Choose from 5,104 Fun Things to Do in Niagara Falls & Around
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Ajloun Castle
Built atop the ruins of a monastery between 1184 and 1188, Ajloun Castle (Qala’At Ar-Rabad in Arabic) sits on Jabal Auf hill overlooking the countryside in the north of Jordan. Arab general Azz ad-Din Usama, Saladin’s nephew, oversaw its construction in part to protect the region from Crusader expansion and to safeguard iron mines in the nearby hills. The fort was enlarged in 1214 but largely destroyed by Mongols in 1260. It was rebuilt almost immediately, and while earthquakes have twice caused significant damage, ongoing restorations have kept the castle in much the same condition as it stood in the 13th century.
During the Crusades, the hilltop fort was one in a series of beacon and pigeon posts that allowed messages to be transmitted from Damascus to Cairo in a single day. During the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, the fort served as a garrison for Ottoman troops, and in 1812, when it was “discovered” by Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt, the vasy castle was occupied by a single, 40-member family.
Today Ajloun Castle houses a small museum with artifacts from its long history. Visitors can climb to the top of several towers for sweeping views of the Jordan Valley all the way to the Dead Sea.
Practical Info
The walk to the castle from town is steep and tiring, so consider taking a taxi from Ajloun.
Address: Ajlun, Jordon, Jordan
From $ 39
Al Areen Wildlife Park
The Al Areen Wildlife Park in Bahrain is a conservation project that’s home to a variety of Arabian indigenous species. It is a sanctuary for bird, plant, and animal life, and has attracted a large number of migratory birds since opening in 1976. The park protects and breeds a number of endangered mammals, including native leopards and gazelles, plus Bahrain’s national animal, the Arabian oryx.
The park covers an area of seven square kilometers and is divided into four main sections: the Water Birds Parks, Wild Birds Park, Wild Animals Complex, and the Desert Flora Garden. As a visitor, you are free to explore most of these areas on foot, allowing you to get up close to the unique plant and birdlife. There’s also the option to watch a short film to introduce you to the park and its inhabitants, before boarding a bus to transport you on a tour around the reserve and past the animals that live there.
The Al Areen Wildlife Park is ideal for families, wildlife enthusiasts, and budding naturalists of all ages, and can be combined with other attractions in the area to make for a fun and informative day out. A full-day tour to discover the highlights of Bahrain might include visiting Al Fateh Grand Mosque, the Bahrain National Museum, Arad Fort, and Bahrain International Circuit.
Insider’s Tip: The bus tours at the park leave every hour, on the hour from Saturday to Thursday, with the presentation in the auditorium beginning 30 minutes beforehand.
Practical Info
The Al Areen Wildlife Park is located off the Gulf of Bahrain Road near the coast in the southwest of the island. If making your own way to the park, it’s around a 40-minute drive from Manama; look out for the Bahrain International Circuit and Dilmun Water Park nearby.
Address: Off the Gulf of Bahrain Road, Zallaq, Manama, Bahrain
Hours: 9am-4pm
Admission: Adult: BD1 / Child: BD0.500
From $ 107
Afu Aau Falls
If there’s a single image of tropical paradise it’s a hidden waterfall in the rainforest. That’s the scene that visitors will encounter at Afu Aau Falls, where a waterfall peacefully plunges into a cool, crystalline pool. After paying a nominal entry fee at the gate to local villagers, park the car by the changing station and make the short, 10-minute walk to the tumbling stream of water. Be sure to pack along a swimsuit, since one of the highlights of Afu Aau Falls in splashing and swimming in the water. It’s the perfect refresher on a hot day of exploring Savai’i, and you could easily while away hours just splashing and hanging out on the rocks.
For visitors traveling without a car, the waterfall is a popular stop for half-day, guided tours of the island, where you can experience the lush, natural beauty just minutes away from town.
Insider's Tip: Be sure to bring proper walking shoes for the short hike up to the falls.
Practical Info
Alcohol is strictly forbidden at the falls, and there is no access on Sundays. There are basic toilets and changing rooms that offer minimal privacy, and the walk to the waterfall can often be slippery—particularly after it’s rained. Because the road to the falls is narrow, visitors who choose to drive independently will need to reverse down a long driveway since turning around can be a challenge.
