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Things to Do in Niagara Falls & Around

Choose from 5,104 Fun Things to Do in Niagara Falls & Around

Bhupatindra Malla Statue

Erected in 1699, this iconic statue of King Bhupatindra Malla is located at the Vatsala Durga Temple and the only remaining royal pillar in the Katmandu Valley. Travelers can see the former ruler’s hands folded into prayer atop this important city symbol. Detail-oriented visitors may even notice the small bird perched atop the serpent’s head, which is said to support the entire capital. Though tucked among some of the area’s most incredible examples of architecture, history and art, the statue of Bhupatindra Malla is not to be missed.

Practical Info

The statue is located in Bhaktapur Dubar Square near the 55 Window Palace, in front of the Vatsala Temple and the Golden Gate.

Bhaktapur 44800, Nepal

From $ 91

Black River

The Black River is one of the longest rivers in Jamaica and flows west for 33 miles until it empties into the sea. The name derives from the river’s dark riverbed, which has obtained its hue from thick layers of decomposing vegetation that has stacked up over the years beneath the water. The Black River is easily accessible from the popular vacation spot of Negril and provides several different activities to fill a day with fun during your vacation in Jamaica.

Tubing and kayaking down the Black River are adventurous ways to experience the rapids here, and with the thick rainforest trees and plants surrounding the water, you’ll feel like you’re twisting and dipping your way through a tropical paradise, all while getting an adrenaline rush.

In a calmer part of Black River, close to the Caribbean Sea and the actual town of Black River, crocodile spotting is a popular pastime, and boats with expert guides take travelers out to the spots where crocodiles typically spend their days. See just how many you can spot of the hundreds that call the riverbed home.

YS Falls is also along the river and is made up of multiple levels of waterfalls with swimming holes at the bottom of each.

Practical Info

The most convenient way to reach the Black River is via an excursion, which will pick you up from your hotel, provide you with what you need for the day’s activities and then drop you back off at your hotel. If you’ve rented a car, it is also possible to explore the Black River on your own.

Negril, Jamaica

From $ 50

Bicester Village

Bicester Village is a luxury outlet shopping center just outside of London – the perfect destination for anyone looking to shop until they drop! Located midway between London and Birmingham, Bicester Village is hope to more than 30 luxury retailers, as well as cafes and restaurants such as Farmshop and the Villandry Grand Café. Shoppers can enjoy discounts up to 60% off retail price on brands such as MaxMara, Hugo Boss, DKNY and more. While shops do not accept foreign currency, a currency exchange is available that changes more than 40 currencies. The mall also features a children’s play area, free wi-fi, valet parking, worldwide courier service and a hands free shopping service.

Just a 15-minute walk from Bicester Village is the town of Bicester, where visitors can check out St. Edburg’s Church, the Market Square and the pedestrianized Sheep Street.

Practical Info

Located at 50 Pingle Drive in Bicester, Oxfordshire, Bicester Village is about an hour away from London. Visitors can take the train from London Marylebone and get off at Bicester North or Bicester Town stations. Bicester Town is a short walk from the mall, while a shuttle takes passengers from Bicester North. Alternatively, the luxury Shopping Express bus runs daily (except Christmas Day) from five central London locations: the Cumberland Hotel, the Hilton London Kensington Hotel, the Victoria Coach Station, the Millennium Gloucester Hotel and the Royal National Hotel. The bus departs London twice in the morning and returns twice in the early evening and costs 28 pounds roundtrip.

50 Pingle Drive, Bicester, United Kingdom OX26 6WD, England

From $ 32

Bhuleshwar Bazaar

In a neighborhood of markets, south Mumbai’s bustling Bhuleshwar Bazaar has long been a popular shopping spot for locals and visitors alike. Here you'll find everything from vibrant textiles to shimmering costume jewelry, along with many stalls selling practical items such as fruits and vegetables and kitchenware.

The Basics

With its numerous shops and stalls and constant cacophony of activity, Bhuleshwar Bazaar is a great place to get deals on unusual souvenirs and local products. And even if shopping isn't your thing, the market is worth a visit for its great people-watching and photo opportunities. Bhuleshwar Bazaar is a popular stop on shopping tours, and a tour guide can be helpful when it comes to getting an idea of prices and bargaining.

