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

Boyana Church

The three historic buildings that make up the medieval Bulgarian Orthodox icon known as Boyana Church have been attracting visitors for over a hundred years. Each building was constructed in a distinctly different architectural style reflective of the time, taste and period it was created, making a visit to this famous landmark a truly unique experience.

The eastern church, Boyana’s oldest section, is one of the smallest, while the second section, built in the mid-13 century, is a two-floor wonder with tombs, semi-cylindrical vault and quiet family chapel. The final section of the church, which wasn’t built until the 19th century, showcases some of the most contemporary designs. Travelers agree that the architecture and history make Boyana Church a destination, but it’s the 89 frescos with 240 human images painstakingly painted onto interior walls that have placed Boyana at the intersection of religion and art in Bulgaria.

Practical Info

The Boyana Church is a UNESCO World Heritage site located on the outskirts of Sofia in the Boyana quarter. Temperature regulating air conditioning units were installed to protect and preserve the space, but small groups of tourists (between eight and ten people) are permitted to stay inside for only 15-minute periods. Guides are included with admission.

1-3 Boyansko Ezero St., Sofia, Bulgaria

April-Oct: 9:30 - 5:30 p.m. Nov-March: 9:00 - 5 pm

From $ 6

Bravissimo Show

Ocean World’s Bravissimo Show is one of the highlights of a visit to Puerto Plata. An international dance show choreographed to Caribbean rhythms, the Las Vegas-meets-the-Caribbean extravaganza features nearly 30 dancers and over 100 costumes. Guests are provided with unlimited rum, wine and beer during the show and free access to Ocean World’s casino and admission to the Ocean World Disco as well.

The disco features 360-degree ocean views and is located on the fourth floor of the main casino building. If you are a fan of karaoke, stop by on Wednesday nights; Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights are tropical themed.

The casino includes a variety of games, including blackjack, three-card and Texas Hold ’em poker, while roulette, big six, craps and a selection of popular slot machines are also available.

Practical Info

Children ages 17 and under are not allowed in the casino or disco. The Bravissimo Show lasts three hours. No photos or video are allowed during the show, and there is a dress code — casual or sem-formal. No shorts, tank tops or flip-flops are allowed at the show. Ocean World’s casino is open daily from 3pm to 3am.

Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic

Wednesday, Friday & Saturday

Varies

From $ 89

Bourke's Luck Potholes

Located within Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, Bourke’s Luck Potholes were formed by centuries of swirling whirlpools at the confluence of the Treur and Blyde Rivers, eroding away the sandstone bedrock. Named after Tom Bourke, an unsuccessful gold prospector working in the area, this natural attraction comprises a series of interconnected cylindrical pools divided by sandstone outcrops.

Viewing platforms and bridges cross above some of the best formations, and depending on the time of day, river levels and mineral content in the water, the view of the holes and multi-colored sandstone changes.

Practical Info

Bourke’s Luck Potholes are located along the Panorama Route through the park, about 22 miles (35 kilometers) north of Graskop.

Kruger National Park, Blyde River Canyon Reserve, South Africa

From $ 76

Bramante Staircase

The Bramante Staircase, designed by Donato Bramante in 1505, is an innovative double-helix spiral lined with Doric columns that connects the Vatican’s Belvedere Palace to the city of Rome below. It was commissioned by Pope Julius II and inspired Giuseppe Momo’s impressive 1930s staircase at the Vatican Museums exit.

The Basics

Many visitors mistake Giuseppe Momo's 1930s staircase for the historic Bramante Staircase, but the original was built more than 400 years earlier and is closed to the general public. Only private groups led by an official Vatican-approved tour guide are authorized to visit the elegant Renaissance staircase.

Some small-group guided tours of the Vatican Museums—among the most popular attractions in Italy—include access to the Bramante Staircase. Book in advance to avoid long ticket and entry lines. Extended tours generally also include stops in the Painting Gallery (Pinacoteca), Gallery of Tapestries, Gallery of Maps, Gallery of the Candelabra, the Sistine Chapel with its frescoes by Michelangelo, and the Raphael Rooms before moving on the St. Peter's Basilica.

