
Capodimonte Museum is located inside Capodimonte Palace, which was built by the Bourbon King Charles VII of Naples and Sicily to house the Farnese art collection he had inherited. The first and second floors are home to the National Gallery, with more than 100 paintings by Raphael, Titian, Caravaggio, Masaccio, Giorgio Vasari, and El Greco, as well as works from the Neapolitan school. The ground floor holds classical sculpture, and the royal apartments display 18th-century furniture. Surrounding the palace, the 331-acre (134-hectare) Capodimonte Park is one of Naples’ most beautiful estates.
The Capodimonte Museum is one of the largest in Italy, and is best visited with a guided tour to appreciate the collections and grounds without being overwhelmed. To avoid a long wait, book a tour with skip-the-line tickets. Many private Naples tours or hop-on hop-off bus tours include a stop at the museum.
Things to Know Before You Go
- A visit to the museum is particularly interesting for art enthusiasts who are interested in the Neapolitan school.
- The Capodimonte Museum is completely wheelchair accessible.
- Large bags, backpacks, and umbrellas must be checked at the entrance.
- The museum houses a small bookshop and café.
- Photography without flash is allowed in the museum.
How to Get There
The Capodimonte Museum is located just outside the center of Naples, accessible via a number of city bus lines or the convenient museum shuttle bus (Shuttle Capodimonte) that departs hourly from Piazza Trieste e Trento (opposite Teatro San Carlo) and stops at Piazza Dante and the National Archaeological Museum en route. Tickets can be purchased directly on the bus.
When to Get There
This popular museum and surrounding park can be very crowded on weekends, so it’s best visited on a weekday. The museum is closed on Wednesdays.
Highlights of the Capodimonte Museum Collection
Some of the collection’s highlights include the Portrait of Cardinal Alessandro Farnese and the Baronci Altarpiece by Raphael, the Antea by Parmigianino, the Transfiguration by Giovanni Bellini, the Annunciation and the Mary Magdalene by Titian, Masaccio’s Crucifixion, Botticelli's Madonna with Child and Angels, and, most important, Caravaggio’s Flagellation of Christ.
Address: Via Miano, 2, Naples 80137, Italy
Admission: Varies
From $ 18
Caribelle Batik at Romney Manor
Caribelle Batik is essentially a shop on St Kitts, but a very special one. Located within Romney Manor, a stately estate once owned by the great-great-great grandfather of Thomas Jefferson, Caribelle Batik sells popular batik products that are some of the most sought after in the Caribbean. Batik is created using an ancient Indonesian method that uses wax to resist dye on parts of the fabric and then designs (often consisting of lines and dots) are applied with that method by using a canting tool or stamp. Caribelle Batik is famous for its unique batik designs that combine flourishing strokes and elements of nature. While at Caribelle Batik you’ll be able to learn more about the methods used to create batik as there will be artisans demonstrating the technique and creating products onsite while explaining the process. You can purchase products you see while at Caribelle Batik and the majority of them will have been created right in house.
Practical Info
Caribelle Batik is located in the capital city of Basseterre. You can drive there yourself (it is located at the crossroads of Sugar Factory Road and Taylor Road) or sign up for a tour that makes a stop at Romney Manor and gives you time to browse through the products of Caribelle Batik.
Address: Old Road Town, Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis, St Kitts and Nevis
Hours: Vary
Admission: Varies
From $ 34
Caral
As the oldest known city in the Americas, the archeological site of Caral is among Peru’s most impressive ruins and makes a popular day trip from nearby Lima. The UNESCO World Heritage listed site covers an area of around 60 hectares in the arid Supe Valley and was first inhabited between 2600 BCE and 2000 BCE.
Although initially discovered back in 1948, recent excavations of Caral revealed an elaborate complex of temples, sunken plazas and some of the largest terraced pyramids in the world, leading archeologists to ponder the possibility of Caral being the fabled ‘Mother City’ of ancient civilizations. Now open to the public, the site has garnered acclaim for its beautifully preserved ruins and intriguing collection of artifacts, which include a quipu (a unique knot system used by ancient Andean civilizations) and a number of musical instruments fashioned from animal bones, but significantly, no trace of warfare or weaponry.