Things to Know Before You Go

Bhuleshwar Bazaar is a must-visit for photographers and shopaholics.

Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to walk among crowds.

Haggling is part of the shopping experience at the market, so always expect to make a counteroffer.

How to Get There

Bhuleshwar Bazaar is located in South Mumbai, in an area dominated by temples, shops, and residences. Just north of the Fort area, the market is about a 10-minute drive inland from Chowpatty Beach. The nearest commuter railway stations are Charni Road, Sandhurst Road, and Masjid, all of which are about a 15-minute walk away. It’s easiest to get here by taxi or visit as part of an organized tour, especially on hot and humid days.

When to Get There

Most of the shops and stalls at Bhuleshwar Bazaar are open from around 10am or 11am until 8pm or 9pm, though some close on Sundays. It's best to arrive first thing in the day, not only because cooler temperatures make walking around more pleasant, but also because shopkeepers will often give good deals to the first customer of the day for good luck.

Bargaining 101

Bargaining is an essential part of the shopping experience at Indian markets and should be fun. While you may encounter some “fixed-price” shops at Bhuleshwar Bazaar and other area markets, most vendors will expect you to do a little haggling. If quoted a price, make a counteroffer lower than what you’d be willing to pay, say one-third of the quoted price. Ideally, the vendor will meet you somewhere in the middle.

Mumbai, India

From $ 19

Black River Gorges National Park

While Mauritius might be known for its world-class beaches and temptingly turquoise waters, the island offers more adventure than just snorkeling, swimming, and diving. In Black River Gorges National Park on the island’s southwestern tip, 18 miles of hiking trails are embedded in a canopy of what’s regarded as the island’s last pristine section of forest. Between deforestation and invasive species, there was once a time when the forests seemed in danger of disappearing. In 1994, however, when Black River Gorges became the island of Mauritius’ only national park, it provided a 25 square mile home for endemic plants and wildlife still found in the forest today. When hiking the trails in the forested uplands, remember to look up in the rustling branches for pink pigeons and Mauritius kestrels that flit their way through the trees. There’s the chance you might spot mischievous monkeys when hiking to a viewpoint or waterfall, and while it’s still possible to see the coast from the various hilltop viewpoints, the cobalt shores seem miles away from this green, protected sanctuary.

Practical Info

There is no admission to visit Black River Gorges National Park, and you can purchase a park map at the Black Gorges Information Center by the eastern Le Petrin entrance. The information center is open from 8am-3:15pm, Monday-Friday, and from 8-11am on Saturday. On the western park boundary there’s another small information center at the end of Les Gorges Rd. Reaching the park requires private transport, a taxi, or a guided tour, and remember to bring plenty of mosquito repellent during all times of the year.

B103 - Plaine Champagne Road, Mauritius

From $ 80

Big Buddha

Lantau Island’s Big Buddha (Tian Tan Buddha) is a huge bronze seated Buddha at 112 feet (34 meters) tall. The statue is a popular pilgrimage site for travelers from Asia and around the globe who climb the 268 steps leading to its base for panoramic views of the South China Sea.

The Basics

Big Buddha is a popular day trip destination from Hong Kong, and most Lantau Island tours include a visit to the iconic statue. Explore the adjacent Po Lin Monastery and its Grand Hall of Ten Thousand Buddhas, ride the skyrail cable car from Ngong Ping Village for picturesque views of the giant statue, and perhaps visit nearby attractions such as Tai O fishing village, famous for its stilted houses. For a personalized experience, opt for a private or small-group tour.

Things to Know Before You Go

Big Buddha is a must-see for first-time visitors to Hong Kong.
Don’t forget to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
Day trips to Lantau Island from Hong Kong typically last about eight hours.
Big Buddha and the cable car ride from Tung Chung to Ngong Ping are both wheelchair accessible.

How to Get There

Big Buddha is located on Lantau Island, roughly one hour by road from Hong Kong. To get to the statue via public transportation, take the Mass Transit Railway (MTR) from Hong Kong to Tung Chung MTR Station. From there, hop on a bus or the scenic cable car railway to Ngong Ping Village.