Things to Know Before You Go

There is a security check at the entrance to the Vatican Museums, so items like pocket knives, corkscrews, and umbrellas must be left at the coat check.
If your Vatican tour includes entry to the Sistine Chapel, be sure to wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees.
Vatican tours generally require quite a bit of walking, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes.
The Bramante Staircase is not wheelchair accessible.

How to Get There

The Vatican Museums are located adjacent St. Peter's Square in Vatican City. The closest metro station is Ottaviano on Line A.

When to Get There

The museums are most crowded at midday, so opt for a morning (or early-access) tour or plan a visit in the offseason winter months if you prefer a quieter experience.

Visiting the Vatican’s Painting Gallery

Most Vatican Museum tours include a stop in the Painting Gallery, a highlight of the museum complex. Here you can view one of the world's best collections of works by Italian masters such as Giotto, da Vinci, Raphael, and Caravaggio.

Vatican Museums, Vatican City, Rome, Italy

Varies

From $ 29

Botanical Gardens

Established in 1921 during the Japanese occupation of Taiwan, the Taipei Botanical Gardens displays more than 2,000 species of plants throughout its 17 garden districts and 20 acres (8 hectares). Walking paths take visitors past nine ponds and through two buildings, both registered historic sites. The first, built in 1888 was once a Qing-dynasty administrative building that currently houses the National Museum of History, and the other currently serves as a herbarium.

Apart from the mundane gardens -- bamboo, succulents, ferns and the like -- the Botanical Gardens maintains some interesting themed areas as well. Learn about plants used for daily life in the Economic Crops Garden, and see the hundreds of varieties of plants mentioned in ancient Chinese literature, like Journey to the West, in the Chinese Classical Literature Botanical Garden. Be sure to stop by the Sensory Garden, a space filled with plants you can touch and smell.

You might assume spring is the best time for a visit, but the botanists at the Botanical Gardens have carefully curated plants to ensure a year-round show of color.

NO.53, Nan-Hai Road, Taipei 10066, Taiwan

Daily 4:00am - 10:00pm

From $ 129

Brandenburg Gate (Brandenburger Tor)

The grand gateway to Unter den Linden Boulevard and Tiergarten Park, the Brandenburg Gate (Brandenburger Tor) is one of Berlin’s most recognizable landmarks. Built by Prussian kings, this monumental gate stood strong through World War I and the Cold War, becoming a symbol of reunified Germany and a poignant reminder of Berlin’s tragedies and triumphs.

The Basics

No Berlin tour is complete without a glimpse of the Brandenburg Gate. Whether you choose to explore Berlin on a walking tour, on a bike tour, by Segway, or in a Trabant vintage car, you’ll surely stop to snap a photo by this iconic landmark. There are tours to suit all preferences—small-group and private tours that offer a more personalized experience; Berlin Wall and Third Reich tours that offer a greater insight into Berlin’s history; and hop-on hop-off bus tours for those who want to discover Berlin at their own pace.

Things to Know Before You Go

The tourist information center at the Brandenburg Gate has free Wi-Fi.
The Brandenburg Gate and many surrounding attractions are wheelchair accessible.

How to Get There

The Brandenburg Gate is located on the historic square of Pariser Platz in West Berlin, at the western end of Unter den Linden Boulevard and bordering the eastern entrance to Tiergarten Park. The closest subway station is Brandenburger Tor. Monuments such as the Holocaust Memorial and the Reichstag building are within easy walking distance.

When to Get There

As one of the most popular Berlin attractions, the Brandenburg Gate is often surrounded by crowds, especially during the busy months of July and August. Visit after dark to see the monument lit up by dramatic spotlights, or stop by in the early morning to avoid the crush of tourists or grab a rare photograph of the gate without crowds. The Brandenburg Gate is also an important part of annual events such as the October Berlin Lights Festival, Berlin’s holiday illuminations, and the city’s New Year’s Eve celebrations.