Address: Afu Aau Falls, Vailoa, Samoa
Hours: Closed on Sundays
Admission: $2 donation
From $ 64
Agra Fort
Within a stone’s throw of the Taj Mahal, the 16th-century Agra Fort serves as another testament to the immense wealth and power of the Mughal Empire. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1983, the Agra Fort was initially built by Akbar in 1565 on the same site as a previous fort on the banks of the Yamuna River. A succession of a half-dozen other emperors, including Humayun and Shah Jahan, has lived within the red sandstone walls.
While called a fort, the structures enclosed within 1.6 miles (2.5 km) of thick sandstone walls are more akin to a complex of exquisite palaces. Evidence of Shah Jahan’s time spent in the fort can be seen in the white marble structures he erected during his reign, and according to legend, he drew his last breaths on a marble balcony overlooking the Taj Mahal, the monument he built for his late wife.
As you pass through Amar Singh Gate into Agra Fort, you’ll see that the interior houses several smaller palaces, including the Jahangiri Mahal where the royal women lived, and Khas Mahal, where Shah Jahan made his residence. The beautifully worked Mussaman Burj tower was where Shah Jahan was imprisoned by his son for the last seven years of his life.
Practical Info
Agra Fort is located in Agra, about 1.5 miles north of the Taj Mahal. The site is open daily from sunrise to sunset, and entrance costs between 10 and 500 Rs. Children under the age of 15 enter for free.
Address: Agra Fort, Agra, India
Hours: Daily from sunrise to sunset.
Admission: Between 10 and 500 Rs. Children under the age of 15 enter for free.
From $ 8
Al Aqsa Mosque
Within Old Jerusalem’s al-Haram al-Sharif, or the Noble Sanctuary, lies the third holiest site in Islam, after Mecca and Medina. The Al Aqsa Mosque, which translates to “the farthest mosque,” sits beside the Dome of the Rock, and it is believed that Muhammed ascended to heaven from this spot after being transported from Sacred Mosque in Mecca.
Over the centuries the silver-domed mosque has been destroyed in several different earthquakes and subsequently rebuilt. With four minarets, the present day structure is characteristic of early Islamic architecture. The interior contains 121 stained glass windows, its massive dome painted with 14th-century designs. The dome was recovered in lead in 1985 to replace the aluminum cover with its original cover. Though Israel maintains control of the space, it is overseen by the Waqf, a Jordanian and Palestinian authority of the Muslim holy sites in Israel.
Practical Info
The Al Asqa Mosque is located on Temple Mount in Old Jerusalem, next to the Dome of the Rock. The mosque holds daily prayers and Friday service, though at present time Non-Muslims visitors are not permitted to enter the mosque.
Address: Jerusalem, Israel
From $ 32
Agora of Athens
The political and social heart of the ancient city of Athens, the famous Agora of Athens (or the Forum of Athens) is one of the city's most important archeological sites -- the remainder of the civic center and marketplace where Greek democracy was first brought to life.
Today, the ruins are regarded as the best-preserved example of an ancient Greek agora, standing to the northwest of the Acropolis between the hills of Areopagus and Kolonus Agoraios. Dating back to the 6th century BC (before which it was used as a residential area), the vast area was originally laid out by Peisistratus and featured an elaborate drainage system, a series of fountains and a temple devoted to the Olympian Gods. Later additions included the temples of Hephaestus, Zeus and Apollo, a series of altars and a concert hall, before the agora was finally abandoned after a Slavic invasion in the 6th century AD.
Today, the fragments of the once glorious marketplace provide important clues to the former political, civic and economic center of the ancient world, most notably the beautifully preserved Hephaiston temple and the shopping center of Stoa of Attalos, which now houses the Museum of the Ancient Agora.
Today, the ruins are regarded as the best-preserved example of an ancient Greek agora, standing to the northwest of the Acropolis between the hills of Areopagus and Kolonus Agoraios. Dating back to the 6th century BC (before which it was used as a residential area), the vast area was originally laid out by Peisistratus and featured an elaborate drainage system, a series of fountains and a temple devoted to the Olympian Gods. Later additions included the temples of Hephaestus, Zeus and Apollo, a series of altars and a concert hall, before the agora was finally abandoned after a Slavic invasion in the 6th century AD.
