Choose from 5,104 Fun Things to Do in Niagara Falls & Around
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David Gareja Monastery Complex
Few destinations in the hills of Mount Gareja are as picturesque, historical or significant as David Gareja Monastery Complex. This Georgian Orthodox center was founded in the 6th century by one of the 13 Assyrian monks. The stunning religious architectural specimen is home to 13 unique monasteries, towering churches, quiet chapels for worship, living quarters for studying monks and hundreds of cells carved from the mountain rock.
Travelers who make their way to the semi-desert landscapes where David Gareja Monastery Complex rests—between the border of Georgia and Azerbaijan—will find sheer rock faces slanting into the green foliage of rugged mountains where quiet rooms for worship were carved out. The area known as Lavra still houses studying monks and visitors say the lush grounds thatched with quiet walking trails are worth exploring.
Practical Info
The monastery is located in the Kakheti region in Eastern Georgia and is located about 65 kilometers southeast of the capital city of Tbilisi. Visitors can hire a private taxi from Tbilisi or Sagarejo, but it’s also possible to travel by mini-bus from Liberty Square. It departs daily at 11 a.m. and take approximately one hour. Tickets are 25GEL per person.
Address: Kakheti, Georgia, Georgia
Admission: 25GEL
From $ 34
Danube Palace
The Danube Palace is a frothy Neo-Baroque concert hall completed in 1885 as part of Budapest’s massive expansion for the millennium celebrations. Hungary was a thousand years old in 1896 and the Habsburg Emperor Franz Joseph I was determined to create a prestigious city that reflected its ancient standing.
The ornate auditorium is decorated with a liberal sprinkling of cherubim and frescoes of pastoral scenes. Following the Communist takeover of Hungary after WWII much of the original décor was destroyed but this has since been reinstated; the only remaining sign of Soviet occupation is a stained-glass window near the restaurant that depicts happy peasants frolicking with the flags of Hungary and the Soviet Union.
In the last century big names such as Bartók and Dvorák played at the Danube Palace and today it is home to the Danube Symphony Orchestra, which was established in 1961. They perform regular, joyous Hungarian folk concerts using traditional instruments in the intimate surroundings of the 292-seat auditorium. A festive concert is also held here every Christmas Day, played by the Danube Chamber Orchestra, when the repertoire consists of classic favorites such as Pachelbel’s Canon and Albinoni’s Adagio in G.
The ornate auditorium is decorated with a liberal sprinkling of cherubim and frescoes of pastoral scenes. Following the Communist takeover of Hungary after WWII much of the original décor was destroyed but this has since been reinstated; the only remaining sign of Soviet occupation is a stained-glass window near the restaurant that depicts happy peasants frolicking with the flags of Hungary and the Soviet Union.
In the last century big names such as Bartók and Dvorák played at the Danube Palace and today it is home to the Danube Symphony Orchestra, which was established in 1961. They perform regular, joyous Hungarian folk concerts using traditional instruments in the intimate surroundings of the 292-seat auditorium. A festive concert is also held here every Christmas Day, played by the Danube Chamber Orchestra, when the repertoire consists of classic favorites such as Pachelbel’s Canon and Albinoni’s Adagio in G.
Practical Info
Saturday concerts run weekly from September through to June. The Danube Palace is on Zrínyi utca and the ticket office is in the same building. Metro Deák Ferenc tér or Tram 2 to Széchenyi tér.
Address: Zrínyi utca 5, Budapest, Hungary
Admission: Prices vary per performance
From $ 25
Damrak
Running from Amsterdam Central railway station to Dam Square, The Damrak is often called the "Red Carpet" of Amsterdam. For it is the first site, in all its bustling glory, that visitors see when they exit the train.
The Damrak, as the center of the city, is a bustling thoroughfare, filled with souvenir shops, hotels, and restaurants. Two famous buildings also make their home here: the Beurs van Berlage (the former stock exchange) and the famous mall, the Bijenkorf. From the station, the street ends at Dam Square, site of events and demonstrations of all kinds.
The Damrak is the original mouth of the Amstel River - rak being a reach, or straight stretch of water. In the 19th century, the canal was filled in, except for the canal-boat docks on the east side. Before you reach the Stock Exchange you’ll see a body of water. This is all that remains of the erstwhile harbor. The gabled houses backing onto the water are among the town’s most picturesque. Nowadays the water is home to some of Amsterdam’s many canal tour boat operators.
Practical Info
The Damrak is the main street where people arriving at the station enter the center of Amsterdam. Many trams and trains stop and depart here, as well as in Dam Square, enabling you to access all parts of the city.