The Historic Importance of the Brandenburg Gate

Built in 1791 in a neoclassical style, the Brandenburg Gate is the last of Berlin’s original city gates. Originally commissioned by Prussian King Frederick William II, the monument took center stage years later during the Cold War, when it was located in an exclusion zone on the Soviet side and inaccessible to residents of both East and West Berlin. After the fall of the Berlin Wall, it was heralded as a symbol of unified Berlin, with huge crowds gathering to celebrate its monumental reopening.

Am Pariser Platz, Berlin 10117, Germany

Free

From $ 16

Boudhanath Stupa (Bodhnath Stupa)

One of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world, Boudhanath is a major pilgrimage point near Kathmandu. Every day, Buddhists fill the square to light incense, turn prayer wheels, and perform kora—clockwise circumambulations—around the monument. Rebuilt after the 2015 earthquake, the stupa is one of Nepal's most unmissable attractions.

The Basics

Nepal has been an important base for Tibetan Buddhism since the 1950s, when streams of Tibetan refugees were exiled from China. But Buddhism has always held a vital role in Nepali cultural life. The stupa of Boudhanath dates back to the 14th century. Along with Lumbini—the birthplace of the Buddha—and the hilltop temple of Swayambhu, it is one of the country’s standout Buddhist sites.

Visitors of all backgrounds can join processions around the stupa and spin the prayer wheels that surround the monument. Tibetan jewelry, handicraft, and thangka painting shops surround the bustling public square—actually a circle—and the city’s best Tibetan restaurants are located nearby. Most guided tours cover the stupa along with several other attractions (like Pashupati or Swayambhu) in the same day, making an ideal introduction for first-time visitors. There are private, small-group, and larger group excursion options available.

Things to Know Before You Go

Boudhanath stupa is one of the most important religious sites in the Kathmandu Valley.
Wear comfortable footwear if you plan on making kora around the stupa—108 is the holiest number.
Unable to walk? Visitors can still partake by lighting incense or a butter candle.
Don’t miss a taste of traditional Tibetan noodle dishes in a local eatery.

How to Get There

Most tours offer complimentary hotel pickup in Kathmandu—a short distance away. Otherwise, taxi rides can be arranged. Although entirely pedestrian, the stupa of Boudhanath is easily reached by a main roadway.

When to Get There

On a typical day, most Buddhist worshippers arrive at dawn to circumambulate around the stupa. To soak up the most spiritual ambiance, time your visit with local monks, nuns, and Tibetan residents. In February or March, Boudha hosts the Tibetan New Year festival of Losar, and Buddha Jayanti (Buddha’s birthday) is celebrated in April or May during the full moon, an auspicious time for Buddhists.

Get an Eyeful of Tibetan Art

The intricately hand-painted devotional images, known as thangka paintings, are for sale in handicraft shops surrounding the stupa. Colorful and vibrant, they depict Buddhists deities or cosmic realms, painted with an astonishing attention to detail. Pick up your own souvenir painting, or wander the shops to get a firsthand peek at the centuries-old Tibetan art form.

Kathmandu 44600, Nepal

From $ 19

Bourbon Tunnel (Galleria Borbonica)

Travelers looking to venture back in time can explore the eight ramps that delve some 33 yards deep into the depths of Chiaia on an incredible tour of the Bourbon Tunnel, or Galleria Borbonica. What was once a veterinary laboratory, and even earlier an escape route from the Royale Palace to a barrack in Via della Pace, is today one of Naples' top attractions for history lovers wanting to gain a deeper understanding of the city's culture and heritage.

Visitors can choose from a number of tours designed to highlight this unique attraction that operated as a military hospital during World War II and even as the Hall Judicial Outpost. Guides share in-depth details and stories while visitors navigate the tunnel's depths. Travelers say that while it can be difficult to find, the experience of stepping back in time and far below the Naples' surface is not to be missed!

Practical Info

Galleria Borbonica is located at Vico del Grottone, 4 in Naples. It is accessible by bus or tram to Piazza Vittoria and walking to Domenico Morelli car park, where the entrance to the Bourbon Tunnel is located. Tours take place on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Vico del Grottone, 4, Naples, Italy

Varies

From $ 12

Bridge on the River Kwai

Thailand’s Kanchanaburi province is home to the famous Bridge on the River Kwai and the beginning of the Thai-Burma Death Railway, both poignant reminders of the thousands of POWs and forced laborers who lost their lives during World War II.