Address: Caral, Peru
From $ 125
Cardhu Distillery
Tucked into the peaty, water-drenched landscape of Speyside, Scotland’s famous whisky region, Cardhu Distillery opened in 1811 and was the brainchild of whisky smuggler John Cumming and his wife Helen, one of the country’s very few female distillers. They operated illicitly for several years and it is thought the distillery was built on this exposed spot on Mannoch Hill so approaching strangers would be spotted; it is also close to crystal spring waters that feed into the River Spey. One of the highlights of the celebrated self-drive Malt Whisky Trail, the current distillery was built in 1884; nine years later the company was sold to Johnnie Walker and to this day their blended whiskies are produced using Cardhu (the name means ‘black rock’ in Gaelic) malts. Housed in a stone complex with distinctive pagoda-shaped roofs, and updated in the 1970s when more copper stills were introduced, Cardhu is famous for its range of award-winning single malts with a smooth taste attributed to years of maturing in oak casks. A visitor center was added in 1988, with fine views across to Ben Rinnes.
As well as guided tours, Cardhu Distillery is open for tastings of various single malts and Johnnie Walker blended whiskies, all of which can be bought in the gift shop.
Practical Info
Knockando, Aberlour, Banffshire AB38 7RY. Open Jan–Mar,
Oct–Dec Mon–Fri 10am–3pm; Apr Mon–Fri 10am–5pm; May Mon–Sat 10am–5pm; Jun–Sept Mon–Thur, Sat 10am–5pm, Sun 11am–4pm. Tour prices start at £5. Guided tours should be booked in advance; there are none in October due to annual maintenance although the shop remains open. Best accessed by car; the journey takes 1.5 hours from Inverness along the A96 and the A941.
Address: Knockando, Inverness, Banffshire AB38 7RY, Scotland
Hours: Jan–Mar, Oct–Dec Mon–Fri 10am–3pm; Apr Mon–Fri 10am–5pm;
May Mon–Sat 10am–5pm; Jun–Sept Mon–Thur, Sat 10am–5pm, Sun 11am–4pm
Admission: Tour prices start at £5
From $ 48
Cardiff Castle
Surrounded by leafy Bute Park, Cardiff Castle boasts a history spanning two millennia. The hodgepodge castle is a jumble of different architectural styles, from the Norman-era keep to the faux-Gothic apartments. It is the former home of the prominent Bute family, who helped transform Cardiff into an influential industrial port.
The Basics
Cardiff Castle is one of the city’s top attractions. Many visitors see the castle from the outside during guided sightseeing tours of Cardiff. Some TV location tours include entry to the castle; Doctor Who, Sherlock, and Torchwood all filmed here.
A ticket gives visitors access to the grounds, the Norman keep, the Interpretation Centre, the wartime tunnels (which were used as air-raid shelters during World War II), and the opulent castle apartments, designed by architect William Burges. Visitors can also explore the Firing Line exhibit, which looks at Welsh military history, and make use of a free audio guide. Or upgrade to add on a 50-minute guided house tour, which provides access to additional areas, such as Lord Bute’s bedroom and the rooftop garden. Special tours, which take place on select dates, showcase other parts of the castle complex and cover different angles, such as the castle’s haunted history.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Cardiff Castle is a must for history buffs and families.
- Start your visit in the Interpretation Centre, where you can watch a short introductory film about the castle and download the Cardiff Castle app using the castle’s free Wi-Fi.
- The castle hosts a café serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, and hot meals.
- The Interpretation Centre, the Firing Line exhibition, and parts of the grounds are wheelchair accessible. The castle apartments and the house tour are not.
How to Get There
Cardiff Castle is situated in the heart of Cardiff city center, a 10-minute walk from Cardiff Central Station. For those exploring the city center on foot, look for signs directing you toward the castle’s entrance on Castle Street and High Street.