Today, the fragments of the once glorious marketplace provide important clues to the former political, civic and economic center of the ancient world, most notably the beautifully preserved Hephaiston temple and the shopping center of Stoa of Attalos, which now houses the Museum of the Ancient Agora.
Address: Greece
Hours: Summer (4/01 - 10/31) 8:30am - 7:30pm daily; Mon 11am - 7:30pm. Winter (11/01 - 3/31) 8am - 2pm daily.
Admission: 4 EUR
From $ 20
Aguas Calientes
If you're visiting Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, there’s a good chance you'll pass through the small pueblo of Aguas Calientes en route. This gateway town to Peru’s famous Incan ruins sits nestled in a valley of cloud forest, where a series of natural hot springs gives the town its name.
The Basics
The majority of travelers to Peru come to see the Incan ruins of Machu Picchu, and almost all of them will spend at least a little time in the town of Aguas Calientes. The train taking passengers from Cusco to Machu Picchu stops at Aguas Calientes, where day-trippers then board a bus to the ruins. Visitors on overnight itineraries, including those hiking the Inca Trail, often spend the night in the village before rising early to catch the sunrise at Machu Picchu.
Things to Know Before You Go
- It’s a good idea to book your stay and Machu Picchu entrance tickets well in advance, particularly during high season.
- Wear sturdy and comfortable shoes suitable for walking over uneven surfaces.
- Dress in layers, as conditions can change quickly between town and the ruins.
How to Get There
The easiest way to reach Aguas Calientes is by train, several of which depart Cusco daily for the journey of one hour and 45 minutes. A bus runs from town up to Machu Picchu.
When to Get There
Aguas Calientes enjoys the best weather from June to August, the busiest season for vacationers. While things are quieter from October to April, this is the rainy season, so expect regular downpours.
Attractions in Aguas Calientes
Aside from the thermal baths, Aguas Calientes highlights include a hike to the summit of Putucusi Mountain, which offers stellar views of Machu Picchu on a clear day. You can also visit the Butterfly House, Machu Picchu Museum (Museo de Sitio Manuel Chávez Ballón) and nearby botanical gardens, or the Gardens of Mandor (Los Jardines de Mandor) with its waterfalls.
Address: Aguas Calientes, Peru
From $ 351
Al Alam Palace (Sultan's Palace)
With its funnel-like gold and blue pillars and lone flagpole extending like an antenna from its flat roof, Al Alam Palace (Sultan's Palace) is one of Oman’s most striking examples of contemporary Islamic architecture. The palace, built in 1972, is set between the Mirani and Jalali forts along the coast of Muscat’s Old Town and is one of six royal residences belonging to His Majesty Sultan Qaboos.
Over the years, the ceremonial palace has received a number of important visitors, including Queen Elizabeth of England and Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands, as well as hosting a number of official functions and ceremonies. Although the palatial buildings are closed to the public, visitors can still enjoy views of Imam Sultan bin Ahmed’s masterpiece from the surrounding palace gardens or the waterfront of the nearby Muscat Port.
Address: Waterfront, Muscat, Oman
From $ 52
Akershus Castle & Fortress (Akershus Slott)
Set on the banks of Oslo Fjord, Akershus Castle and Fortress (Akershus Slott og Festning) was built in 1299 as a residence for Norway’s royal family. Over the years it has served as a fortress to protect Oslo against sieges from rival Swedish forces, as a Renaissance castle, and as a full-fledged 19th-century prison.
The Basics
Highlights include Akershus Castle Church, the Royal Mausoleum, and a series of reception and banquet rooms. Inside the castle, valuable artifacts illustrate the structure’s storied history and offer a glimpse into Norway’s medieval and Renaissance past. Today Akershus Fortress is headquarters for Norway’s Ministry of Defense and home to the Norwegian Armed Forces Museum and Norway’s Resistance Museum.