Made famous by the 1957 David Lean movie of the same name, the building of the bridge in 1943 was one part of a huge Japanese wartime project to link Thai and Burmese railway lines and create a direct route from Bangkok.

Due to illness, starvation and neglect, thousands of people lost their lives building the bridge and railway – you can visit the graves of nearly 7,000 POWs at the nearby Kanchanaburi War Cemetery. Parts of the original bridge are now displayed in the War Museum here. You can walk along the restored railway bridge on foot or take a train specifically for tourists.

Practical Info

The Bridge on the River Kwai is in Kanchanaburi about 80 miles (130 km) west of Bangkok. Tours often depart directly from Kanchanaburi or from Bangkok Noi Railway Station.

Kanchanaburi, Thailand

Open daily

From $ 27

Brabo Fountain

In pole position at the heart of Antwerp’s lovely, medieval Grote Markt, the Brabo Fountain stands in front of the ornate, pennant‐encrusted Stadhuis (Town Hall) and was created in 1887 by the renowned Flemish sculptor Jef Lambeaux. The flamboyant Baroque statue represents a legend concerning the origins of the city: more than 2,000 years ago Antwerp was a small settlement in the Roman Empire when a Russian ‘giant’ called Druon Antigoon settled on the banks of the River Scheldt and charged ships to sail up the river; if sailors refused to pay the toll, Druon Antigoon cut their hands off in revenge. A Roman soldier named Silvius Brabo – rumored to be a relative of Julius Caesar – refused to pay and subsequently killed the giant in a duel, cutting off his hand and throwing it into the Scheldt. The hand became a symbol of Antwerp’s freedom and still features on the city’s coat of arms; the bronze Brabo Fountain features Silvius Brabo atop a pedestal awash with mythical sea monster, his body twisted in the act of throwing the hand into the river.

Practical Info

Grote Markt. Accessible on foot and 24 hours a day.

Grote Markt, Antwerp, Flanders 2000, Belgium

From $ 15

Boyana Waterfall

One of the most notable natural landmarks around Sofia, the Boyana Waterfall can be spotted from the city center on a clear, sunny day. The waterfall drops more than 15 meters on Vitosha Mountain just south of Sofia and is known as the largest and most beautiful waterfall on the mountain. The water flows with the most force in the spring when the snow is melting, but is a stunning sight all year round.

A visit to the waterfall makes a great day trip from Sofia and can easily be combined with a stop at the medieval Boyana Church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that dates to the 10th or 11th century. The church provides a starting point for a hike up to the waterfall, with two possible paths. One follows the Boyana River steeply uphill while the other follows a more gradual incline, passing by the Boyansko Lake.

For extreme adventurists, the waterfall can also be visited in the winter months for ice climbing, with up to eight possible climbing routes.

Practical Info

The Boyana Waterfall is located on Vitosha Mountain, near the suburb of Boyana just south of Sofia. To get to Boyana, take bus 64 from the Hladilnika bus station, which is a 10-minute walk from the James Bourchier metro station. Alternatively, hire a taxi or join one of several tours leaving from the center of Sofia. Most tours also include a stop at the Boyana Church.

Sofia, Bulgaria

From $ 52

Braulio Carrillo National Park

The vast protected forest of Braulio Carrillo National Park may be divided by one of the nation’s busiest highways, but this just means easy access for travelers, as well as the possibility of picturesque views without ever having to leave the car.

Lazy travelers can traverse the highway snapping photos of lush landscapes from the comfort of their car seats, while those eager to get back to nature can embark on one of the miles of trails leading to the waterfalls, open pastures and mountain stations that dot the rainforest. An Aerial tram on the eastern side of the park offers open gondola rides through the dense understory and canopy of the woods, where its possible to spot the sloth and other forest creatures that call Braulio Carrillo National Park home.