When to Get There
The best time to visit Cardiff Castle is during summer, when milder weather prevails. The castle is busiest on weekends, so come midweek to avoid the crowds.
Other Castles Near Cardiff
Wales is blessed with an abundance of castles. If, after exploring Cardiff Castle, you want to visit another fortress, you won’t have to drive far to find one. The largest castle in Wales, Caerphilly Castle, is just 10 miles (16 kilometers) north of Cardiff Castle, while the romantic ruin of medieval Raglan Castle is just over 30 miles (48 kilometers) away.
Address: Wales
Admission: Varies
From $ 16
Carlisle Bay
The ancient shipwrecks in this protected natural harbor make Carlisle Bay one of Barbados’ most popular snorkeling and scuba diving destinations. Six sunken vessels dot the ocean floor here and attract hundreds of varieties of tropical fish, stingrays, sea stars and turtles, not to mention curious travelers.
In addition to underwater adventures, the nearby Boatyard offers jet skiing, sea trampolines and the opportunity to jump into the ocean via rope swing. Even those who prefer to stay out of the water will love the calm shores and sandy beaches of Carlisle Bay, where countless chair and umbrella rentals make it easy to while away the day here.
Practical Info
Carlisle Bay is located in the southwest region of Barbados near Bridgetown. Early risers can head to nearby Pebble Beach to see local race horses being exercised along the shores.
Address: Barbados
From $ 20
Capuchin Crypt
The hauntingly beautiful chapels beneath Rome’s church of Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccini served as the burial chambers for Capuchin friars for centuries. As there were more bodies than space, older graves were dug up, and bones of the dead were used to create intricate designs decorating the chapel walls and ceilings.
The Basics
The Capuchin Crypt, a series of six small chapels used to bury Capuchin monks who died between 1528 and 1870, ultimately held around 3,700 bodies interred in the crypt’s sacred soil brought directly from Jerusalem. You can walk through the bone chapels to admire the unique decorations created by the skeletal remains of the deceased, said to be a reminder of the fleeting nature of mortality.
The best way to understand the historical and religious context of this remarkable site is to join a small-group crypts and catacombs tour. These tours typically visit the Capuchin Crypt and accompanying museum along with the ancient Roman catacombs under the Basilica of San Clemente with a tour guide. To avoid the daytime crowds, you can also opt for an private tour with exclusive after-hours access to the crypt.
Things to Know Before You Go
- This is a slightly macabre stop, so is not recommended for children or anyone who is claustrophobic or squeamish about human bones.
- Book a skip-the-line tour to avoid long waits, especially in the summer months.
- The crypt is not a haunted house, but a sacred burial space. Wear modest clothing, covering shoulders and knees, and maintain a respectful decorum.
- Photography is not allowed.
- The crypt is not accessible to wheelchairs or strollers.
How to Get There
The Santa Maria della Concezione church is on Via Veneto, not far from the Piazza Barberini metro stop on line A. The Capuchin Crypt is underneath the church and has its own designated entrance.
When to Get There
The Capuchin Crypt is open year-round; check the website for hours. The underground site is a cool reprieve from the summer heat, yet can be very crowded during this time.
Underground Rome
Modern Rome sits on top of thousands of years of history, which is why the capital of Italy is known as the Eternal City. One of the best ways to explore the city’s remarkable past is by taking guided tours through Rome’s many underground sights, including remains of villas and monuments from ancient Rome as well as medieval crypts and catacombs.
Address: Via Vittorio Veneto 27, Rome, Italy
Admission: Varies
From $ 27
Captain Cook Memorial Museum
Chronicling the life and times of the iconic explorer, the Captain Cook Memorial Museum offers fascinating insight into Whitby's most famous former resident. Housed in the 17th-century home where a young James Cook took on his apprenticeship as a seaman, the museum’s star attraction is Cook’s attic room, decked out in period furnishings.
At the museum, visitors can learn about Cook's now-legendary voyages through a fascinating collection of artifacts, letters, ship models and maps. Pore over original letters written by Cook and his crew; follow his travels through maps and charts; see items brought back from Cook's long journeys to New Zealand and the Pacific Islands; and admire paintings of the voyages by Parkinson, Hodges and Webber.
Practical Info
The Captain Cook Memorial Museum is located in Whitby and is open daily—from 11am to 3pm from February 13 to March 24 and from 9:45am to 5pm from March 25 to November 6. The museum is closed from November 7 to February 12, but opens for private, prebooked groups.
Admission costs £5.40 for adults and £3.50 for children.
Address: Grape Lane, Whitby, Yorkshire YO22 4BA, England
Hours: Feb 13–March 24 11am–3pm; March 25–Nov 6 9:45am–5pm
Admission: Adult £5.40, children £3.50
From $ 52
Cape Sounion
Greek legend says that the king of Athens jumped from a cliff into the water below, forever tying his name–Aegeus–to the Aegean Sea into which he fell. Cape Sounion is where he is said to have jumped.
Cape Sounion sits at the southernmost point of mainland Greece outside Athens. In addition to the promontory's legendary importance, there are also ancient ruins you can visit nearby. There is a Temple of Poseidon dating from the 5th century B.C.E., into which the poet Lord Byron reportedly carved his name in 1810. Because of its geography, Cape Sounion is also a popular spot from which to watch the sun set into the sea.
Archaeological work continues today at Cape Sounion, but the area is more commonly known as a retreat from Athens. Many wealthy Athens residents keep second homes here, and many of the day-trippers to Cape Sounion are Athenians–not just foreign tourists.
Practical Info
Cape Sounion is roughly 76 miles from Athens by bus, and there are many day tours to the area from Athens. Bus tours typically start arriving at midday, so if you can arrange to be there earlier in the morning you'll have a better chance of seeing the temple ruins without the crowds.
Address: Cape Sounion, Greece
From $ 52
Capitol Building
This classic capitol in the heart of San Juan is home to the Legislative Assembly, House or Representatives, the Senate and a whole lot of Puerto Rican history. Visitors to this regal site, which officially opened in 1907, will find massive marble columns, ornate stonework and a brightly colored capitol dome, in addition to the Architecture and Construction Archives of the University of Puerto Rico. These include rare ink and cloth sketches, as well as the original 38 blue print plans for the structure. Visitors say this classic building is a major departure from the rest of the old city, but a few hours wandering the halls, learning about Puerto Rican history and politics is a worthy addition to any San Juan visit.
Practical Info
The Capitol is located in the Puerta de Tierra section of San Juan. The address is 1 Democracy Square. Guided tours are available by appointment.
Address: 1 Democracy Square, San Juan, Puerto Rico
From $ 75
Cape Espichel (Cabo Espichel)
Known for its wild, untamed landscape, Cape Espichel is a southwestern headland in the Setúbal District. The cape meets the rough waters of the Atlantic Ocean with dramatic, high-rising cliffs and a wind-blown, barren landscape. Atop the cliffs lies raw, isolated countryside, and many visitors describe the area as mysterious and spiritual.
Beyond the incredible scenery, the cape is home to ruins, fossils and other sights. At the water’s edge there’s a lighthouse, offering great views of the seascape. Also perched at the edge of a cliff is a small, simple white chapel, with the deep blue ocean as its backdrop.
There’s also the Santuário de Nossa Senhora, a baroque-style church, built in 1707. The main structure has been well maintained, with original tiles and stonework, and the surrounding area has ruins to explore. But the sights at Cape Espichel go even farther back then the 18th century—the area is also home to several sets of fossilized dinosaur footprints that are visible on the side of a cliff. The footprints are estimated to be 145 to 150 million years old.
Practical Info
The best way to visit Cape Espichel is by renting a car or taking a guided day trip. Cape Espichel is about 25 miles (40 km) from the city of Setúbal and 9 miles (14 km) from Sesimbra. Along the way, visitors will pass through small villages, rolling hills, grazing sheep, and other picturesque countryside scenes.
Address: Cabo Espichel, Portugal
From $ 28
Cape Neddick Nubble Lighthouse
There’s a certain romance to wind-whipped lighthouses set out off a rocky coast, and the Cape Neddick Nubble Lighthouse in York Bay is arguably the most romantic of them all. Believed to be America’s most photographed lighthouse, the Cape Neddick Nubble even had its picture delivered all the way to space, when Voyager II in 1997 sent a photo fluttering out into space to represent the American Lighthouse. Today, Cape Neddick Nubble lighthouse is an iconic sight along Maine’s spectacular southern coast, and has warned passing ships of the nearby rocks since 1879. At Christmas time, the town of York lights the house itself with bright and festive lights, which shine in brilliant, stoic contrast to the inky black backdrop of night. In summer months, when coastal Maine is teeming with beachgoers, sailors, sightseers, and tourists, thousands flock to Sohier Park across the strait from the island, simply to photograph and experience in real life the iconic American spire.
Practical Info
There is free parking in Sohier Park where you’ll find panoramic views of the lighthouse, which itself is set on Nubble Island about 100 yards off the coast. In 1985, the Cape Neddick Nubble Lighthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places, and the lighthouse is lit for the holiday season on the first Saturday after Thanksgiving.
Address: Sohier Park, York Beach, Maine 03909, USA
From $ 149
Carenage
The Carenage is St. George’s lively waterfront promenade, which winds around Grenada’s inner harbor. Its name is derived from the French word carenage, meaning “safe anchorage.” Lined with colonial-era buildings, the inlet offers shops, seafood restaurants, and cafés, plus it’s near Grenada’s bustling open-air market.
The Basics
This marina is busy with fishing boats, yachts, and barges, as well as the ferry to Carriacou. Whether you visit Grenada with a tour or independently, it’s a pleasure to grab a meal at one of the many seafood restaurants, or rum at a local bar, and snap photos of the quaint Georgian buildings that line the waterfront. Shop here for souvenirs, spices, preserves, local crafts, and more.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Water taxis run from here to the popular beach at Grand Anse.
- Grenada is a big producer of cinnamon, cloves, ginger, bay leaf, turmeric, and nutmeg, so be sure to visit the local spice market.
- English is the official language of Grenada, making it easy to chat with vendors.
How to Get There
From the cruise ship terminal, it’s a short walk (less than 10 minutes) to the Carenage. If you drive, park outside the marina area and walk to the waterfront, because parking is limited and navigating the roads can be tricky. Public minibuses are available around the island; from the central bus station in St. George’s, it’s 15–20minutes’ walk to the Carenage.
When to Get There
Grenada is known as the Spice Island, so a visit to the open-air spice market is a must. Located inland from the Carenage, near the Esplanade Mall, the shopping area is open daily, but Saturday mornings are the busiest because that’s when farmers and vendors from across the island come to sell their produce.
Nearby Fort George
From the Carenage, head up to Fort George to take in picturesque views of the town and harbor. The battery dates back to 1705 and was named in honor of King George III when the British took control of Grenada. The viewing section features plaques indicating important landmarks, along with several canno
Address: Grenada
From $ 191
Capilla del Hombre
The brainchild of Oswaldo Guayasamín, Ecuador’s most renowned contemporary artist, the Capilla del Hombre or ‘Chapel of Man’ is an art museum with a unique concept – dedicated to chronicling the history of mankind through art. Guayasamín’s vision wasn’t realized until after his death, but the museum, inaugurated in 2002, is now among Quito’s most fascinating, housed in a striking hilltop building in Bellavista.
The Capilla del Hombre houses Guayasamin’s impressive personal collection, including paintings and sculptures by prominent Latin American artists, pre-Columbian artifacts, colonial sculptures and original works. Additional highlights include the ‘Tree of Life’ in the museum gardens, where Guayasamin is buried, and the ‘Eternal Flame’ installation, a powerful declaration of peace and human rights.
Practical Info
The Capilla del Hombre is located close to the Guayasamín Museum in Bellavista, Quito and is open Tues-Sun 10am-5pm. Adult admission at the time of writing is $8.
Address: Mariano Calvache, Quito, Ecuador
Hours: Open Tues-Sun 10am-5pm
Admission: $8
From $ 8
Cardiff Bay Barrage
Stretching for 1.1km along the Cardiff Bay, the recently established Cardiff Bay Barrage is the result of a 220 million pound engineering project, extending south from Cardiff docks until Penarth. A series of locks, sluice gates and bridges now traverse the bay, with a dedicated fish pass and designated Angling zone, as well as two yacht clubs.
For visitors, it’s the landscaped embankment that is most appealing, dotted with picturesque picnic spots and offering expansive views out across the British Channel from its pay-per-view telescope. The public space keeps in with the nautical theme, with the tip of the Barrage shaped like a ship’s bow, billowing sails set along the waterfront and a series of walkways combining wooden decking with marine blue railings. Even the children’s play area continues the style, featuring pirate ships and boats set to a blue backdrop.
Visit during the day when you can explore the history of the docks at the Age of Coal Exhibition and soak up the maritime atmosphere on the Cardiff Bay Barrage Coast Path, or take a stroll through the area at night, when the sails are illuminated and the water is dancing with lights.
For visitors, it’s the landscaped embankment that is most appealing, dotted with picturesque picnic spots and offering expansive views out across the British Channel from its pay-per-view telescope. The public space keeps in with the nautical theme, with the tip of the Barrage shaped like a ship’s bow, billowing sails set along the waterfront and a series of walkways combining wooden decking with marine blue railings. Even the children’s play area continues the style, featuring pirate ships and boats set to a blue backdrop.
Visit during the day when you can explore the history of the docks at the Age of Coal Exhibition and soak up the maritime atmosphere on the Cardiff Bay Barrage Coast Path, or take a stroll through the area at night, when the sails are illuminated and the water is dancing with lights.
Address: Wales
From $ 9
Carmen Alto Convent (Monasterio de Carmen Alto)
The order of the Discalced Carmelites founded a monastery in Quito in 1653. Before it became a monastery, the Carmen Alto Convent (Monasterio de Carmen Alto) was famous as the location where Saint Mariana of Jesus lived and died, and today, thousands of pilgrims make their way here each year to honor this famous Ecuadorian saint.
Two of the convent’s old cloisters now house a museum, where various pieces of religious art are on display, alongside images and artifacts from the convent’s centuries long history and information on the day-to-day lives of the nuns who live there. The rest of the building still functions as a working monastery. The nuns living within are famous for producing traditional sweets, including limones desamargados — small hollowed out lemons filled with a sweet creamy center.
Practical Info
Much of the information presented within the museum is in Spanish, so be sure to bring along a small pocket dictionary or translation app.
Address: Corner of García Moreno & Rocafuerte, Quito, Ecuador
Hours: Open Wed-Sun 9:30am-5:30pm
Admission: Adults: $3 Adults; Children: $1
From $ 46
Capitoline Hill & Museums
One of the most elegant public spaces in Rome, Capitoline Hill is the site of Piazza del Campidoglio, designed by Michelangelo in 1536. This piazza overlooking the Roman Forum includes an open square, three Renaissance palace museums—Palazzo dei Conservatori, Palazzo Senatorio, and Palazzo Nuovo—and Cordonata, a monumental staircase. The square’s three palazzi house the Capitoline Museums (Musei Capitolini), considered the world’s first public museum. The vast collections include classical sculpture, Renaissance paintings, and archaeological finds.
The Basics
The Capitoline Museums, established in 1471 by Pope Sixtus IV and opened to the public in 1734, house collections spread between the three palazzi linked by an underground gallery and Palazzo Caffarelli-Clementino, just off the piazza. The scope of the collection is comparable to that of the Vatican Museums, so a private tour led by an expert guide who concentrates on the highlights is the best way to visit. This is one of Rome’s most important museum sites, so expect long lines to enter; joining a group tour in advance will allow you to skip the line.
Things to Know Before You Go
- There are two separate entrances for visitors with limited mobility, available on request.
- Book a private tour guide to avoid the long lines during the museum’s frequent special exhibitions.
- Strollers are allowed in the museum, but large bags and backpacks must be checked in the free cloakroom.
- The museum has a rooftop cafe with a beautiful view over Rome.
How to Get to There
The main entrance to the Capitoline Museums is through Palazzo dei Conservatori in Piazza del Campidoglio, which is located behind the famous Vittoriano monument in Piazza Venezia. There are a number of bus and tram lines that stop in Piazza Venezia, or you can take the metro to the Colosseo stop and walk about 10 minutes to Piazza del Campidoglio.
When to Get There
The Capitoline Museums are open daily from 9:30am to 7:30pm, with last admission one hour before closing. Like most of Rome's most famous repositories of art, the site is crowded year-round, though numbers peak in summer and during special exhibitions. The best time to visit is first thing in the morning, or during the quieter winter months.
Capitoline Museum Highlights
A number of important works of art are housed in the Capitoline Museums' collections, including the “Capitoline Wolf,” a bronze statue of Romulus and Remus suckling a she-wolf, and “The Dying Gaul,” an ancient Roman sculpture of a dying soldier. There are also masterpieces by Caravaggio, Titian, Pietro da Cortona, and Guercino.
Address: Piazza del Campidoglio, 1, 00186, Italy
Hours: Open daily 9:30am-7:30pm
Admission: € 15 for adults
From $ 22
Capilla del Cristo Chapel
The Capilla del Cristo Chapel is a small 18th-century sanctuary tucked away at the end of a pedestrian street in a corner of the old walled city of San Juan. It was built here to commemorate what believers say was a miracle of divine intervention.
The legend of the Capilla del Cristo Chapel is based on a story of a rider who lost control of his horse along Calle del Cristo during a fiesta. Plunging off the top of the stone wall and into the cliffs below, the rider was said to have miraculously survived. Over the years, faithful Puerto Ricans have flocked to the chapel to pray for miracle cures and leave tiny silver ornaments (representing parts of the miracle rider’s body) at its altar.
Today, the chapel is a well-known yet humble historical landmark. Its gold and silver altar can be seen through the glass doors of the old building, but most visitors have to settle for a view from outside, as the chapel is only open to the public once a week. As it is located within Old San Juan, the historic colonial section of the city, there are numerous ways to explore the area, including half-day sightseeing tours, walking tours, and even segway tours.
Insider’s Tip: You can visit the chapel at any time, but the iron fence across the front only opens on Tuesday afternoons and on religious holidays.
Practical Info
The Calle del Cristo Chapel is located next to Parque de las Palomas by the old city wall.
Address: Calle del Cristo, San Juan, Puerto Rico
Hours: Open Tues afternoons and religious holidays
From $ 40
Cape Canaille
Soaring 394 meters over the beaches of Cassis, Cape Canaille is France’s highest sea cliff and it’s a dramatic sight, with its steep grey and ochre colored cliffs jutting out into the ocean. Located between La Citotat and Cassis on the Mediterranean coast, the rugged headland has long drawn visitors from both towns, and offers spectacular views that span the glittering Cote d’Azur, the Calanques and the Gulf of Cassis.
The easiest way to take in the views is to follow the 15km ‘Route des Crêtes’, a dizzying serpentine road that curls its way along the coastal cliffs and climbs to the highest point – head there at sunrise or sunset for the most breathtaking views. Alternatively, adventurous travelers will find ample opportunities for hiking, mountain biking and rock climbing.
Practical Info
Cape Canaille is located along the Cote d’Azur, between the towns of Cassis and La Ciotat.
Address: Cape Canaille, Bouches-du-Rhône, France
From $ 75