When to Get There

The statue is open daily and is busiest on Saturdays and Sundays, when many locals and mainland tourists come to visit. Arrive early to avoid crowds and check the weather in advance, as views from the statue’s base are best on a clear day.

Design of the Big Buddha Statue

It took 12 years to plan and build the Big Buddha statue, partly due to the 32 symbolic markers (laksanas) that were incorporated into the piece from Buddhist scriptures (sutras). Each element is symbolic—from the pearls on Buddha’s head that represent his wisdom to the wheel of law etched on each palm, referencing the Buddha’s eternal truth that spreads out in all 10 directions of the universe.

Lantau Island, China

From $ 19

Big Rock Falls (Rio on Pools)

Big Rock Falls is a large waterfall located in the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve that attracts a number of visitors who enjoy swimming and cliff jumping.

Part of the Vaca Plateau, the falls can be reached via a short, but somewhat difficult, 15-minute hike. The trek is pretty much straight down and includes a fairly steep section with a not so sturdy railing and a rope to hold on to and aid in the climb down. Once at the water level, you must walk over slippery, uneven slabs of granite rock. The deep emerald pools are perfect for swimming or cliff jumping, and the water is very deep so there is little risk of hitting the bottom when jumping in.

Getting to Big Rock Falls from San Ignacio can be an adventure in itself. The drive is approximately 13 miles over unpaved roads throughout Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve with scenic views.

Practical Info

Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve is part of the Cayo District and includes the Privassion River. The trail to reach Big Rock Falls is about 300 yards and the climb down into the gorge is about 130 feet. If you plan to get wet at Big Rock Falls, bring a change of dry clothes, bug spray, and sunblock. You should be in moderate physical shape to hike down to Big Rock Falls. Those uncomfortable with uneven terrain may want to skip Big Rock Falls as well and check out Rio On Pools.

Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, Cayo, Belize

From $ 115

Birdpark Malta

The first nature park in the country, Birdpark Malta is a hidden gem for visitors. Open to the public for just five years and covering 5,000 square meters, it is home to more than 200 species of birds. A variety of other animals also populate the park, including kangaroos, wallabies, antelopes, deer, meercats, snakes and other reptiles. Visitors can watch daily feedings, participate in interactive sessions with owls, macaws, reptiles and other animals, or join a guided tour of the park to learn more about bird habitats, songs and calls, migration patterns and nests and eggs. And of course, the park’s helpful keepers are always on hand to answer questions. Consider combining a trip to Birdpark Malta with a visit to the National Aquarium of Malta for a full day wildlife experience.

Practical Info

Birdpark Malta is located next to Kennedy Grove in the Salina neighborhood of Malta. Visitors can either join a tour to the park or take a bus to the Salini stop, near the Salina Bay Hotel. If you visit independently, you can still join a guided tour offered at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.

L-Imdwra Road, Burmarrad, Malta

Tuesday to Friday, 10:00 am to 3:00 pm; Saturday and Sunday, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm

8 Euro

From $ 37

Bintang Walk

To truly feel the pulse of Kuala Lumpur, plan to spend a few hours walking one of its busiest streets, Bintang Walk. Located in the heart of Bukit Bintang, a neighborhood with the highest concentration of shopping outlets in the city, Bintang Walk runs along the area’s main artery, Jalan Bukit Bintang, but has come to encompass the surrounding area as well.

While the shopping scene is what initially attracted tourists and locals to the area, Bintang Walk has grown beyond a mere commercial center. There’s plenty of shopping to be done, but the streets here are also lined with cafes, hip nightclubs, eateries and vendors serving up just about anything one could want. This is also one of the best areas in the city to find Arabian food.

While Bintang Walk is buzzing throughout the week, weekend evenings are the prime time to see the area at its peak of activity, as a mixture of local youth and foreign tourists congregate to shop, eat, drink, see and be seen.

Practical Info

Bintang Walk is a popular area near Kuala Lumpur’s center with its own metro station.

Bintang Walk, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Daily

From $ 41

Birla Mandir Temple (Lakshmi Narayan)

Officially known as the Laxminarayan Temple in honor of the god Vishnu (the preserver in the Hindu trinity) and his consort Lakshmi, the beautiful Birla Mandir complex centers around one of the most significant temples in the Indian capital. Though built in the 1930s, it remains one of the finest local examples of modern temple architecture.