Practical Info

Buses to Guapiles, Siquerres and Limon will drop travelers at either of Braulio Carrillo National Park’s ranger stations. Entry to the park is US$7 and the main station is open daily from 8am until 4pm. The season is driest in March and April, while wetter weather tends to occur from May through November.

Braulio Carrillo National Park, Heredia Province, Costa Rica

Daily 8am-4pm

US$7

From $ 27

Bridge of 15 Bridges

Amsterdam is known for its canals and bridges – the city boats 165 canals and more than 1,200 bridges. One of the most popular bridges is known as the Bridge of 15 Bridges, named as such because it is the only place in Amsterdam where you can see as many as 15 of the city’s bridges. While it is a great spot any time of day, it is particularly impressive at night when the bridges are illuminated. It is also considered one of the most romantic spots in Amsterdam.

To spot all 15 bridges, make your way to Thorbeckeplein, which is adjacent to Rembrandtplein. Walk south to Herengracht and, at the intersection of Reguliersgracht and Herengracht, stand on the odd-numbered side of the street. With your back to Thorbeckeplein, you can see six bridges across the Reguliersgracht and gazing down the Herengracht to your left, you can see another six bridges. Two more bridges are visible to your right and the 15th bridge is the one you are standing on.

Practical Info

The Bridge of 15 Bridges is located at the intersection of Reguliersgracht and Herengracht. To get there, take tram 4, 9 or 14 or bus 355, 357, 359 or 361 to Rembrandtplein, or take tram 4 or bus 355 to Keizersgracht/Utrechtsestraat. The Waterlooplein Metro station is also about a seven-minute walk away.

Reguliersgracht and Herengracht, Amsterdam, Netherlands

From $ 21

Brick Lane

Graffiti-lined Brick Lane has long been an immigrant neighborhood, having hosted French Huguenot, Irish, Jewish, and—most recently—Bangladeshi communities. The string of curry houses at its southern end specialize in Indian and South Asian cuisine, while farther north, retro clothing shops, cafés, and bars dominate the scene.

The Basics

With its rich multicultural heritage and history, Brick Lane is one of east London’s must-sees. The fast pace of change and development here makes it a place worth returning to, even for those who have already explored on prior trips.

Many London walking tours hone in on Brick Lane, with food tours incorporating tastings of curries, bagels, fish-and-chips, and other local specialties. Brick Lane pub tours frequent the area’s historical Victorian watering holes as well as newer craft beer–focused bars. Other tours focus on the area’s thriving street-art scene and the more unsavory aspects of east London’s past, such as the Jack the Ripper murders. Some walking tours venture into the nearby neighborhoods of Spitalfields and Shoreditch.

Things to Know Before You Go

Brick Lane is a must for street-art fans, foodies, vintage lovers, and urban-culture enthusiasts.
Come hungry as Brick Lane has tons of restaurants, food stalls, and cafés you’re going to want to try.
Brick Lane is wheelchair accessible, and some—though not all—restaurants and bars here offer step-free access.

How to Get There

Brick Lane is situated in Whitechapel in east London. To get there, take the Tube (District or Hammersmith & City line) to Aldgate East; the south end of Brick Lane is two minutes’ walk away. Alternatively, ride the Overground train to Shoreditch High Street station, which is a 5-minute walk from the north end of Brick Lane.

When to Get There

The best day to visit Brick Lane is on a Sunday, as many of the local markets are hosted on this day. Sundays are typically the busiest day, so if you don’t want to deal with crowds, go midweek instead.

The Markets of Brick Lane

Street vendors are an integral part of life on Brick Lane, and you can’t go far without stumbling across a stall. Browse clothing, crafts, and food at the Sunday Upmarket at the Old Truman Brewery. Petticoat Lane Market, one of London’s oldest markets, takes place every day except Saturday on Middlesex and Wentworth streets, which branch off from Brick Lane. The daily Old Spitalfields Market, housed in a restored Victorian market hall, and the open-air Columbia Road Flower Market (Sundays only) are within walking distance of Brick Lane.

