Choose from 5,104 Fun Things to Do in Niagara Falls & Around
ShowingFilter 621-640 of 5104 listings.
Calypso Cabaret
Held in the Asia Hotel in Bangkok, the Calypso Cabaret is certainly a show with a twist, using traditional cabaret to parade Thailand’s famous transsexual culture. It’s filled with lots of great costumes, dancing and singing, and performers accommodate all nationalities, singing songs and acting in Japanese, English, Korean and Chinese.
Each show contains several fascinating acts, including that of Carmen Miranda, who rides ostriches on the stage while dancing in the bright lights, a very convincing Marilyn Monroe impersonator and the comedic styling of Geisha, who performs in Japanese, but is hilarious in any language.
The controversial nature of the event make perhaps do not make it ideal for family outings, but these highly professional shows bring lots of memorable moments, including from Korean songs of the Wondergirls and the fantastic and overwhelming finale—which we will not give away here.
Each show contains several fascinating acts, including that of Carmen Miranda, who rides ostriches on the stage while dancing in the bright lights, a very convincing Marilyn Monroe impersonator and the comedic styling of Geisha, who performs in Japanese, but is hilarious in any language.
The controversial nature of the event make perhaps do not make it ideal for family outings, but these highly professional shows bring lots of memorable moments, including from Korean songs of the Wondergirls and the fantastic and overwhelming finale—which we will not give away here.
Address: 296 Phayathai Rd, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
From $ 28
Cairo Opera House
The Cairo Opera House was first built in 1869 as the Khedivial (Royal) Opera House; it was the first on the African continent and staged a performance of Rigoletto by Verdi for its opening. While the original building burnt down in 1971, the structure that took its place continues the tradition.
The 1,200-seat Main Hall of the Cairo Opera House stages regular performances by the Cairo Opera, Cairo Symphony and a range of visiting musicians and performers. The Opera Museum, situated on the first floor of the Main Hall, displays a collection of rare photos, documents and concert brochures chronicling the history of the Royal Opera House, as well as jewelry, costumes and musical scores from the opera Aida, written in honor of the inauguration of the original building.
In addition to the Main Hall, performances are also hosted in an open-air theater, Roman-style amphitheater and a few smaller venues within the complex.
Practical Info
The Main Hall of the Cairo Opera House maintains a strict dress code. Find out what the requirements are for a particular performance ahead of time.
Did You Know? The Cairo Opera Company’s star soprano is Paris-trained Iman Mustafa, who studied under and performed with Caroline Dumas.
Address: El Borg Gezira, Cairo, Egypt
From $ 22
Calle de las Damas
Calle de las Damas is one of the Colonial Zone’s most picturesque destinations. The cobblestone street—said to be the first ever in the New World—is lined with classic Spanish-style houses and beautiful European churches that are a nod to the city’s ancient past. Travelers can venture back in time as they wander past Fortaleza Ozama, Calle El Conde and Hoeyl Sofitel—the first solar clock on the continent. While the scenic street is worth checking out, visitors agree that the surrounding shops, quiet restaurants and colonial charm make Calle de las Damas.
Practical Info
Calle de las Damas is the most famous attraction in the Colonial Zone. It’s named for the ladies—including local dignitaries—that took evening strolls along the street each night.
Address: Calle de las Damas, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
From $ 50
Caesarea
About 2,000 years ago, Israel’s beautiful fishing port of Caesarea was a Roman capital, dedicated to Caesar Augustus. Today, it is one of the country’s most popular tourist sites, with archaeological ruins, beautiful beaches and an impressive Roman theater.
Caesarea was built by Herod the Great over 12 years, from 25-13 BC, and was one of the grandest cities in the area with a deep sea harbor, aqueduct, hippodrome and amphitheater, which is still utilized today. The site holds concerts and other performances, while the hippodrome, although still identifiable, is now a banana field. It is smaller than the Circus Maximus in Rome but still held 20,000 spectators for chariot races at one point.
Caesarea’s harbor is an engineering marvel with both an inner and outer area. It was constructed using hydraulic concrete to create breakwaters. Caesarea Aqueduct Beach, on the other hand, is considered one of the best beaches in Israel. As its name suggests, there is an ancient aqueduct marking its edge.
If you are interested in museums, Philanthropist Harry Recanti founded the city’s Ralli Museum, which includes galleries that focus on Latin American and Sephardic Jewish artwork. The city even boasts an underwater museum, where visitors can dive through ancient ruins.
Practical Info
Caesarea is located mid-way between Tel Aviv and Haifa, near the city of Hadera. There is an entry fee to Caesarea National Park, and getting to the area via public transportation can be difficult. Most visitors to Caesarea book organized tours from cities like Jerusalem, as it’s the most efficient transportation method. If you plan to lounge on the beach, take note there is no lifeguard on duty.
Address: Caesarea, Israel
From $ 118
Cairo Tower
After five years of construction, the Cairo Tower was inaugurated in 1961. Towering 614 feet (187 meters) above Gezira Island, the communications tower is the tallest building in Egypt, 141 feet (43 meters) taller that the Great Pyramid of Giza. The building was designed to resemble a lotus plant with intricate latticework casing around its exterior.
An elevator takes visitors to an open-air observation deck at the top, and on a clear morning, the panoramic views are nothing short of breathtaking. It’s possible to see the pyramids of Giza, the Citadel, Sakkara and the entire city of Cairo laid out before you. Just below the observation deck, Sky Garden serves light snacks and drinks, while 360, a revolving restaurant, affords always changing views of the city below. The building also houses Villa Zamalek, a casual cafe serving snacks, drinks and shisha.
Insider’s Tip: The views from the top of Cairo Tower are best in late morning, after the early haze has burned off, or late afternoon as the sun begins to set.
Practical Info
If you’re visiting the Cairo Tower around sunset, be prepared to queue up for the elevator, as the tower is quite popular among locals at this time.
Address: Sharia Hadayek al-Zuhreya, Cairo, Egypt
Hours: Open daily 8am-midnight
Admission: LE70
From $ 22
Callao
Located just up the coast from Lima, the seafront town of Callao has been Peru’s most important port since the colonial era and remains the capital’s principal cruise port, receiving thousands of annual visitors. With easy transport links to the center of Lima, most cruise travelers find themselves heading straight into the city, but there are still a few worthwhile attractions to visit in Callao itself.
Explore the imposing Real Felipe Fortress, built during colonial times to protect the shores from pirate invasions and named after King Felipe V of Spain; hit the beach at La Punta; or discover Callao’s rich maritime history with a visit to the Abtao Submarine Museum and the Naval Museum. Callao is also the starting point for cruises to the Pacific islands of Palomino, Cabinzas and El Frontón, renowned for their variety of birdlife and sea lion colonies and a popular day trip from Lima.
Address: Callao, Peru
From $ 10
Cahal Pech Maya Site & Museum (Cahal Pech)
Located just a mile from the town center, Cahal Pech is a small but significant archeological reserve that can be visited in a couple of hours. The site, settled around 1,000 BC and abandoned in 800 AD, includes plazas, ball courts, an altar and even a royal burial chamber. It is believed that an elite Mayan ruling family once resided here. There is a comprehensive museum before reaching the site, with detailed information on Cahal Pech, Maya history and way of life.
Address: San Ignacio, Belize
Admission: US$5
From $ 85
Calton Hill
Looming over the Royal Mile and Princes Street, Calton Hill is one of Edinburgh’s famous seven hills and part of the capital’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town. While locals know it as a picnic spot and recreation area, for visitors the main draw to Calton Hill are the spectacular views – look out over the city from the summit and you’ll enjoy a panoramic view spanning Arthur’s Seat, Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace, all the way out to Leith and the Firth of Forth.
Calton Hill is also home to a number of prominent Edinburgh landmarks, including the Nelson Monument, the Dugald Stewart Monument, the City Observatory and the National Monument of Scotland, an unfinished tribute to Scottish servicemen inspired by the Parthenon in Athens. The hill is also the center of festivities for the annual Beltane Fire Festival in April, and hosts a number of summer festivals and events.
Practical Info
Calton Hill is located in Edinburgh’s Old Town, just north of Calton Road and the Royal Mile.
Address: Calton Hill, Edinburgh, Scotland
From $ 16
Cadiz Cruise Port
Cadiz is one of the oldest continuously-occupied cities in Europe dating its origins from around 1000BC when it was settled as a trading post by the Phoenicians. Its location on a peninsula, almost totally surrounded by the sea continues to make it a perfect port city and today it is the main home port of one of the four sectors of the Spanish Navy.
The original walled city was destroyed by Visigoth invaders in the 5th century and rebuilt by the Moors in the 8th century. The historic narrow, winding streets and plazas in the ancient quarters retain this influence, alongside a bustling modern city of wider streets and modern buildings.
A lovely city to explore in itself, Cadiz is often overlooked and used as a gateway to the more glamorous Seville which is home to Alcazar - a 14th century Moorish palace and home to the Spanish royal family when in Seville; home to the third largest cathedral in the world (in Plaza Virgen de los Reyes), and to one of Spain’s best museums, Museo de Bellas Artes.
How to Get to Cadiz
Cruise ships tie up in the commercial port (Puerto Commercial), right in the heart of town. It’s an easy ten minute walk from there, crossing Avenida del Puerto and on into Plaza del San Juan Dias, a huge square from where all the main shopping streets radiate.
One Day in Cadiz
Most people head straight for the train station or onto a bus for the trip to Seville. The station is only about five minute walk from the port entrance and the trip to Seville will take around an hour and three-quarters.
If you choose to stay in Cadiz, there is plenty to explore on foot. Begin by visiting the visitor’s center in the Plaza del San Juan Dias to pick up a free map marking a good walking trail to explore the city’s historic buildings. There is also an open top bus tour called Cadiz Tour which takes about an hour.
Make sure you walk the breakwater which surrounds the city and head up to the 18th century Baroque cathedral where you may be able to climb the tower for a bird’s eye view of the city. Also worth a look is the Fine Art and Archaeology Museum (Plaza de Mina). Cadiz also has good shopping with peak purchases being sherry, handmade ceramics, fans and flamenco outfits.
Port Information
The main language is Spanish but English is spoken in the tourist shops and restaurants. The currency is the Euro.The port is also known as the port of the Bay of Cadiz.
The original walled city was destroyed by Visigoth invaders in the 5th century and rebuilt by the Moors in the 8th century. The historic narrow, winding streets and plazas in the ancient quarters retain this influence, alongside a bustling modern city of wider streets and modern buildings.
A lovely city to explore in itself, Cadiz is often overlooked and used as a gateway to the more glamorous Seville which is home to Alcazar - a 14th century Moorish palace and home to the Spanish royal family when in Seville; home to the third largest cathedral in the world (in Plaza Virgen de los Reyes), and to one of Spain’s best museums, Museo de Bellas Artes.
How to Get to Cadiz
Cruise ships tie up in the commercial port (Puerto Commercial), right in the heart of town. It’s an easy ten minute walk from there, crossing Avenida del Puerto and on into Plaza del San Juan Dias, a huge square from where all the main shopping streets radiate.
One Day in Cadiz
Most people head straight for the train station or onto a bus for the trip to Seville. The station is only about five minute walk from the port entrance and the trip to Seville will take around an hour and three-quarters.
If you choose to stay in Cadiz, there is plenty to explore on foot. Begin by visiting the visitor’s center in the Plaza del San Juan Dias to pick up a free map marking a good walking trail to explore the city’s historic buildings. There is also an open top bus tour called Cadiz Tour which takes about an hour.
Make sure you walk the breakwater which surrounds the city and head up to the 18th century Baroque cathedral where you may be able to climb the tower for a bird’s eye view of the city. Also worth a look is the Fine Art and Archaeology Museum (Plaza de Mina). Cadiz also has good shopping with peak purchases being sherry, handmade ceramics, fans and flamenco outfits.
Port Information
The main language is Spanish but English is spoken in the tourist shops and restaurants. The currency is the Euro.The port is also known as the port of the Bay of Cadiz.
Address: Plaza de Espana, 17, Cadiz, Andalusia 11006, Spain
From $ 21
California Lighthouse
Located near the northwest tip of Aruba and the popular Arashi Beach, California Lighthouse is a landmark on this small tropical island. Known for impressive views of the Caribbean Sea, as well as the nighttime stars, the lighthouse is one of the most photogenic spots in Aruba.
The Basics
Built between 1914 and 1916 and named after the S.S. California, the lighthouse is open to the public, allowing visitors to climb to its highest lookout point and take in panoramic views. There's also a small Italian restaurant located in the base of the lighthouse that has earned rave reviews. Daily tours of the lighthouse last 25 to 30 minutes, and many sightseeing tours include it on their routes. You can also visit the lighthouse on a variety of island tours, including those via Jeep, ATV, and Segway.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Children aged four years and younger are admitted free.
- V.I.P. tours can be booked for anytime between 5:30pm and 8am for a midnight, sunset, or sunrise viewing.
- The adjacent California Sand Dunes are a popular spot where kids like to slide down the slopes.
How to Get There
The California Lighthouse is located at the north end of L.G. Smith Boulevard in Noord, Aruba, in a section known as Hudishibana. From the Aruba Cruise Terminal, it’s roughly a 20-minute drive to the lighthouse; simply follow L. G. Smith Boulevard north. The lighthouse is also accessible via taxi or tour bus.
When to Get There
The California Lighthouse is arguably the best place to catch the sunset on Aruba, which also means it can be crowded at that time. The lighthouse is open from 8:30am to 11:30pm daily. It’s also possible to book V.I.P. tours anytime between 5:30pm and 8am for a midnight, sunset, or sunrise viewing.
Alto Vista Chapel
Located about 20 minutes south, on the eastern side of the island, the Alto Vista Chapel, or “Pilgrims Church,” is another photographer’s dream. Built by Spanish missionaries in 1750, the bright yellow chapel hosts services as well as tour groups. Outside the chapel lies the “peace labyrinth,” which is used by pilgrims for prayer and meditation.
Address: L.G. Smith Boulevard, Noord, Aruba
From $ 40
Calangute Beach
The largest beach in North Goa, Calangute is a lively, popular beach town that attracts domestic tourists and international visitors alike. The beach is lined with hotels and shacks serving seafood, Indian fare, beer, and cocktails, while the adjacent town offers a mix of handicraft shops and bars.
The Basics
Goa's "Queen of Beaches" is a great place to sunbathe and enjoy water sports. It's not the best place for swimming due to a strong undertow, but it's great for windsurfing and wakeboarding. While there are many concessions on the beach offering water sports, it's best to prebook with a reputable company that gets good peer reviews. You can visit Calangute as part of a guided tour of Goa that includes historical and recreational highlights.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Wear sunscreen and a hat; there’s not much shade here.
- Swimming can be dangerous at times, particularly during monsoon season.
- It’s unsafe for women to walk alone on the beach after dark.
How to Get There
Calangute is located in North Goa, about an hour's drive from Goa International Airport near Vasco de Gama and a half-hour from Goa’s capital city of Panaji. Goa is well-connected by air and rail to most major Indian cities, and some charter flights fly directly from Europe to Goa, especially during high season.
When to Get There
Goa is increasingly enjoyed as a year-round destination, particularly as it gains popularity with domestic travelers. However, its high season peaks around Christmas and New Year’s, particularly in the north, when people travel from all over the world to party their way through the holidays. April and May can get hot, and the monsoons during the summer months deter a lot of visitors, though some prefer the quietness of this season.
Dine like a Goan
Goa has a rich culinary traditional all its own, blending traditional coastal Indian ingredients (including lots of seafood) with culinary elements brought in by the Portuguese, Goa’s former colonial rulers. Popular foods include fried fish, cashew-heavy curries, and pao, a sweet bread that’s more similar to Portuguese buns than to Indian flatbreads.
Address: Goa, India
From $ 35
Caelian Hill
One of Rome’s seven legendary hills, Caelian Hill was a wealthy residential district under the Roman Republic. Today, this is home to the ancient Basilica of Saints John and Paul, the circular Church of Santo Stefano Rotondo, and the ruins of the Baths of Caracalla. Travelers can tour Caelian Hill on foot, or by bike, scooter, or bus.
The Basics
Caelian Hill is unique among Rome’s seven historic hills, as its western slope is one of the few tranquil and unpopulated places in Rome. Several ancient churches dating from the fourth and fifth centuries can be visited on Caelian Hill, in addition to Roman ruins and Villa Celimontana, one of Rome’s nicest parks.
The churches and ruins on Caelian Hill are best visited as part of a guided tour to appreciate their historical importance. Consider joining a walking, rickshaw, or Vespa tour of the hills of ancient Rome, or a small-group tour dedicated to the most historic churches in the Eternal City. Many tours of Rome’s seven hills include skip-the-line access to the Colosseum and Roman Forum, which are nearby on Palatine Hill.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Caelian Hill is a must for history buffs, as it is home to some of the city’s most fascinating ancient churches and Roman ruins.
- The Baths of Caracalla are accessible to wheelchairs and strollers, and the site offers restrooms and a bookshop. The ruins are open to the elements, so bring a hat and sunscreen in summer.
- Visitors must wear clothing that covers shoulders and knees to enter the churches. Some churches are not wheelchair accessible.
- The park and gardens of Villa Celimontana are an ideal spot for a stroll with kids.
How to Get There
Caelian Hill is located on the southeast corner of the historic center of Rome, along the Tiber River. The nearest metro stop is Colosseo, on line B.
When to Get There
Most of the Baths of Caracalla ruins are outdoors, so visit on a day with clear skies and mild temperatures. The quiet churches, on the other hand, provide a cool refuge from the midday summer heat.
Rome’s Seven Hills
Caelian Hill is the farthest southeast of Rome’s seven hills, which are all east of the Tiber and form the geographical heart of ancient Rome. The other hills are Aventine Hill, Capitoline Hill, Esquiline Hill, Quirinal Hill, Viminal Hill, and Palatine Hill, where legend tells us that Romulus founded the city and where the most famous archaeological ruins can still be seen.
Address: Monte Celio, Rome 00184, Italy
From $ 43
Calouste Gulbenkian Museum
Set in a lush garden, the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum is regarded as one of Portugal’s finest private collections and contains artworks ranging from ancient Egyptian sculptures to modernist paintings. The museum also houses a large selection of European art, with pieces by Rembrandt, Rubens, Monet, Van Dyck, and Renoir.
The Basics
The Calouste Gulbenkian Museum contains two distinct collections: the Founder’s Collection, with over 6,000 pieces gathered by Calouste Gulbenkian himself, and the Modern Collection, which contains more than 10,000 works of modern and contemporary Portuguese art. After you peruse the museum’s pristine modernist interior, make sure to step outside and explore the winding paths and manicured lawns of Gulbenkian Garden.
Book your ticket in advance to save time and avoid waiting in line. It’s also possible to visit on a hop-on, hop-off bus tour to see the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum along with other Lisbon attractions such as Marquȇs do Pombal Square (Praça Marquês de Pombal) and Belém Tower (Torre de Belém).
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Calouste Gulbenkian Museum is a must-see for art lovers.
- Restaurants, a book store, and an ATM are located on-site.
- Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the museum and surrounding garden.
- The museum and gardens are fully accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
How to Get There
The Calouste Gulbenkian Museum is located on Avenida de Berna, roughly 15 minutes by road from Comércio Plaza (Praça do Comércio) and Lisbon’s waterfront area. Take the metro to either São Sebastião or Praça de Espanha station. Alternatively, you can arrive by bus, taxi, or on a hop-on, hop-off bus tour.
When to Get There
The Calouste Gulbenkian Museum and Gulbenkian Garden are open year-round, although the museum is closed on Tuesdays and some holidays. Opt for an early morning or late-afternoon visit to avoid crowds.
History of the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum
Wealthy collector Calouste Gulbenkian amassed art for more than 40 years until his death in 1955, leaving his collection to the country of Portugal to be set up as a museum for the general public. His original collection contains paintings by European masters along with ancient relics such as a gold Egyptian mummy mask, a vast collection of Hellenic coins, rare Chinese porcelain items, Japanese prints, and Persian tapestries from the 16th and 17th centuries.
Address: Avenida de Berna, 45A, Lisbon 1067, Portugal
Admission: Varies
From $ 12
Cajón del Maipo
Cajón del Maipo, a narrow canyon where the Maipo River flows, begins just 16 miles (25 kilometers) southwest of Santiago, but its picturesque scenery, fresh air, and charming mountain towns feel worlds away from Chile’s capital city. Thanks to its close proximity to Santiago, though, Cajón del Maipo is one of the more popular day trip destinations for an easy escape to Chile’s famed wilderness.
The Basics
Hiking, rafting, horseback riding, climbing, cycling, and skiing all rank among Cajón del Maipo’s offerings for outdoor adventure. Most guided tours will include two or three activities, so shop around for which options appeal to you the most. Look for tours that include hiking the rim around the Embalse el Yeso Reservoir, rafting down the Maipo River, taking in views from the San Jose Volcano, or soaking in the Baños Colina hot springs. For a look at local history, visit San José de Maipo, located at the heart of Cajón and the biggest city in the canyon. The colonial town still retains many of its original adobe structures as well as an 18th-century church in the town center’s Plaza de Armas.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Most Cajón del Maipo tours include round-trip transportation from Santiago.
- Weather changes quickly in the Andes Mountains; be sure to wear comfortable layers and check the forecast before your trip.
- Roadside stalls sell fresh-baked bread, empanadas, and other food items to stave off hunger pangs during a day of exploration.
- Due to the canyon’s popularity, a small-group tour or private tour will help you stand apart from the crowds.
How to Get There
The easiest way to reach Cajón del Maipo is on a day tour that includes round-trip transportation from Santiago, which allows you to get there hassle-free. Otherwise, catch one of the frequent buses to San José de Maipo from Santiago’s Plaza de Puente Alto metro station, or between Bellavista de La Florida station and Baños Morales on the weekends (or every day during the summer). You can also get a taxi for a higher price.
When to Get There
Santiago residents often escape to Cajón del Maipo on the weekends, so try to plan your trip for a weekday to avoid the city crowds. Rafting season lasts from November through March, while winter sports take over from June to September.
Wine and Sunshine
In addition to its status as a perfect weekend getaway, Cajón del Maipo is also known for its Chilean wines. Look for tours that include stops at wineries or other chances to sample the region’s signature varietals.
Address: Chile
From $ 35
Caerphilly Castle
Built in the 13th century, Caerphilly Castle is a lasting reminder of medieval times in modern-day Wales. Located on the edge of Brecon Beacons National Park, overlooking the town of Caerphilly, it draws history buffs and curious visitors from the world over who come to step back in time to understand life in the Middle Ages.
The Basics
The towering stone walls and man-made lakes and moats give away Caerphilly Castle’s original purpose: as a defensive outpost. Built by Gilbert de Clare in the 13th century, the 30-acre (12-hectare) castle is the second-largest in Britain and is known for being one of the first British castles to implement a concentric defensive structure. These elaborate defenses served their purpose—Caerphilly Castle was never captured.
The castle was donated to the state in 1950 and was reborn as a visitor attraction. The castle is a popular day trip from the nearby city of Cardiff (the Welsh capital) and frequently features in historical tours of the region.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Discounted tickets are available for students and seniors, and families can purchase a combined ticket.
- Parts of the castle are wheelchair accessible, but some areas of the castle have steep, narrow steps.
- The castle has a small souvenir store, but there is no on-site cafe.
- Caerphilly claims its leaning tower, attacked by Oliver Cromwell, leans more than Pisa.
How to Get There
Caerphilly Castle is located in the small town of Caerphilly, eight miles (12 kilometers) north of Cardiff city center. You can reach the castle by car, local train to Caerphilly Station, or as part of a guided tour with transport provided. Car parking is available on site.
When to Get There
The castle has seasonal opening hours, and last admission is 30 minutes before closing. In July and August, it is open 9:30am-6pm. In September and October, and from March to June, it’s open 9:30am-5pm. From November to February it’s open 10am-4pm Monday to Saturday, and 11am-4pm on Sunday. The castle is closed on major holidays. Saturday is the busiest time to visit.
Millenium Centre in Cardiff
With its copper-colored metal exterior, this arts center along the waterfront in Cardiff is known to locals as the “armadillo.” The center hosts a regular program of events, from classical music to Broadway musicals, stand-up comedy, and theater, along with free concerts and family activities. At the center you find a number of cafes and restaurants that you can enjoy whether you’re attending a concert or just coming to see the building.
Address: Castle St, Caerphilly CF83 1JD, Wales
Admission: Varies
From $ 74
Caernarfon Castle
Overlooking the Menai Strait with its imposing polygonal towers, Caernarfon Castle has been dominating the landscape in this corner of North Wales for nearly 800 years. Built for King Edward I on the site of a Roman fortress and Norman fort, the site is a popular tourist attraction for visitors interested in learning more about the history of Great Britain.
The Basics
Caernarfon Castle was built by Edward I on the site of a former Roman fortress and Norman fort in the 1280s to display English wealth and power over Wales. With its uniquely shaped towers and color-block brickwork, it is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Though the exterior is complete, the plans for the building’s interior were never fully finished. The castle also includes a museum dedicated to the Royal Welch Fusiliers army regiment.
Many people opt for a guided tour to learn more about the building’s history. Guided day trips from nearby cities (including Bangor, Caernarfon, Holyhead, and Llandudno) visit the walled city of Caernarfon as well as the mountains of Snowdonia and other area highlights.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Discount admission to the castle is available for children, seniors, and students. Children under 5 enter free.
- Several parts of the castle feature steep narrow stairs and are not suitable for those in a wheelchair.
- Your ticket to the castle covers also admission to the Royal Welch Fusiliers Museum.
- Hours vary by season, so check in advance if making your own way to the castle.
How to Get There
Caernarfon Castle sits on the Menai Strait, a body of water that separates mainland Wales from the island of Anglesey. Many people opt to take a guided tour that includes transportation from nearby cities. Others travel by car or take a train to Bangor and a public bus to the castle. Public parking is available nearby.
When to Get There
The castle’s hours change seasonally, with the longest hours in July and August and reduced hours September through February. The castle is closed on major holidays and last entry is 30 minutes before closing. Weekends are the busiest time to visit.
Island of Anglesey
Just across the water from Caernarfon Castle, the small island of Anglesey is known to British families as a quick and easy vacation getaway. With pretty scenery, historic buildings including Beaumaris Castle and Plas Newydd, and sandy beaches with dramatic cliffs topped with lighthouses, it also holds appeal for tourists visiting the area.
Address: Castle Ditch, Caernarfon, Gwynedd LL55 2AY, Wales
Admission: Varies
From $ 683
Cairngorms National Park
A wild landscape of granite mountains, heather-covered moors and gentle glens covering 1,500 square miles of the Scottish Highlands, Cairngorms National Park was named one of the world’s “Last Great Places” by National Geographic.
Formed 40 million years before the last ice age, the Cairngorms are especially popular among mountain bikers, snowboarders, sea kayakers and hikers. They’re also a hit with the Scottish Queen: she spends every summer there at Balmoral Castle and Estate.
More than 50 of the Cairngorms’ mountains reach over 2,953 feet, and the national park boasts five of the United Kingdom’s six highest mountain summits. Those looking for a challenge can hike up the summit of Cairngorm’s namesake mountain, while the more leisurely crowd can take the much-used mountain railway to the top. Once up there, remember that it’s a Scottish tradition to take a “wee nip” of whisky. Cheers!
The national park is home to 25 percent of the UK’s native woodland, which is vital for endangered birds like the Capercaillies and Scottish Crossbills who breed only in Scotland’s Caledonian Forest. The primeval-looking region contains dozens of rare animals and birds, including 50 reindeer that were reintroduced to the Cairngorms by a Swedish herdsman in the 1950s. Look out for wild cats, pine martens, red squirrels and ospreys, too.
Practical Info
There are regular bus and rail connections from Scotland’s major cities to Aviemore, a busy resort town in the heart of the Cairngorms. Inverness is just half an hour to the north by bus or car, while Edinburgh and Glasgow are about a 2.5-hour drive away. Aviemore is open all year-round, but visitors should check for road closures due to snow in winter.
Address: Cairngorms National Park, Aviemore, Glasgow, Scotland
Hours: Open all year-round, but visitors should check for road closures due to snow in winter.
From $ 57
Cala di Mitigliano
Cala di Mitigliano is an unspoiled beach at the tip of the Sorrentine Peninsula in Italy. It can only be reached by walking down a steep footpath for about 30 minutes, but once you get there, you will enjoy beautiful scenery and views of Punta Campanella and the island of Capri. With a pebble beach and crystal-clear water, Cala di Mitigliano is in a cove surrounded by steep vertical rocks, making for a dramatic landscape.
On the right side of the beach is a circular building, similar to a tower, that was once used for lime production. While no longer in use, the structure adds to the landscape and stands as a reminder of the area’s history. Nearby, a 50-foot deep circular grotto is a popular spot for snorkeling and scuba diving, although it is only possible to enter when the sea is calm and the tide is low.
Practical Info
Cala di Mitigliano is located in Massa Lubrense. To get there, take the footpath that starts from the Church of Santa Maria di Mitigliano.
Address: Cala di Mitigliano, Massa Lubrense, Campania, Italy
From $ 121
Caguas
Caguas is one of Puerto Rico’s most diverse and important historical areas – a town rich in Creole heritage and home to an abundance of natural beauty and superlative shopping. Once the home of the indigenous Taino group, Caguas has also known Spanish, British and Dutch residents, the remnants of which can be best experienced by simply walking the town, exploring the beautiful boardwalk or following the Route of the Creole Heart at the Traditional Urban Center.
Those who appreciate the beauty of Puerto Rico’s outdoors will also be impressed by the Caguas Botanical Gardens, which feature some of the most amazing waterfalls and natural greens in the Caribbean. The San Juan town also serves as the starting point for many day-trip adventures and excursions to Puerto Rico’s interior.
Practical Info
Caguas is located about 15 miles south of San Juan, and it is easily accessible via Highway 52.
Address: Caguas, Puerto Rico
From $ 90
Calle La Ronda
In downtown Quito, you’ll find the essence of the city along the emblematic street affectionately called Calle La Ronda. Visiting this pedestrian street at the southern end of the Old Town is like taking a walk back in time.
The narrow houses with their balconies and interior courtyards tell the story of Spain’s influence in Ecuador. But the history of Calle La Ronda goes much further back; rumor has it the Incas used this same path beginning in the 1400s. In time, people established houses along the route, and taverns were opened to care for the needs of travelers.
Painters, poets, musicians, writers and other influential people have been drawn to this street, where the colonial architecture, music, art and food sum up the identity of Quito. Although the area went through a period of violence, it has since been restored and is now a safe place to visit, especially popular among locals and tourists on weekends.
Go at night to get the full cultural flavor, when live music spills out of tiny bars and the bohemian atmosphere makes it seem as though the artists and poets that lived on this street in times past have come to life again.
Antique stores and souvenir shops provide a peek into the past as well as the local culture and give visitors a chance to pick up popular Ecuadorian take-homes like Panama hats (which are actually from Ecuador). In addition to the restaurants lining the street, there are also small shops that sell delicious empanadas, chocolate-covered strawberries, canelazos (a typical hot drink made with aguardiente and cinnamon), and other traditional Quito dishes.
Practical Info
Calle Juan de Dios Morales, referred to as Calla La Ronda, is just one block south of the Santo Domingo Plaza. Taxis are often recommended for travel around Quito, but it’s also easy to get to La Ronda from the trolley bus line — just get off at the Santo Domingo stop and walk from there.
Address: Calle Juan de Dios Morales, Quito, Ecuador
From $ 15