Akershus Castle and Fortress is one of Oslo’s top sites and many city tours include a stop at the imposing structure. Segway and bike tours are a good way to see the castle and take in sights around Oslo Fjord, while hop-on, hop-off bus tours allow you to visit at your own pace. It’s also possible to see the castle and fortress on a sightseeing cruise or historical ghost tour.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Akershus Castle and Fortress is a must-see for history buffs.
- Maps of the grounds are available at the visitor center.
- There is no restaurant on-site, so it’s a good idea to grab a bite to eat before you arrive.
- Akershus Fortress, the castle grounds, and the Castle Church are wheelchair accessible, but paths around the grounds are mostly cobblestone and can be steep.
How to Get There
The castle and fortress are easily accessible by Tram No. 12 to Christiania Torv. Guided tours typically provide round-trip transportation, whether you choose to arrive by bus, bike, or segway.
When to Get There
The castle and fortress are open year-round, but summer is the most picturesque time to visit, when the grounds are in full bloom and the weather is typically sunny and warm.
The Military History of Akershus Fortress
Akershus Fortress is a must-see landmark for military history enthusiasts. The fortress remains undefeated since its construction in 1299, save when it peacefully surrendered to the Nazis without combat in 1940, when the city was evacuated due to a German attack on Denmark and Norway.
Address: Akershus Kommandantskap, Oslo 0015, Norway
Admission: Varies
From $ 27
Akkerman Fortress
Travelers paying a visit to Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi, the oldest town in Ukraine and among the 10 oldest in the world, often come to see the Akkerman Fortress. The Ukraine’s largest fortress (and also its best preserved medieval castle) was built between the 13th and 15th centuries by the Moldavians, Genoese, and Turks.
Situated atop the ancient ruins of Tyr, the fortress’s walls stretch for over a mile (2 kilometers), and visitors are free to walk along most of them. From a viewing platform near a high point, it’s possible to gaze down at the city and the Black Sea beyond.
Practical Info
You can reach the Akkerman Fortress by bus or train from Odessa, or in a private taxi.
Address: Ushakova St., 1, Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi, Odessa, Ukraine
Hours: 9am-6pm
Admission: 40 UAH
From $ 41
Ahsan Manzil
Once the official residence of the Nawab family, this stately red structure was built in the mid-to-late 1800s. This stunning palace was damaged and abandoned after a tornado hit in 1888. Khwaja Abdul Gani and his son worked tirelessly to resurrect and reconstruct the structures that were deemed too dangerous to inhabit, which resulted in the birth of what is today, designated as a national museum.
Widely recognized as one of the most significant architectural icons in the nation, the palace is divided into two parts known as the eastern and western sides. Its unique octagonal dome serves as the apex of the palace and is considered to be the structure’s most significant feature. Locals say it was designed to look like the bud of a lotus flower. Travelers will find an incredible collection of photos of the palace’s 23 rooms taken in its hay day on display, as well as family portraits and other Nawab artifacts.
Practical Info
The former residence is located at Kumartoli on the banks of the Buriganga River. Admission is TK 75 per person. The palace is open from 9:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Saturday through Wednesday and 2:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. on Fridays between October and March. From April to September the palace is open 10:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. Saturday through Wednesday and 3 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Fridays.
Address: Dhaka, Bangladesh
Hours: Varies
Admission: TK 75
From $ 75
Akumal
Akumal is a small beach town located between Playa del Carmen and Tulum on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. Meaning “land of the turtles” in the Mayan language, Akumal is famous for its plentiful sea turtle population. Its secluded white-sand beaches and peaceful bays are also ideal for those seeking a more private experience.
The Basics
Most Akumal tours include round-trip transportation from your hotel and leave from Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and other Riviera Maya destinations. Scuba diving and snorkeling tours are a good way to experience Akumal’s coral reef and resident sea turtle population, while jungle ATV and zipline excursions allow you to experience the town’s nearby jungle. Some combination tours visit Akumal along with the Tulum ruins and various cenotes (underground pools).
Things to Know Before You Go
- Akumal is an ideal destination for nature lovers and peace-and-quiet seekers.
- Be sure to bring sun protection, swim gear, water, and comfortable walking shoes.
- Be careful not to touch the sea turtles or any other wildlife in Akumal.
How to Get There
Akumal is located in Mexico’s Quintana Roo region, roughly 25 miles (40 kilometers) from Playa del Carmen and 60 miles (97 kilometers) from Cancun. You can get there by taxi, rental car, or as part of a guided tour.
When to Get There
The park is busiest from December through April, when the weather tends to be sunny and warm. There are fewer crowds during hurricane season (May through October), but be sure to check the weather for storms if you plan to participate in outdoor activities. Arrive in the morning for the best chance of spotting sea turtles.
What to See in Akumal
Be sure to check out Half Moon Bay, a famous spot for sea turtle sightings, along with Laguna Yalku, a protected snorkeling area. Akumal Bay is also a good spot for swimming, reef snorkeling, and sunbathing.
Address: Akumal, Cozumel, Mexico
From $ 475
Ajanta and Ellora Caves
The Ajanta and Ellora Caves, both UNESCO World Heritage sites, are among the largest rock-cut monastery-temple cave complexes in the world. At Ajanta, there are 29 Buddhist cave temples dating from 2nd century BC. Meanwhile, the 34 Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist caves at Ellora date from the 6th century AD.
The Basics
Most visitors opt to take an Ajanta and Ellora caves tour from Aurangabad, and it’s possible to explore both sites on a full-day tour. Those in Mumbai can also opt for a multi-day tour that includes transfers to and from Aurangabad Airport, an overnight stay in Aurangabad, and a visit to nearby attractions such as Aurangabad Caves, Daulatabad Fort, and the Taj Mahal–inspired Bibi Ka Maqbara shrine.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The best views of the Ellora Caves are from the hills above the Kailasa Temple—wear comfortable shoes or hiking boots if you plan to climb the hillside.
- Both sites have visitor centers that are equipped with restaurants, shops, restrooms, and parking.
- Bring a flashlight to the Ajanta caves—many are dark and poorly lit.
How to Get There
The caves are located in northern Maharashtra, around 250 miles (400 kilometers) northeast of Mumbai. The closest railway stations are Aurangabad for the Ellora caves (around 45 minutes from the station) and Jalgaon for the Ajanta caves (around 1.5 hours from the station); you’ll need to take a taxi to reach the caves. You can rent a car and drive between the two sites, which are about two hours away from each other, but most visitors opt for a guided tour.
When to Get There
The caves are open to visitors year round, but the best time to visit is from November to March, when the weather is cooler and dryer. The caves can get busy, especially on weekends and national holidays, so plan a weekday visit and arrive in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the biggest crowds. If you’re hoping to visit both in one trip, be aware that the Ellora caves are closed on Tuesdays, while the Ajanta caves are closed on Mondays.
Exploring the Ajanta and Ellora Caves
At Ajanta, rock-cut caves are set around a horseshoe-shaped valley in the Sahayadri hills—an astonishing feat considering that they were created by hand with only a hammer and chisel. The Buddhist caves are adorned with ancient Indian art, including paintings and sculptures that chronicle the life of the Buddha. At Ellora, you’ll find the massive Kailasa Temple, a magnificent temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and flanked by life-size elephant statues.
Address: Aurangabad, India
Admission: Varies
From $ 44
Al Ain Oasis
In the heart of Al Ain, a garden-filled city located 100 miles (160 kilometers) east of Abu Dhabi, you’ll find the Al Ain Oasis. The largest green space in the emirate of Abu Dhabi offers a welcome respite from the clamor and heat of the country’s fourth largest city. Locals and visitors alike come here to wander the shady, palm-lined paths past the water channels of the ancient irrigation system that once brought water to local farmers.
As you explore the 3,000-acre (1,200-hectare) space, you’ll be shaded by more than 100 varieties of date palms--nearly 150,000 of them. Rent a bike or throw on some walking shoes and give yourself a few hours to enjoy the winding brick-paved trails.
As you explore the 3,000-acre (1,200-hectare) space, you’ll be shaded by more than 100 varieties of date palms--nearly 150,000 of them. Rent a bike or throw on some walking shoes and give yourself a few hours to enjoy the winding brick-paved trails.
Address: Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
From $ 57
Ahumada Boulevard (Paseo Ahumada)
Santiago is a busy, walkable city, with a fairly compact downtown. But there are times when you’ve had enough of having to move along at the speed of the crowd, and wish you could have a more spacious place to be. And you can. There are three major pedestrian thoroughfares in downtown Santiago, Huérfanos, which runs west down from Cerro Santa Lucía, and both Paseo Ahumada and Paseo Estado, which stretch north from the Alameda (Avenida Libertador Bernardo O’Higgins) towards the Mapocho River and Mercado Central.
Paseo Ahumada is perhaps the busiest of the three, and you’ll find families and individuals walking, talking on the phone or sitting on benches at most times of day, On the street there are nearly always street performers and vendors, selling hats, scarves, and the occasional television antenna. There are also popular stands selling mote con huesillo, a local drink made of sweet peach punch with reconstituted dried peaches and wheat kernels at the bottom. Shoe stores and fast food, ice cream, cafés and some of the major department stores fill out the rest of the blocks, which quiet down after work or when it gets dark.
Practical Info
Instead of walking into Paseo Ahumada directly from the Alameda, dip down about half a block further and start in on Nueva York, a quieter, cobblestoned street with historic fountains that runs past the stock exchange. And further along on Paseo Ahumada, plan a stop at the Cathedral, which is on Santiago’s Plaza de Armas.
Address: Santiago, Chile
From $ 22
Afro-Antillean Museum (Museo Afro-Antillano de Panama)
The popular Panama Interoceanic Canal Museum may showcase the history, politics and influence of French and American workers who helped construct the Panama Canal, but the Afro-Antillean Museum is the place for travelers who want to learn more about the impact the nation’s West Indian community had on developing the infrastructure that still keeps this Central America destination up and running. Visitors can tour galleries and halls lined with images, stories and artifacts that showcase the dedication, drive and determination it took for West Indians to build local railroads and canals.
Practical Info
The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Admission is approximately US$1. It is easily accessible using the Estacion 5 de Mayo train station.
Address: Panama City, Panama
Hours: Tuesday through Saturday from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.
Admission: US $1
From $ 60
Al Ain National Museum
Situated on the edge of Al Ain Oasis in the same complex as the Sultan Bin Zayed Fort (Eastern Fort), the Al Ain National Museum serves to showcase the unique heritage and ancient history of this region.
Divided into three distinct sections – Archaeology, Ethnography, and Gifts – the museum's main themes explore the various aspects of UAE history and everyday life. The archaeology displays are particularly extensive, with artefacts dating back to the first millennium BC, including weapons, jewellery, pottery, and coins that were excavated from ancient tomb sites nearby.
The ethnography galleries focus on the various aspects of the life of the Bedu desert dwellers, including exhibits on education, marriage, and farming, while the gift section refers to the gifts that Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan received throughout his lifetime. These include Bedouin jewellery, musical instruments, a silver dagger, and even a golden palm tree.
The Al Ain National Museum is located next to the Sultan (or Eastern) Fort on the eastern side of the Al Ain Oasis. There is a bus from Al Ghubaiba Bus Station in Dubai to Al Ain Bus Station, which is a good spot for accessing the region’s historical sites. The journey time from Dubai is around two hours.
Address: Zayed bin Sultan Street, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
Hours: Open 8am-7:30pm (closed on Mondays) and Friday 3pm-7:30pm
Admission: Adults: AED 3; Children (under 10): AED 1
From $ 41
Ajuda National Palace
The Ajuda National Palace in Lisbon is a neoclassical monument filled with ornately decorated rooms, artwork, and furnishings, displaying the wealth that Portugal assumed during its colonization of Brazil. The palace served as the official royal residence from the late 1700s until Portugal became a republic in 1910.
The Basics
Located in the historic district of Belem, the Ajuda National Palace (Palácio Nacional da Ajuda) is a sight to behold. Despite its construction remaining incomplete, the romantic neoclassical building is an excellent display of Portugal’s wealth during colonial times and is a great place to discover what the life of the Portuguese royals was like.
You can see the Ajuda Palace from the Tagus River, and most sailing tours pass it as a point of interest. For a closer look at this spectacular building, take a hop-on hop-off tour and explore the palace for yourself.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Ajuda National Palace is a must for architecture lovers and royalaholics.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes to explore the entire palace and its dozens of rooms.
- Ajuda Palace is free for Portugal residents with proof of residency from 10am to 2pm every Sunday.
- The palace is accessible to wheelchair users.
How to Get There
Ajuda National Palace is located in the Belem district but quite far from other other popular Lisbon monuments. Take tram 18 or buses 60, 729, 732, or 742 from the city center straight to the palace.
When to Get There
The palace is open from 10am to 6pm Thursday to Tuesday. It is closed on Wednesdays, January 1, Easter Sunday, May 1, and December 25. Many monuments in Lisbon are closed on Mondays, making Ajuda Palace a great off-day place to explore.
The State Rooms of Ajuda
Entering Ajuda Palace is like stepping into a fairytale. Your experience of what royal life was like begins as 23 marble statues greet you upon entrance, leading you through the ornate corridors. Visit the Throne Room, which takes up almost the entire south wing of the palace; the dining room filled with crystal chandeliers and silk-covered chairs; the Winter Garden, which was a gift from the Viceroy of Egypt; and the beautiful ballroom.
Address: Largo Ajuda, Lisbon 1349-021, Portugal
Admission: Varies
From $ 41
Ahhh...Ras Natango Gallery and Garden
Venture onto the back roads of Montego Bay to reach this one-of-a-kind hillside gallery and garden 2,000 feet (610 meters) above sea level. Surrounding an eco-conscious mini-museum run by local artist and art collector Ras Natango is a garden filled with tropical plants and birds, and it offers views of the Jamaican countryside.
The Basics
Walk the property’s terraced hill and botanical garden to take in the views alongside a litany of colorful flowers, rare plants, and more than 50 species of fern. On your stroll, see as many as 18 species of birds. The gallery boasts a collection—all for sale—of vibrant acrylic paintings by owner and artist Ras Natango and other locals. Guided tours of Ahhh… include round-trip hotel transport, a welcome drink, and time to enjoy the property.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The gallery and garden is suitable for all types of travelers, especially lovers of flowers, plants, and art.
- The admission fee includes a complimentary drink; lunch, water and other beverages are available for purchase at an additional cost.
- An on-site bar serves fresh juices, beer, and bottled water.
- Neither garden nor gallery are wheelchair-friendly.
How to Get There
Ahhh…Ras Natango Gallery and Garden is located in Jamaica’s Camrose District, about a 30-minute drive from Montego Bay. Travelers pre-arranging a guided tour enjoy a free roundtrip shuttle. If not, travelers can arrange for a taxi or drive. Parking is available.
When to Get There
Ahhh...Ras Natango Gallery and Garden is open daily from 10am to 6pm.
Don’t Miss the Mozegg Mosaics
Beyond colorful paintings that focus on Jamaica, travelers encounter three-dimensional works the gallery calls “mozeggs,” which are mosaics made from eggshells. This unique craft was invented by resident artist, Tamika. There are also traditional crafts and jewelry for sale.
Address: 1 Ras Natango Way, Montego Bay, Jamaica
Admission: Varies
From $ 35
Al Ain Zoo
Al Ain Zoo is a popular stop for travelers and families who want to learn more about local wildlife and national conservation efforts. The exhibits of this well-kept zoo are stocked with more than 4,000 animals and a handful of add-ons offer visitors a chance to get up close to the wild in a truly unique way. Giraffe feedings, parrot shows and group talks with Al Ain zookeepers provide an opportunity to learn more about the interesting animals, well-kept habitats and preservation efforts taking place here. Exciting exhibits like the Mixed Asian show, which includes gazelle species like Chital, Nilgai and Blackbuck; as well as the nocturnal house and Mixed African exhibit showcase animals not just from UAE, but from across the globe as well.
Practical Info
The zoo is located an hour and a half drive from Abu Dhabi and Dubai. It is open daily from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. October through April and from 4 p.m. until 10 p.m. May through September. Admission prices are AED30 for adults and AED10 for children ages 3- 12. Al Ain Zoo dress code says shoulders and knees should be covered and shawls will be provided if necessary.
Address: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Admission: Adults: AED30; Children: AED10
From $ 57