England

From $ 16

Bowmore Distillery

Founded back in 1779, the Bowmore Distillery holds the prestigious title of the Isle of Islay’s oldest distillery and the first of the island’s eight renowned distilleries is often the starting point for whisky-tasting tours. The distillery now has holiday cottages for guests onsite, as well as an award-winning visitor center and a tasting area within the legendary Bowmore No. 1 Vaults - the underground maturation warehouse, where the whisky is aged in oak casks.

Tours of the Bowmore Distillery are also possible and visitors can learn all about the whisky distillation process, watch as the grain is milled and the malt is smoked used a traditional peatfired kiln, and discover how the distillery produces 2 million liters of whisky each year, before sampling a dram of the celebrated Single Malt.

Practical Info

The Bowmore Distillery is located in Bowmore on the island of Islay in the Scottish Hebrides. The distillery visitor center is from April to September, Mon-Sat 9am-5pm, Sun 12pm-2pm; October-March Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 9am-12.30pm; and Jan-Feb by booking only. Tours start from £6 per person.

School Street, Bowmore, Scotland

Tours start at £6

From $ 526

Bratislava Castle

Perched atop a forested hill on the north bank of the Danube River, overlooking the Old Town (Stary Mesto), Bratislava Castle is the city’s most distinctive landmark. Visible from all over the city, the grand Renaissance palace dates back to the 16th century and now houses the Museum of History, part of the Slovak National Museum.

The Basics

A Bratislava Castle tour is at the top of many visitor’s itineraries, and even if you don’t explore the interior, it’s worth climbing the castle hill for a stunning panoramic view over the city. If you don’t want to climb the steps up to the castle, opt for a scenic city tour aboard a Presporacik—a traditional open-top trolley bus—instead.

It’s also possible to take in the highlights of Bratislava, including the castle, on a day trip from Budapest, Hungary, or Vienna, Austria.

Things to Know Before You Go

Plan to spend up to two hours to tour the castle and grounds.
Entrance to the castle museum is free on the first Sunday of the month.
Some parts of the castle are wheelchair accessible.

How to Get There

The castle is located on a hilltop at the western end of Bratislava Old Town. It’s possible to walk to the castle from the city center; it takes around 15 minutes from St. Martin's Cathedral, passing beneath the New Bridge, and then climbing up the steps to the Sigismund Gate. The closest bus stops to the castle are Hrad and Zamocka.

When to Get There

Bratislava Castle is open daily, except Mondays, throughout the year. The busiest time to visit is in peak season (July–August), when it’s best to arrive in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the crowds.

History of Bratislava Castle

The castle has been at the center of Bratislava history for centuries and was one of the many palatial residences of Europe’s Habsburg dynasty. In the 1750s, Empress Marie Therese gave the castle’s interior a rococo makeover, but after her death in 1780, it became a garrison, before tragically destroyed by fire in 1811. It was reconstructed in the 1950s, and in 1992 the constitution for the newly independent Slovakia was signed here.

Zámocka, Bratislava 811 01, Slovakia

Varies

From $ 12

Bridge of the Americas

The Bridge of the Americas spans the Panama Canal, which is perhaps the most important public works project in history. Made of steel and reinforced concrete, the bridge is 5,425 feet long, and at high tide, the clearance is 201 feet, under which ships crossing the canal must pass.

Twenty million U.S. dollars went into building the four-lane bridge, which replaced smaller ones and greatly increased road travel and capacity over the canal. It was inaugurated on Oct. 12, 1962, and allows the passage of cars, bikes and pedestrians.

The Bridge of the Americas was originally called the Thatcher Ferry Bridge, named after the ferry that used to operate on the canal before the span was built. Panama aptly renamed the bridge, since it not only connects the capital with the rest of Panama, but also unites Central and South America.

The bridge is not just useful, it’s beautiful. Seen from different angles, whether on a sunny or cloudy day, at sunset or when it is brightly lit at night, the Bridge of the Americas is a piece of world history worth the effort to see.

Practical Info

Taxis can be taken from Panama City to the bridge, which is just outside the city limits.

Bridge of the Americas, Panama City, Panama

Daily

From $ 39

Brecon Beacons National Park

Brecon Beacons National Park’s wild, windswept landscape appeals to those who like to explore unspoiled countryside. The scenery in this part of Wales has remained unchanged for many generations, and the park welcomes hikers, mountain bikers, horse riders, keen fishermen, and watersports enthusiasts from far and wide.

The Basics

Brecon Beacons National Park was established in 1957 to protect the land. At 519 square miles (1,344 square kilometers) the park is home to forests, lakes, the River Usk valley, and the highest mountain in Wales, Pen y Fan. Archeological sites dot the park, including prehistoric stone circles, Roman camps, Norman castles, and St. Catwg’s. Tours of the park might involve gorge walking, or an aerial tour via hot air balloon.

Things to Know Before You Go

Brecon Beacons National Park is free to enter.
With narrow paths and steep areas, the park is more suitable for active visitors.
The park is home to an extensive network of recreational paths, variously suited to exploring by foot, bike, or on horseback.
Remember to respect the landscape and take any trash with you when you leave.
Facilities in the park are limited, but Brecon Beacons Visitor Centre includes restrooms, a cafe, and information.

How to Get There

Brecon Beacons National Park covers more than 500 square miles (more than 1,300 kilometers) in South Wales and is open to adventure tours, hikers, bikers, horse riders, and more. Car parking is available at the visitor center and other points around the outside of the park. The visitor center is located in the village of Libanus at the edge of the park.

When to Get There

A wide area of the park is open to the public year-round. For the best weather conditions, plan to visit in spring or summer. The weather change quickly in the mountains, so pack rain gear and alert others of your plans.

Where to Down a Pint

After a hard day exploring the mountain, you can relax by the inglenook fireplace at the Blue Anchor, one of the oldest pubs in Wales. Built in 1380, the pub in Barry, near Cardiff, still has the original wooden beams. With a thatched roof and thick stone walls, it feels like a place straight out of a medieval tale.

Brecon Beacons National Park, South Wales, Wales

From $ 64

Botanical Gardens of Nevis

Step into tropical serenity at the Botanical Gardens of Nevis. Created to showcase and preserve tropical plants and animals from around the world, the gardens overflow with sculptures, fountains and fragrant flowers. The centerpiece is the Rainforest Conservancy. Modeled after the Palm House in England’s Kew Gardens, the lush garden has parrots, butterflies and a cornucopia of brightly colored flowers blooming around a Mayan-style temple and waterfall.

After strolling the cactus, fruit and orchid gardens, stop for a meal at the on-site Oasis Restaurant, where the Thai-inspired flavors come straight from the nearby herb garden. Or have an al fresco meal among the blooms at one of the many secluded picnic spots around the grounds. The restaurant and gift shop can be found within the replica great house, designed in the Nevisian colonial style, complete with a massive second-floor veranda offering incredible views.

Practical Info

The Botanical Gardens of Nevis are located at Montpelier Estate, about 15 minutes from Charlestown. Hours are Monday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., closed on Sundays, public holidays and some weekdays during the summer low season. Admission is $13 for adults, $8 for children.

Montpelier Estate, Nevis, St Kitts and Nevis

Monday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., closed on Sundays, public holidays and some weekdays during the summer low season.

Adults: $13, Children $8

From $ 48

Bridge of Sighs (Puente de los Suspiros)

If you’re looking for an atmospheric spot to watch the sunset in Lima, there are few lookouts as romantic as the Bridge of Sighs (Puente de los Suspiros), the principal landmark of Lima’s Barranco district and even immortalized in song by renowned Peruvian singer Chabuca Granda. Built in 1876, the wooden bridge runs across the high banks of the Bajada de los Baños ravine between the streets of Ayacucho and La Ermita, and joins the pretty red chapel of La Ermita to the Parque Municipal.

The iconic bridge is most renowned for its views along the Bajada below, a scenic walkway that leads down to the seafront, and the colorful colonial houses that line its banks, many of which have been transformed into bars, restaurants and music venues. Taking an evening stroll across the Bridge of Sighs has long been a favored pastime for local lovers and legend dictates that if you make a wish and cross the 31 meter long bridge without taking a breath, your wish will be granted.

Lima, Peru

From $ 29