Address: Damrak, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Hours: Open daily
Admission: Free
From $ 23
Damascus (Shechem) Gate
Damascus (Shechem) Gate, considered the largest and most beautiful entrance to Jerusalem’s Old City, has served in this capacity since Agrippa ruled during the first century BCE. As it stands today, the gate dates back to 1537. Crusaders referred to it as St. Stephen’s Gate, as it’s located not far from the site of Saint Stephen’s martyrdom.
Flanked by two towers, the gate serves as the main access point to the Old City from East Jerusalem, and once inside, visitors find themselves amid an authentic market in the Muslim Quarter where locals shop for clothing, crafts, spices, baked goods and other food items.
Practical Info
The Damascus Gate is located on the north side of the Old City. The area gets really crowded, so if you’re more than a little claustrophobic, consider entering the Old City through one of the other gates.
Address: Jerusalem, Israel
From $ 325
Dark Hedges
The picturesque Dark Hedges tree tunnel, formed by the overhanging and intertwined branches of beech trees that line either side, was planted in the 18th century in an effort to spruce up the nearby Gracehill House, a Georgian mansion. Amateur and professional photographers have long been drawn to its eerie beauty, and Dark Hedges is now a popular pilgrimage site for fans of HBO’s Game of Thrones, having been featured in the show.
The Basics
Many visitors see the Dark Hedges as part of Game of Thrones–themed tours, which typically depart from Dublin and Belfast, and include stops at other filming locations such as Larrybane (the site of King Renly’s camp near Storm’s End), Ballintoy Harbour (the setting for Theon's return to the Iron Islands), and Cushendun Caves (where Melisandre birthed her shadow baby). The Dark Hedges are also a regular photo stop on full-day Northern Ireland tours from Belfast and Dublin, which focus on the region’s star attractions, such as the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Giant’s Causeway and the nerve-testing Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Guided day tours from Belfast usually last eight to nine hours, while day tours from Dublin can last up to 14.
- Wear warm layers, as the Dark Hedges and other nearby attractions are outdoors.
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Game of Thrones fans can opt for tours devoted to the sites most closely associated with the popular TV series, including the Dark Hedges.
- Be careful when taking photographs—the road is still a functioning thoroughfare and vehicular traffic has right of way.
How to Get There
The Dark Hedges are located in County Antrim, about 50 miles (80 kilometers) north of Belfast. The easiest way to get there is via a guided tour, but it’s also possible to drive to the site from Belfast in just over an hour. If driving, leave your car at the roadside parking area on Bregagh Road or at the nearby Hedges Estate Hotel and walk from there so as not to ruin other visitors’ photographs.
When to Get There
During busy summer months, it can be difficult to capture the Dark Hedges without another sightseer, car, or coach coming into frame. Try going in early morning or late afternoon when fewer people are around.
The Legend of the Gray Lady
Like many historic sites in Northern Ireland, the Dark Hedges are said to be haunted by a ghostly figure. The phantom, said to be a woman dressed in gray, is believed to stroll the avenue at twilight. Believers say she is searching for her burial site, located in an unmarked graveyard nearby.
Address: Bregagh Road, Belfast, Northern Ireland
Hours: Daily
From $ 32
Danube Bike Path (Donauradweg)
Running for more than 300 kilometers, the Danube Bike Path is a scenic path that follows the Danube River from Passau, Germany to Vienna, Austria. The road is both smoothly paved and wide, making it popular with cyclists of all ages and skill levels. In fact, it has been called the most popular place for leisure cycling in Europe. In total the bike path passes through nine countries.
With the Danube River flowing on one side and the scenery changing around you on the other, the landscape varies throughout the journey. Mountains, forests, castles, vineyards, and small European villages are common sights. This route passes through the historic Wachau Valley as well as the Austrian town of Linz. Most of the land is sparsely populated and the roads are calm and traffic-free, making this a relaxing way to enjoy the beautiful nature of this region.
Practical Info
The Danube Bike Path is well marked by signs throughout. It begins in the German town of Passau, close to the Austrian border. It continues through Austria to Vienna, a distance of about 230 miles. Most do the trip in six to seven days, averaging around 40 miles per day.
Address: Austria
From $ 41
Danube Tower (Donauturm)
Vienna’s Danube Tower, also known as Donauturm, is the tallest structure in Austria at more than 250 meters high. Opened in 1964, it stands on the north bank of the Danube River in Vienna’s Donaustadt district and was built in preparation for the Viennese International Horticulture Show the same year. One of the 75 tallest buildings in the world, the tower features an observation deck at 150 meters high, a rotating café at 160 meters up and a rotating restaurant at 170 meters up. The restaurant offers Austrian cuisine and wine and the café serves homemade pastries. The observation deck is an open-air platform, while the restaurant and café are behind glass panes. During bad weather or high winds, visitors may still visit the tower, but may only be able to access the inside sections.
Two high speed elevators whisk 14 passengers each up to the observation deck in just 35 seconds. Once on top, visitors enjoy magnificent views around the old city, Danube Park and the Vienna Woods. For the thrill-seekers, there is also a bungee jumping platform, used only in the summer months.
Insider Tip: On Saturdays and Sundays, take in the specialty brunch package from 11am-2pm for 34.50€ for the buffet.
Practical Info
The Danube Tower can be reached by taking the underground line 1 to Kaisermuhlen VIC or Alte Donau. It is also a stop on the blue line of the city’s hop-on, hop-off tour. Entry to the tower is free with the Vienna Pass or Niederosterreich-CARD.
Address: Donauturmstraße 4, Vienna, Austria
Hours: Daily 10:00am to midnight
Admission: 7.90€
From $ 45
Dapper Market (Dappermarkt)
Dappermarkt, or Dapper Market in English, is regarded as one of the best markets in Amsterdam. In 2007, National Geographic Traveler declared this to be one of the top 10 shopping streets in the world. It is in eastern Amsterdam in an area where many people from other parts of the world now live, giving it an exotic feel. There are 250 stands with approximately 160 merchants, and goods can be purchased at low prices. Items on offer in this lively market mostly include fruits, vegetables, and other food products, but also some basic, inexpensive non-food products.
Visitors can stop for international cuisine in the market. Cafes and other shops line Dapperstraat, the street the market is located on. You'll find a Turkish bakery, an Islamic butcher, a Suriname food store, African cosmetics, and other stores selling clothing and shoes. Throughout the year, the market hosts special events. On certain days there is live music or other festivals such as Ladies Day on March 8th and a Christmas Gala.
Practical Info
Dappermarkt is located on Dapperstraat and can be reached using tram lines 3, 7, 9, 10, or 14. The market is open 9am to 5pm Monday through Saturday.
Address: Dapperstraat, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Hours: Open 9am to 5pm Monday through Saturday
From $ 24
Danube River at Budapest
Flowing through the heart of Budapest, the Danube is the lifeline of the Hungarian capital, as well as its geographic center, separating the hilly Buda district on the west bank from the bustling Pest on the east bank. The striking waterfront is also part of Budapest’s UNESCO World Heritage–listed treasures, home to landmarks such as the Szechenyi Chain Bridge, the Liberty Bridge, Buda Castle Hill, Matthias Church, the Hungarian Parliament Building, and Margaret Island.
The Basics
A Danube River cruise is a highlight of many Budapest sightseeing tours, and options include lunch or dinner cruises, wine-tasting cruises, and moonlight cocktail cruises. Alternatively, head out of the city to explore the scenic towns of the Danube Bend, including Esztergom, Visegrad, and Szentendre, before cruising back to Budapest along the river.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Boat tours operating on the river include panoramic cruise ships, amphibious coaches, and private small boats.
- Cruises typically last one to two hours.
- Bring warm clothing if traveling on an open-air boat—it can get chilly, especially at night.
- Most boat cruises are wheelchair accessible, but it’s best to check in advance.
How to Get There
Wherever you are in the city, it’s easy to get to the riverside. The most popular stretch of the river runs between the Green Bridge and Margaret Island. Cruises leave from both sides of the river, with most piers located close to the Chain Bridge.
When to Get There
Danube River cruises run regularly year-round, but for the most atmospheric views, opt for a sunset sightseeing cruise or a night cruise. For an unforgettable experience, book a Christmas cruise and admire the waterfront illuminations as you tuck into a festive onboard lunch or dinner.
Cruising Along the Danube
The Danube is Europe’s second longest river, running for 1,785 miles (2,872 kilometers) from the Black Forest region in Germany to the Black Sea on the east coast of Romania. In total, it passes through an incredible 10 countries and four capital cities. Multi-day cruises to and from Budapest are a popular choice, particularly in the summer and holiday seasons, with destinations such as Vienna and Salzburg in Austria, Passau and the Wachau Valley in Germany, and Bratislava in Slovakia.
Address: Hungary
Admission: Free
From $ 12
Daniel's Head Park
Daniel’s Head Park is situated on some of the most gorgeous coastline in Bermuda. Located on the southeastern coast of the island, Daniel’s Head Park covers 17 acres. