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Things to Do in Niagara Falls & Around

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

Cours Mirabeau

The heart and soul of the Vieil Aix (Old Town) the historic Cours Mirabeau is the main thoroughfare of Aix en Provence, passing between the ring roads that mark the boundaries of the old medieval center and the new town. A broad tree-lined avenue crammed with shops, restaurants and cafés, Cours Mirabeau runs from the iconic statue of King Rene (Fontaine du Roi René) in Place Forbin, to the stately Place du General de Gaulle.

Simply strolling the wide avenue – a spacious 42 meters wide - is enough to unveil many of its charms. Elegant 17th-century mansions, walled gardens and ornamental fountains line the sidewalks and a pit stop at one of the many alfresco cafés is the perfect way to take in the scenery. Once home to the city’s elite, Cours Mirabeau boasts one-time residents like a young Cezanne and architectural highlights include the monumental entrance of Hotel de Villiers and the regal Hôtel d'Arbod Jouques. Look out for the many impressive fountains along the route too; most notably the masterpiece of ‘La Rotonde’, which takes center stage in the Place Général de Gaulle.

Cours Mirabeau, Aix-en-Provence, France

From $ 75

Crab Island (Pulau Ketam)

Crab Island (Pulau Ketam) is a small fishing community located off the coast of Klang in Malaysia. Divided into two villages, around 6000 people—mainly Chinese settlers—live here permanently, but you wouldn't be able to guess that from a glance on the street. There are no cars or motorcycles, and the only way to get around is by walking or cycling the narrow boardwalks that connect the island.

Visitors to Crab Island will experience the unique lifestyle of this small corner of the world, from its 'floating houses' perched on long wooden stilts above the mangrove swamps, to its renowned seafood cuisine. True to its name, the island is know for delicious fresh crab, as well as prawns and fish.

To get an insight into the history and culture of Pulau Ketam, book a full-day trip to Crab Island from Kuala Lumpur, or join a Pulau Ketam village tour that also includes a visit to Thean Hou Temple. Because the island is something of a haven for seafood fans, most tours include lunch as part of the deal.

Practical Info

If not arriving as part of an organized tour where transport is included, you can reach Crab Island by taking a ferry from the jetty at Port Klang. To reach the port from Kuala Lumpur, take a KTM Komuter train from KL Sentral to Pelabuhan Kelang.

Did You Know? Despite the recent rise in tourism, Pulau Ketam still gets most of its income from fishing; the island is strategically located in a key stopover point for fishermen en-route to the rich fishing territories beyond.

Off the coast of Port Klang, Klang, Malaysia

From $ 40

Crafts Museum

Travelers who can’t make it to the village but still want to experience traditional rural Indian Iife will find what they’re looking at the Crafts Museum in New Delhi. This unique destination is designed with an eye towards local life and showcases artisan who are experts in handloom weaving, wall painting and pottery. Visitors can purchase one-of-a-kind creations for friends back at home, meet artists face-to-face and watch them at work, making some of India’s most iconic crafts.

The museum is also home to a lush courtyard and quiet café, perfect for relaxing. And travelers can venture into the ornate carved temple or well-decorated temple also on the grounds.

Practical Info

The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. It is easily accessible using the local metro to the Pragati Maidan stop in Bhairon Marg.

Bhairon Marg, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi 110001, India

Rs.150

From $ 35

CRICOTEKA Museum of Tadeusz Kantor

Krakow's CRICOTEKA Museum is a theater, exhibition space and bookshop dedicated to a bizarre brand of experimental theater and the local man who created it in 1955: avant-garde and controversial playwright, designer, director and artist Tadeusz Kantor. Visitors to the museum will walk through bizarre theater set designs with spooky mannequins, marionettes and costumes on display. There is also a gallery showing Kantor’s work in Ulica Sienna, which housed his theater company Cricot 2, as well as frequent temporary exhibitions of art inspired by his ideas.

A visit to the museum provides a change from the historical monuments and buildings of Krakow, showing a more contemporary side of the city. Visitors will enjoy the modern architecture of the museum—a former power station turned riverfront exhibition space with a rusted metal and black glass exterior—and great views of the city and Vistula River.

Having moved its headquarters to the Podgórze district in 2014, the museum offers a modern piece of Polish cultural history in a clean, new and rarely crowded facility worth at least an hour's visit. Enjoy free admission to the museum and 40 other city attractions with a Krakow Museum and Transport Official Pass, including free, unlimited public transportation.

The CRICOTEKA Museum of Tadeusz Kantor is located at Ulica Nadwiślańska 2–4, in the Podgórze district of Krakowa on the banks of the Vistula River. It is accessible by trams 3, 9, 19, 24 and 50, alighting at Podgórze.

The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 11am to 7pm, and is closed on Monday. Admission is 10 PLN for adults; 5 PLN for seniors & students; and 15 PLN for family tickets. There is free entry on Tuesday. Visitors holding a Krakow Museum and Transport Official Pass are guaranteed free entry.

Ulica Nadwiślańska 2–4, Podgórze, Krakow 30-527, Poland

Tue–Sun: 11am–7pm

Varies

From $ 29

Croco Cun Zoo

Once a crocodile farm and now an impressive collection of some of Mexico’s most unique wildlife, the Croco Cun Zoo houses a variety of animals, many of which are endangered species. With a special emphasis on conservation, the zoo features animals important to Mexico, such as the hairless dog and spider monkey.

Book an hour-long guided tour that takes you through the park's guided jungle paths while providing in-depth information about the various animals, including white-tailed deer, macaw parrots, and boa constrictors. There are multiple opportunities for photos, so don't forget your camera.

Practical Info

The zoo is located just south of the Cancun airport. Car service is conveniently found from Puerto Morelos (the nearest town), Cancun, and Playa del Carmen. Good for families, the zoo's cafe offers lunch and snacks.

Carretera Cancun - Tulum Km 31, Cancun 77580, Mexico

Daily 9am-5pm

Adults: $30; Children: $20

From $ 30

Croatian National Theatre (HNK)

The imposing, daffodil-yellow Neo-Baroque edifice of HNK Zagreb dominates Trg maršala Tita, the northeastern link in the network of parks around Zagreb’s Donji Grad (Lower Town), which forms the city’s cultural district. The theater was designed by Austrian architects and opened by Austro-Hungarian Emperor Franz Joseph I in 1895; it is punctuated by towers on each corner and topped with a copper dome. The interior is equally opulent, a riot of marble, gilded columns and frescoed ceilings – also by Austrian artists – interspersed with busts of composers and opera singers

The scarlet-and-gold auditorium has the capacity to seat 800 and the repertoire includes a full season of ballet, orchestral and opera. As well as being the home of the Croatian Radio Symphony Orchestra, HNK Zagreb attracts big-name performers and theater companies from all over the world. In the square outside the theatre stands “The Well of Life,” a vast bronze sculpture by 20th-century Croatian master Ivan Meštrović in 1905.

Practical Info

Trg maršala Tita 15. The HNK Zagreb ticket office is open from 10am–2pm on weekdays, and last-minute tickets can be bought daily 1.5 hours before performances. Take Tram 14 to Trg maršala Tita.

Trg maršala Tita 15, Zagreb 10000, Croatia

From $ 22

Cotopaxi Volcano

The Cotopaxi Volcano, one of South America’s most famous peaks and Ecuador’s most active volcano, is perhaps the most recognizable landmark along Ecuador’s Avenue of the Volcanoes. On a clear day, you can see the snow-capped cone all the way from Quito, but a closer exploration requires a trip to Cotopaxi National Park.

The Basics

Cotopaxi, part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, summits at 19,347 feet (5,897 meters), making it one of the world’s highest active volcanoes and one of the most popular climbing sites in South America.

While summiting the peak is a major draw, it’s also possible to enjoy the park and its volcano views on a less strenuous day trip from Quito. These tours might include a visit to the Cotopaxi Glacier, a short hike through Limpiopungo Valley, or even the chance to cycle down the volcano on a mountain bike.

Things to Know Before You Go

Cotopaxi Volcano is a must-visit for adventure travelers, outdoors enthusiasts, and photographers.
Dress in layers, as the temperature can vary widely within the national park.
Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking over uneven surfaces.
Be sure to bring sun protection, water, and snacks; there are no shops or other major services within the park.

How to Get There

No public buses run to the entrance of Cotopaxi National Park, so the best way to get there is to drive or join a guided tour. Some buses do drop passengers off along the highway about a 30-minute drive from the national park parking area.

When to Get There

The best time to visit the volcano is during the dry season, from mid-July to early October. The peak looks its best in the light of the early morning or late evening, so consider staying overnight in the area.

Climbing Cotopaxi

Alexander von Humboldt was the first European to attempt to climb Cotopaxi in 1802, though he didn’t make it all the way to the top. Today, climbers come from around the world to reach the summit. The hike is only appropriate for serious hikers with experience trekking at high altitudes. If you’re planning to climb, spend a few days in Quito acclimatizing to the altitude first and consider enlisting the help of a climbing guide.

Cotopaxi, Ecuador

Varies

From $ 45

Coustellet Lavender Museum

The Lavender Museum in Coustellet is at the farm where this brilliantly colored, fragrant plant is grown, harvested and processed into all kinds of products. But far from being a factory or simply a museum, it's a family-run business dating back five generations, and the pride in their work is immediately apparent to visitors.

Included in the museum is a large collection of vintage distilling machines and other implements used as far back as the 17th century; this was the hobby of one of the Lincelé sons. There is also a film about the distilling process and guided tours as well. It's a wonderful, in-depth look at how lavender is used, and even better, it's open even when the fields are not in bloom!

Practical Info

The Lavender Museum is 12 miles from Avignon and not accessible by public transport. It is closed in January. It's open daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., but sometimes closes for lunch from 12:15 p.m. to 2 p.m. The entrance fee is 6.50 euros, with discounts for students, seniors and groups (kids under 15 accompanied by adults enter free). There is an audio guide available in several languages, and there are guided visits as well.

276 Route de Gordes, Coustellet, France

Daily 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; closed in January

Adults 6.50€; student and seniors: 5.5€; Children under 15 free with adults

From $ 45

Covehead Lighthouse

Perched on a grassy hilltop above sweeping red sands, Covehead Harbor Lighthouse is one of the most photographed spots on Prince Edward Island (PEI). While this lighthouse is one of the island’s shortest at just 27 feet tall (8.2 meters tall), its charming white and red-trimmed exterior and panoramic coastal views make it one of the most popular.

The Basics

Although it’s not possible to enter the lighthouse, Covehead’s photo-worthy setting still offers sweeping views along the coast of Prince Edward Island National Park. Stop by on a scenic coastal drive or visit on a guided tour from Charlottetown, which allows you to experience PEI’s coastal scenery, see and learn about historical lighthouses, and sample wine at a local vineyard.

Things to Know Before You Go

Covehead Harbor Lighthouse is a must-see for photographers and first-time visitors to PEI.
Bring your camera (or smartphone) to capture shots of the structure and its surrounds.
Dress in layers, as the coastal area can be cool and windy.
Prince Edward Island National Park entrance fees apply.

How to Get There

Covehead Harbor Lighthouse is located in Prince Edward Island National Park, on the north coast of PEI. Public transportation is limited in the area, so it’s a good idea to arrive by car or visit on a guided tour.

When to Get There

Summer through early fall is the best time to visit Covehead Harbor Lighthouse, as winters in this area can be very cold and snowy. Late afternoon (the “golden hour”) and sunset are the best times to photograph the lighthouse.

The Lighthouses of Prince Edward Island

It might be just 139 miles (224 kilometers) long, but the dramatically sculpted coastline of Prince Edward Island is dotted with dozens of lighthouses that cast a dazzling light show over the seafront after dusk. West Point Lighthouse is one of the island’s tallest at 68 feet tall (20.6 meters tall) and houses a museum, inn, restaurant, and craft shop. On the other side of the island, the East Point Lighthouse faces the Gulf of St. Lawrence and the Northumberland Strait. Other notable structures include the Victoria Range Light, the Wood Islands Lighthouse, the Cape Bear Lighthouse, and the Point Prim Lighthouse.

Prince Edward Island National Park, Prince Edward Island, Canada

Varies

From $ 78

Cove Bay

If you’re looking for an idyllic beach escape while visiting St Maarten, consider chartering a boat and setting sail for nearby Anguilla, where Cove Bay is one of the only beaches without any resort development to mar the picturesque scenery. Some helpful amenities are available in Cove Bay though, including rental sun chairs and umbrellas. Visitors should bring snorkel gear to explore the shallow, rocky reef at the east end of the bay and also be sure to make a stop at Smokey’s at the Cove to sample some of the tastiest island barbecue around.

Practical Info

Located on the southwest end of Anguilla, Cove Bay is a short boat ride from Grand Case Bay on the French side of St Maarten. You can either charter a boat to take you there directly or take the ferry from Marigot to Anguilla, and then a taxi to Cove Bay.

Grand Case AI-2640, Anguilla

From $ 129

Crashboat Beach

Once the site of a military port that rescued downed aircrews, Cashboat Beach has since become a favorite ocean-side destination for travelers to northwest Puerto Rico. Clear turquoise waters and calm surf make it an ideal spot for families with small children, but visitors say the picturesque shores of Crashboat are perfect for just about any traveler.

It’s easy to spend a day relaxing on the sands of this quiet beach, with rocky cliffs perfect for jumping into refreshing waters. But visitors agree it’s worth staying until sunset, when the bright red sun tucks behind the deep blue ocean and local vendors come out to prepare traditional food over open fires. Crashboat attracts plenty of out-of-towners on holiday, but it’s the perfect beach for visitors looking to interact with locals and get a taste of contemporary Puerto Rican life, too.

Practical Info

Crashboat Beach is located in northwestern Puerto Rico in the municipality of Aguadilla. Travelers can access the beach by taking PR-107 to PR-458.

Aguadilla, Puerto Rico

From $ 180

Cradle of Humankind

A complex of 300 limestone caves, South Africa's Cradle of Humankind is one of the most significant archaeological and anthropological sites in the world. The UNESCO World Heritage Site has produced an extensive human and animal fossil record, including a nearly-complete hominin skull dating back more than 2 million years.

The Basics

You can begin exploring the 181-square-mile (469-square-kilometer) Cradle of Humankind at Maropeng Visitor Centre, which hosts a variety of exhibits detailing the formation of the planet and the history of life over 4 billion years. Not all excavated sites within the Cradle of Humankind are open to the public, but travelers can explore the Sterkfontein Caves, one of the world’s most famous fossil sites and the location of the longest-running continuous paleoanthropological dig.

Cradle of Humankind tours leave from Pretoria or Johannesburg and typically visit the Maropeng Visitor Centre as well as the Sterkfontein Caves. Some tours also include a wildlife safari at the nearby Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve.

Things to Know Before You Go

The Maropeng Visitor Centre and all of its onsite restaurants are wheelchair accessible.
A variety of hotels, cottages, and bed-and-breakfasts are available in the area for visitors who would like to spend more than just a day exploring.
While the Maropeng Visitor Centre and Sterkfontein Caves each charge separate admission, guided tours typically provide entrance to both.

How to Get There

The Cradle of Humankind lies west of Johannesburg in South Africa’s Gauteng province. Public transportation is limited in the area, so it’s a good idea to arrive as part of a guided tour or drive independently. The site is located 59 miles (95 kilometers) from O.R. Tambo International Airport and roughly 12 miles (19 kilometers) from Lanseria International Airport. It is situated on the R400, just off the R563 Hekpoort road.

When to Get There

Due to the area’s temperate climate you can visit the Cradle of Humankind year-round. The site is open daily with the exception of major holidays.

“Mrs. Ples” and “Little Foot”

Discovered by Robert Broom in 1947, “Mrs. Ples” is the nickname of the most complete skull of an Australopithecus africanus ever found in South Africa, thought to be more than 2 million years old. The archaeological community was thrilled by the discovery of “Little Foot” in 1994 in a box of bones thought to belong to monkeys or other animals. When put together, “Little Foot” was found to be a nearly complete Australopithecus fossil skeleton.

Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa

From $ 97

Cozumel Reefs National Marine Park

Cozumel Reefs National Marine Park encompasses the island’s best-known diving and snorkeling spots, including the Palancar, Columbia, and Paradise reefs, as well as the Devil’s Throat at Punta Sur and the shipwreck of Felipe Xicoténcatl—a minesweeper ship used in WWII. The park houses up to 26 species of coral and 300 species of fish.

The Basics

With both shallow coral gardens and deep drop-offs, Cozumel Reefs National Marine Park is an ideal spot for snorkelers and divers of all experience levels. The area is best explored on a snorkeling or diving tour from the island’s downtown marina. Most excursions visit popular sites such as Columbia Reef, Palancar Reef, and El Cielo Marine Park, and sometimes include pickup and drop-off from select waterfront hotels.

Things to Know Before You Go

This reef system is a must-see attraction for nature and wildlife lovers.
Remember to bring sun protection and water. It’s also a good idea to wear a wetsuit or rash guard to protect your skin from rough coral and jellyfish.
Evidence of scuba diving certification is required for certified dives.
Be careful not to touch or disturb the wildlife.
To maximize your chances of seeing wildlife, minimize your movement and let the fish come to you.

How to Get There

Cozumel Reefs National Marine park is located off the southern coast of Cozumel, near Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. You can get there by guided tour or private charter boat—although the reefs may be hard to locate on your own.

When to Get There

You can visit Cozumel Reefs National Marine Park year-round, but it’s 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.

Cozumel’s Coral Reefs

Cozumel’s coral reefs are some of the largest in the world. Paradise Reef and Palancar Gardens are ideal spots for novice divers and snorkelers due to their shallow depth, and offer a chance to glimpse sea turtles, colorful fish, towering coral spires, and gently waving sea fans. The Palancar Caves are probably the most famous dive site, with huge brain corals and swim-through tunnels. Palancar Horseshoe, a natural underwater amphitheater made entirely of coral, is another must-see.

Cozumel, Quintana Roo, Mexico

From $ 55

Coyaba River Garden and Museum

High above the sun-drenched beaches and bustling fray of Ocho Rios, the lush Konoko Falls and Park are filled with innumerable species of tropical flora and birds, and streams that tumble into gentle waterfalls. The excellent on-site museum traces the history and culture of Jamaica’s original inhabitants, the Tainos and Arawaks.

The Basics

At this park, formerly called Coyaba River Garden and Museum, enjoy a brief respite from busy Ocho Rios as you walk quiet trails past streams, casades, and pools filled with carp, turtles, and crayfish. For a stupendous panoramic view, climb to the summit, which sits about 420 feet (128 meters) above the coastline. Festooned with tropical plants, gurgling fountains, and hummingbird feeders, the garden’s museum is housed in a colonial mansion and features an extensive collection of artifacts and artworks from the Tainos, Arawaks, and Spanish colonists.

You can visit Konoko Falls and Park as part of a half-day tour highlighting the best attractions of Ocho Rios, including a shopping excursion to the town’s eclectic markets and shopping arcades, a drive through the lush forests of Fern Gully, a relaxing moment at Turtle Beach, and a jungle hike and swim at nearby Dunns River Falls.

Things to Know Before You Go

Konoko Falls and Park is ideal for nature lovers and those looking for a deeper understanding of Jamaican cultural history.
Remember to bring sun protection and water. If you would like to refresh yourself in the gentle cascades, bring swimwear and a towel, too.
A wheelchair-friendly wooden walkway connects Ysassi’s Lookout Point, named after the last Spanish Governor of Jamaica, and the park’s cascade, Mahoe Falls.
There’s an on-site boutique selling locally made crafts, a shaded courtyard café offering tasty lunches and locally grown coffee, and Columbus Cafe and Arawak Jerk Pit serving up delicious local specialties.

How to Get There

Konoko Falls and Park is on Milford Road, a 5-minute drive west of Ocho Rios. Catch a taxi to the park (easy to arrange through your hotel); if you are driving, there is plentiful parking.

When to Get There

The garden and the museum are open daily from 8am to 5pm year-round. Each season showcases a different array of blooming plants and trees. On Thursdays from 5:30pm to 12am there is a Moonshine Festival comprising a Jamaican buffet accompanied by African drumming and dancing to reggae music.

Locals Call It Coyaba

Konoko Falls and Park used to be called Coyaba River Garden and Museum, so if you ask a taxi driver to take you to Konoko, don’t be surprised if they are confused at first. Coyaba is a word the Arawak people used to convey heaven or paradise, and konoko meant rain forest or wooded area—either way, both words perfectly describe the place and the special experience awaiting you.

Milford Road, Ocho Rios JMCAN19, Jamaica

Varies

From $ 51

Coudenberg (Former Palace of Brussels)

Found at the southern end of the Parc de Bruxelles, Coudenberg marks the site of the original palace of the Belgian Royal Family, which was destroyed to make way for the present Palais Royal. In the 12th century a small, fortified castle stood on Coudenberg Hill, and this was gradually extended and reworked by successive monarchs until it reputedly became one of the most beautiful palaces in Europe and the main residence of King Charles V.

In 1731 this imposing palace was destroyed by fire but it was not until 40 years later that its ruins were pulled down and the site flattened in preparation for the building of today’s stately Palais Royal.

The cellars and chapel of the original palace can now be viewed underground as they stretch far underneath the present-day Rue Royale. Once open to the elements, the forgotten medieval cobbled Rue Isabelle is now below the Place Royale. It ran alongside the Coudenberg Palace up to the Cathedral of Sts-Michael-and-Gudula on nearby Place Ste-Gudule.

Artifacts recovered from 25 years of excavation on the site at Coudenberg are now displayed at Hoogstraeten House, which was one of many aristocratic mansions that bordered the grounds of Coudenberg Place. Exhibits include clay pipes, armor and Venetian glassware.

Practical Info

Entrance into the Coundenberg archaeological site is via the BELvue Museum in Place des Palais. Opening hours are Tuesday-Friday 10am-5pm; Saturday-Sunday 10am-6pm. Access is from metro stations Gare Centrale, Parc, Trône and Porte de Namur or trams 92 and 93. Most of the underground site is accessible by wheel chair. There is limited parking in Place des Palais.

Place des Palais 7, Bruxelles 1000, Belgium

Tue-Fri 9:30am-5pm Sat-Sun 10am-6pm; Jul-Aug Daily 10am-6pm

Adult: €6; Senior: €5; Young Adult: €4; Child: Free

From $ 30

Covent Garden

In the heart of London’s West End, Covent Garden is one of the city’s most popular dining and entertainment hubs. Home to the Royal Opera House; several top theaters, including the Lyceum and the Donmar Warehouse; world-class restaurants; and many major brand-name stores, most travelers to London plan to explore this area while visiting.

The Basics

Covent Garden’s original purpose was as a convent garden, where Westminster Abbey monks would grow fruit and vegetables, some 500 years ago. In the 17th century, architect Inigo Jones built St. Paul’s Church (not to be confused with the cathedral) and the Covent Garden Piazza and the area started to take shape. In the streets around the market came theaters, coffee houses, and restaurants, turning the area into a nightlife hotspot.

The market arcades, built in the 1830s, were home to fruit, vegetable, and flower sellers. The original market was moved out of the city in the 1970s, and the arcades were redeveloped into stores and cafes. Nowadays, the piazza is famous for lively street performers, while the surrounding streets—Floral Street, Neal Street, Long Acre, and Mercer Street—offer some of the best shopping in London. Guided walking, bike, and taxi tours visit the area on a regular basis. It's also a stop on hop-on hop-off sightseeing buses.

Things to Know Before You Go

Covent Garden is wheelchair accessible.
For same-day theater tickets, visit the TKTS booth on Leicester Square.
St. Paul’s Church is known as “The Actor’s Church” for the area’s many theaters.
The churchyard has benches for visitors to sit and rest.
Covent Garden’s seven main streets converge at the Seven Dials sundial.

How to Get There

Covent Garden is located in the center of West End, London. The nearest subway (tube) station is Covent Garden on the Piccadilly Line. Leicester Square station is also a short walk away. The area is walkable from many other points in Central London and is a popular stop on historic walking and bike tours of the city. Hop-on hop-off buses also stop here.

When to Get There

Covent Garden is a public piazza and is open all day. The Apple Market stalls are open from 10am–6pm. Nearby stores, restaurants, and theaters, including the Royal Opera House, have their own separate opening times—check before visiting.

London’s Chinatown

A few streets away from Covent Garden, bordered by Shaftesbury Avenue and Charing Cross Road is London’s Chinatown, filled with colorful shops and restaurants serving authentic East Asian cuisine. One of the city’s most popular destinations for cheap eats, the area is always buzzing with both locals and tourists.

Covent Garden Market, London WC2, England

Free

From $ 12

Cozumel Cruise Port

Set against a popular, picturesque beach on the Caribbean Sea, the Cozumel cruise port serves as an all-in-one stop for Mexico vacationers seeking that perfect island getaway. Bursting with activities that embrace the island of Cozumel’s idyllic landscape both on-shore and off, this cruise destination off Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula delivers for travelers seeking snorkeling and sunshine as part of a family vacation or a romantic getaway.

The Basics

From sightseeing tours past the Mayan ruins at San Gervasio to dune buggy or Jeep tour adventures through the rain forest en route to the cenote at Jade Caverns, travelers docking at the Cozumel cruise port don’t have to look far for fun. Watersports enthusiasts will find snorkeling tours (including at the popular Palancar Beach), beach break adventures, and PADI-certified scuba diving options. Other popular activities include snorkeling with angel fish in the Yal Ku Lagoon, Atlantis submarine excursions, and private beach passes to Chankanaab National Marine Park. If lounging in the sun is more your style, opt for a beach club pass. A private tour or small-group tour in Cozumel guarantees a stress-free experience.

Things to Know Before You Go

Most Cozumel shore excursions do not include port pickup and drop-off. Be sure to check transportation options prior to booking.
Shore excursions can last anywhere between one and six hours, depending on the tour.
San Miguel de Cozumel is the biggest city in the area and offers plenty of opportunities for shopping, eating, and drinking.

How to Get into Town from the Cozumel Cruise Port

Depending on the cruise line, your cruise ship will dock at one of three ports: Punta Langosta, Puerta Maya, or the International Pier. Those docking at Punta Langosta (Norwegian, Disney, Seven Seas) will find themselves right in downtown San Miguel, while those at Puerta Maya (Carnival) or the International Pier (Royal Caribbean and Celebrity) can either walk or take a taxi into town. When you hire a taxi, always agree on a price before setting off; it should cost about $6 to reach downtown. No matter your destination, Cozumel is easy to get around on foot, bicycle, or taxi.

Port Information

Cruise liners anchoring at Cozumel include Carnival, Celebrity, Disney, Norwegian, Princess, Seven Seas, and Royal Caribbean. You’ll hear lots of Spanish, though English is widely spoken and understood. The local currency is the peso but US dollars are almost universally accepted.

Rafael E. Melgar, Cozumel, Mexico

From $ 51

Cotswolds

Few places encapsulate the beauty of the English countryside like the Cotswolds, with its green rolling hills, grand country estates, and picturesque villages chiseled out of honey-colored stone. A protected “Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty,” it’s the retreat of choice for wealthy Londoners and residents include movie stars and royalty.

The Basics

Most Cotswolds tours run from London, driving along the winding country roads and stopping to explore the historic market towns or enjoy lunch at a traditional pub. Full-day tours often include a stop in the Cotswolds en route to nearby attractions. Options include a tour of historic Bath, Stonehenge, and Shakespeare’s home in Stratford-upon-Avon; a visit to Oxford, Blenheim Palace, and Warwick Castle; or a tour of Highclere Castle, better known as Downton Abbey.

Things to Know Before You Go

Many Cotswolds tours and attractions are wheelchair accessible; check with your tour operator in advance.
Some tours include overnight accommodations in local Cotswolds B&Bs or hotels.
Wear comfortable shoes since most tours include lots of walking.

How to Get There

The Cotswolds is an area of south England, lying mainly in the counties of Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire, and including the cities of Bath, Cheltenham, and Stroud. Located 100 miles (161 kilometers) west of London or about two hours by road, it is accessible via several highways, as well as by public transport. Buses run from the capital to many of the towns and villages of the Cotswolds, while Cotswold Line trains connect London’s Paddington railway station with Hereford and Worcester.

When to Get There

Summer is the most popular time to visit the Cotswolds, and accommodations can fill up quickly in July and August. Be sure to book ahead. Visiting out of summer means you’ll avoid the crowds and enjoy a more local experience, but outdoor activities such as hiking or bike tours will be dependent on weather conditions. Perhaps the most atmospheric time to visit is over the holiday season, when many of the villages host Christmas Markets and you might get chance to see the countryside covered in snow.

The Cotswolds Villages

The idyllic towns and villages of the Cotswolds each have their own unique character, and visitors can admire the historic buildings, browse the antique shops, or stop for a traditional afternoon tea at a café. The largest town in the Cotswolds is Cheltenham, while Cirencester, Tetbury, and Chipping Campden are among the busiest market towns. In the North Cotswolds, the villages of Broadway, Bourton-on-the-Water, and Burford are popular photo stops for visitors, and the village of Bampton is known for its role as Downton Village in Downton Abbey.

England

From $ 69

Crawford Market

Also known as Mahatma Jyobita Phule, Crawford Market, the largest market in Mumbai, is an incredible place to shop for food and household goods, take photos, or simply wander around people watching. It's also not a bad place to try local snacks, as there are myriad street-food stalls serving up all sorts of treats.

The Basics

Crawford Market occupies a huge old building dating back to 1869 that features a blend of Norman and Flemish architecture; in 1882, this was the first building in India to get electric lighting. A frieze on the exterior was designed by Rudyard Kipling's father, and the interiors are full of stalls and shops selling all sorts of everyday goods. Although it’s fun to lose yourself in the many lanes and stalls here, bringing a guide or going with a tour is never a bad idea, particularly if you want to ask questions about what you’re seeing.

Things to Know Before You Go

Wear comfortable shoes and prepare to walk.
Bargaining for housewares and decor is acceptable, but you may not want to bother if you’re just buying fruits and vegetables.
Always ask before taking photos.
The meat section of the market is gory, and sensitive travelers or those with kids may want to avoid it.

How to Get There

Crawford Market is located in the heart of central Mumbai, a 10-minute walk north of Fashion Street and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, the main railway station. Most major South Mumbai attractions are within a 15-minute drive or auto-rickshaw ride of the market. Once you arrive, be prepared to do a lot of walking.

When to Get There

The market is open every day from around 9 or 10 am to 8 pm, except on Sundays, when it's usually closed. It's best to arrive first thing in the day if you want to score good deals; in fact, being the first customer is considered auspicious. It's at its most crowded in the evening, when locals visit after work.

Indian Mangoes

If you happen to be visiting the market during mango season, which starts in April and goes on until June, you’ll have a blast at Crawford Market. Here you'll find all sorts of varieties of India's national fruit. It's definitely worth splurging for some expensive, but incredibly delicious, Alphonso mangoes, which are considered the king of all mangoes.

Lokmanya Tilak Road, Mumbai, India

From $ 18

Cousino Macul

You might not expect a winery so close to the city of Santiago, but then, Santiago has been growing up towards the mountains in recent decades, so it’s not so much that Cousiño Macul was built in the city as that the city has grown all around it. Cousiño Macul is a peaceful oasis in the district of Peñalolén, at the foot of the mountains, which are seen in the background over the planted fields. The winery was founded in 1856 by Matías Cousiño, and is still owned and run by the same family.

From the tasteful treed entryway to the quiet store, it feels like there is a reverence for the product and process here. In late summer and early fall, you can try grapes straight off the vines, which depending on the exact week may be Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot or Syrah. The tour of this winery includes a small exhibition area of winemaking tools used in the 19th century, including the apparatus used to hand place the cork in each individual bottle, which took great physical effort, as did moving the barrels around the winery, which was done with the use of a small train-like system.

The Cousiño Macul tour includes a walk through the cellars, and a view of the family’s private wine collection with sample wines from most years since they started. There are tastings throughout the course of the tour, which gives you a chance to savor each one in a different location, rather than tasting them all one after another, and of course, there is a souvenir glass.

Practical Info

The winery is best known internationally for its reds, but also produces a refreshing Sauvignon Gris, a rosé, made from Sauvignon Blanc grapes, a variety of wine mainly known in California. This wine is served chilled, and, like the other wines on offer in the store, comes with a 10-20% discount over supermarket prices, and they are happy to box up the wine so it will make it home safely.

Calle Quilin 7100, Santiago, Chile

From $ 78