The Basics

Spread out over seven acres (three hectares), this large temple complex was inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi himself in 1939, and was groundbreaking for its time in that it allowed people of all castes and backgrounds to enter. Although the main 3-story temple is dedicated to Vishnu and Lakshmi, it features shrines to numerous deities, including Shiva and the Buddha. The grounds are a fun place for families, with large plaster animals that are big enough for kids (or small adults) to climb on.

Birla Mandir is a popular stop on many group and private Delhi tours, particularly those focused on temples and religious sites. Some time their visits to coincide with the morning and evening aarti, a traditional Hindu ritual.

Things to Know Before You Go

Birla Nadir is a must for lovers of religious and temple architecture.
Photography is not allowed inside the temples but is permitted in the surrounding gardens.
Secure lockers are available by the main entrance.
Not wheelchair accessible.

How to Get There

Birla Mandir is located about a 10-minute drive or auto-rickshaw ride west of New Delhi’s Connaught Place. The closest metro stop, Ramakrishna Ashram Marg, is a 20-minute walk away. Generally it’s easiest to visit by taxi or as part of an organized tour.

When to Get There

The Birla Mandir complex is open daily from 4:30am to 1:30pm and 2:30pm to 9pm. Like all Delhi attractions, it’s often more pleasant to spend time here during the cooler winter months. Especially if you’re visiting in the hot season (particularly May and June), you may want to get up early or visit after sunset to avoid the heat—and to catch an aarti ceremony.

The Birla Family Legacy

This temple (or mandir) is the oldest of many similarly named and equally grand Birla Mandirs built by one of India’s most prominent industrial families, the Birlas. Although there are Birla Mandirs dedicated to a variety of deities—from Shiva, the destroyer in the Hindu trinity, to the goddess of learning and music, Sarasvati—a good number are dedicated to Lakshmi Narayan, including the landmark Birla Mandir in Jaipur.

New Delhi, India

From $ 15

Bioluminescent Bay

By daylight, Fajardo's bioluminescent lagoon appears just as scenic as any other bay on the tropical Puerto Rican coastline. But come nightfall, the Laguna Grande bio bay glows fluorescent with every movement and splash, thanks to the presence of microscopic plankton that thrive in the shallow Caribbean waters. Read on to learn how to take your own memorable Bio Bay tour.

The Basics

Bio bay tours allow visitors the chance to set the water aglow and create a trail of light with every stroke of a kayak paddle. To see the bioluminescence, night trips are offered around the cycles of the moon, with ideal timing on the darkest nights. These guided kayak tours are available departing from San Juan or Luquillo, which is only nine miles (15 kilometers) away. It’s common to couple kayaking with an afternoon nature walk to La Mina Falls in the nearby El Yunque National Forest.

What to Expect When Visiting the Bioluminescent Bay

Bio bay kayaking trips frequently set out in the early evening around sunset, launching from Las Croabas with a tour guide or instructor. These kayak tours travel through a dense collection of mangrove trees under a total canopy of darkness, and once you’re out of the mangrove tunnel, the stars above provide the only light by which to view the glowing waters, where the tips of your paddles will slowly begin to glow as they strike the liquid surface. There’s no swimming in the bay during this popular Puerto Rico vacation activity, but it’s easy to pass your hand through the water over the side of your kayak.

How to Get There

Laguna Grande is located in the Las Cabezas de San Juan Nature Reserve just off the shores of Fajardo, about 40 miles (65 kilometers) or an hour’s drive east of Old San Juan, a major tour departure point.

Why Does the Bio Bay Glow?

Although the glowing water often gives visitors a magical feeling, this spectacular natural wonder is actually caused by pyrodinium bahamense, single-celled organisms that glow when disturbed. The bay is surrounded by red mangrove trees, native to the surrounding El Yunque rainforest, that provide vitamin B12 to the marine plankton and create the perfect environment for their survival. There are only a handful of places in the world where this natural phenomenon is consistently found, two others of which are also on Puerto Rico, the Island of Enchantment: at Mosquito Bay on Vieques Island and the bay at La Parguera.

Laguna Grande, Fajardo, Puerto Rico

From $ 54

Bica Funicular (Elevador da Bica)

One of the primary modes of public transportation in hilly Lisbon are funiculars, and the Bica Funicular (Elevador da Bica) has been ferrying passengers up the hill along Rua da Bica de Duarte Belo between Rua de São Paulo and Calçada do Combro since 1892.

The Bica Funicular comprises two yellow and white cars traveling in opposite directions, both with sitting and standing space. For visitors in the lower parts of Lisbon, this funicular provides a wonderful way to save leg muscles on the way up to São Jorge Castle.

Those curious about the history of Lisbon’s funiculars (and other forms of public transportation) can learn more with a visit to the Carris Museum

Practical Info

If you plan on using public transportation often, it’s cheaper to buy a Lisbon card or Viva Viagem card from the metro instead of purchasing tickets individually.

Rua de São Paulo, Lisbon, Portugal

Open Mon-Sat 7am-9pm; Sun and holidays 9am-9pm

€3.60 RT

From $ 16

Bibury

Bibury is a village in the Cotswolds of England and the perfect place to enjoy the beauty of Gloucestershire. It lies along the River Coln, which is a tributary of the River Thames. Visitors can stroll down Arlington Row to admire cottages that were built in the late 1300s as monastic wool stores. In the 17th century, they were covered into the weavers' cottages you see today. Many of the ornate buildings have protection status, and this row of cottages is featured on the inside cover of all United Kingdom passports. It has also been used in television and movie filming, such as Bridget Jones Diary.

Bibury is also rich in natural and wildlife attractions. Rack Isle, which is named for where wool was once hung to dry on racks, is a water meadow that provides an important home for many plants and birds. Here you can see mallards, coots, moorhens, water voles, marsh orchids, flag irises, and marsh marigolds.

Practical Info

Bibury is located 83 miles west of London and 29 miles west of Oxford. It can be reached from Oxford using route A40 and B4425, or by train to Moreton-in-Marsh and then by bus.

Bibury, South East England, UK, England

From $ 110

Bioparc Valencia

Located in the northwest of the city, Bioparc Valencia is an immersion zoo, where the barriers between animals and visitors are hidden or removed, and animals of different species reside safely side by side. This creates the sensation of observing animals in the wilds of the savanna, equatorial forest, African wetlands, and Madagascar.

The Basics

Explore Bioparc Valencia’s animal exhibits with a single-entrance ticket or visit the zoo as a stop on a hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus. Alternatively, glide by the zoo on a Segway tour of the city.

In addition to numerous animal exhibits, Bioparc Valencia offers several other ways to connect with the animal kingdom. A cinema screens two films: a short introduction to the park and a longer documentary on conservation. Throughout the day animal handlers demonstrate interesting animal behaviors and offer talks on how the animals are cared for.

Things to Know Before You Go

Bioparc Valencia is a must-visit for animal lovers and families traveling with kids.
Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to do a fair amount of walking.
Don’t forget to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
The entire zoo park is wheelchair accessible.

How to Get There

Bioparc Valencia is located along the Turia Gardens. You can get there on foot, or by cycling along the bike path parallel to the Turia riverbed. Metro lines 3, 5, and 9 all stop near the park; get off at Nou d’October station. Hop-on hop-off sightseeing buses stop nearby.

When to Get There

Plan to visit the Bioparc on a weekday morning in spring or autumn to enjoy the best balance of warm weather and fewer crowds. If you’re visiting in August—vacation for many Europeans—expect long lines and high temperatures. Check the park calendar before your visit for the latest schedule of animal behavior demonstrations and feedings.

Attractions for the Whole Family in Valencia

Valencia is one of Spain’s most family-friendly destinations, thanks to attractions such as Bioparc Valencia. If you’re looking for other things to do with little ones while in town, consider heading over to the City of Arts and Sciences to tour the oceans at the L’Oceanografic aquarium or explore outer space at the L’Hemisferic planetarium. On a hot summer day, grab some towels and spend some time splashing in the sun at Patacona Beach.

Av Pio Baroja, 3, Valencia 46015, Spain

Varies

From $ 20

Binnenhof & Ridderzaal

The Hague’s Binnenhof (or Inner Court) complex is not only an important political hub – housing the official offices and meeting rooms of the Dutch Parliament and Prime Minister – but one of the city’s most striking landmarks. Built back in the 13th century as a hunting lodge for the counts of Holland, Binnenhof centers around the Hofvijver or 'Court Pond' and includes the Het Torentje, ‘the Little Tower' where the Prime Minister’s office is located and the resplendent Ridderzaal, the ‘Hall of the Knights’ where the Queen holds her annual speech on Prinsjesdag. The Ridderzaal, with its dramatic twin towers, richly decorated interiors and intricate leaded glass windows, was the last building to be added in 1280, and stands proud at the heart of the cobblestone courtyard.

Several of the Binnenhof’s monumental buildings are open to the public as part of an official guided tour, including the Ridderzaal, where a permanent Parliament exhibit is housed, or else you can wander the stately grounds for free.

Binnenhof 8a, The Hague, Netherlands

Most Tours are held in Dutch, with English Headsets, English Spoken Tours every Sunday at 2:00pm.

Guided Tours Range from EUR 5-10 per Person

From $ 172

Bioparco

Yes, Rome has a zoo. It is a zoological garden with more than 1,000 animals located on the original site of the Villa Borghese. Open since 1911, it began as a place to collect and display animals in danger of extinction. Paths winding through the park allow visitors to observe lions, elephants, tigers, monkeys, and giraffes, among others. There is also a small barnyard area with goats, pigs, cows, and other livestock. Most notably the bio-park is home to a rare Kleinmann’s tortoise, which was rescued from a smuggler's suitcase in 2005.

Bioparco has been renovated and renamed from its original construction to illustrate its commitment to ecological practices and scientific knowledge. There is a small lake with seating to relax as well as a children’s area. All in all there are more than 200 species on the 17 hectares of zoo land here. It is one of Europe’s oldest zoos still in operation.

Practical Info

Bioparco is located on Viale del Giardino Zoologico at the Villa Borghese estate. It is easily accessed on foot from the Spanish Steps or Piazza del Popolo. The nearest metro stop is Spagna. Open from 9:30 am to 5 pm, it costs 15 euros to enter.

Viale del Giardino Zoologico, 20, Roma, Italy

Open daily from 9:30 am - 5 pm. Extended hours to 6 or 7 pm during summer months.

15 EUR for adults, 12 EUR for children

From $ 45

Black Forest

Although the Black Forest is located in one of the sunniest areas of Germany, its name dates back to a time when thick trees shielded the forest floor from light. While there are more clearings now, the country's largest and most renowned forest remains a real-life Grimm fairy tale dotted with gingerbread villages and serene wood-fringed lakes.

The Basics
With its stunning scenery, clean air, dozens of mineral spas, plentiful wineries, and numerous small towns, travelers can easily spend a day, a week, or a month exploring this region between the Rhine River and the Alpine foothills of Switzerland. The Black Forest Railway is a popular activity within the forest, stretching for 93 miles (150 km) through the region and passing several magnificent waterfalls along the way.

Day trips are available from Frankfurt, Zurich, and Strasbourg, each typically including a stop at the spa town of Baden-Baden, home of the famous Kurhaus Casino. If you have more time, embark on a multi-day tour for the chance to experience a wider swath of the Black Forest's small towns.

Things to Know Before You Go

A visit to the Black Forest is perfect for spontaneous travelers and outdoor adventurers; you'll find ample hiking and biking in the area.
Keep in mind that Black Forest area highways are often steep and winding; give yourself plenty of time to get from place to place.
To avoid having to drive yourself, book a Black Forest bus tour.
Don't forget to pick up a tourist map of the area with attractions, cycle routes, and hiking trails marked.

How to Get to the Black Forest
The Black Forest region is tucked into Germany's southwest corner, in the state of Baden-Wurttemberg. The beautiful university city of Freiburg im Breisgau is an ideal starting point for your exploration, as well as a must-see attraction in its own right. The Frankfurt Airport is the closest international airport, while the Strasbourg Airport in France is also conveniently close. Between local and regional lines, it's easy to reach just about any corner of the Black Forest by bus or train, but some visitors opt to rent a car for self-guided tours.

When to Get There
Many travelers consider early fall and late spring the ideal time to visit the Black Forest, when the weather is temperate and the region—one of the most-visited mountain areas in Europe—is less crowded. If visiting between June and August, be sure to book your hotels and spas well ahead of time. Also keep in mind that some hotels and restaurants in the area close for about a month during winter.

Highlights of the Black Forest

Besides Baden-Baden and Freiburg, the Black Forest is dotted with plenty of other beautiful areas and must-sees, depending on your interests. The northern portion of the forest is home to the rolling vineyards of the Badische Wine Route, while in the central area, travelers will find excellent beer in Alpirsbach, plus cuckoo clocks and one of Germany's largest waterfalls in Triberg. In the south sits the wine region of Kaiserstuhl, as well as Lake Titisee, one of Germany's most scenic lakes.

Germany

From $ 237

Bibi-Heybat Mosque

During the 13th century Shirvanshah Farrukhzad II Ibn Ahsitan II built a beautiful mosque in the city now known as Baku. Alexandre Dumas paid a visit to the mosque in the 1840s and gave it the nickname “the mosque of Fatima.”

After it was completely destroyed by the Bolsheviks in 1936, the mosque was rebuilt in 1994 on the same site and is today the spiritual center for Muslims in Azerbaijan. Ukeyma Khanum, a descendant of the Prophet Muhammad, is entombed within the mosque, adding to its religious significance.

Architects used photos and traveler descriptions to recreate the mosque’s classic Shirvan architecture, including its three domes and two minarets. Gilded inscriptions from the Quran border the interior of the domes, which are covered in green, teal and gold tiles.

Practical Info

While it’s possible to take a local bus to visit the mosque, it’s also convenient to visit it as part of a sightseeing tour of Baku.

Baku, Azerbaijan

From $ 39

Birgu (Vittoriosa)

An interesting town to visit on Malta is known in Maltese as Birgu, and in Italian as Vittoriosa (“Victorious,” named as such after the Great Siege of Malta). Situated on the Grand Harbor, it has a lengthy maritime history and home to the popular Maritime Museum. But the Fort St. Angelo is the real draw here, an unrestored fortress that is largely credited with helping Malta beat back invaders.

Other highlights include the Church Museum, which has a rag-tag collection of artifacts that gives visitors a sense of Birgu's past; the gorgeous St. Lawrence Church, a gorgeous structure with some astonishing art; and the main gate and walls of this previously fortified city. And Villetta is just across the harbor!

Practical Info

Birgu is 15 minutes from Malta International Airport.

Birgu, Malta

From $ 457

BioMuseo

In a country with so much biodiversity, it’s not surprising to see a museum dedicated to the natural marvels found here. The 4,000-square-meter BioMuseo was designed by Frank Gehry, the same architect who designed the beautiful Guggenheim Museum Bilbao. This site takes visitors on a journey through time to when the Isthmus of Panama was formed, joined two continents and divided oceans.

There are seven permanent exhibitions that focus on art and science education here. When the isthmus was formed, there was an interchange of species between North and South America, an effect depicted in a series of 72 sculptures of those species. Audiovisual presentations also show the natural wonders of Panama’s ecosystems.

Another exhibition consisting of 16 columns tells the story of the cultural diversity in Panama. Two aquariums examine how the Pacific and the Caribbean changed when they were separated by the isthmus, and another display explores the relationship between Panama’s biodiversity and the rest of the world.

An outdoor Biopark serves as a living extension of the museum, with a selection of endemic plants that contribute to an understanding of Panama's biodiversity and makes for a pleasant place to take a walk.

Practical Info

The BioMuseo is conveniently located on the Amador Causeway with excellent views of the modern city, the Old City, Ancon Hill and the Bridge of the Americas. To get here, take a 15-minute taxi ride from the Albrook terminal or from Panama City’s Plaza 5 de Mayo. Alternatively, a bus can be taken from Plaza 5 de Mayo as well. BioMuseo is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets cost $22 for adult nonresidents, $11 for nonresident children under 18, $12 for adult residents and $6 for resident children under 18.

Amador Causeway, Panama City, Panama

Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

$22 nonresident adults, $11 children under 18. $12 resident adults, $6 children under 18

From $ 18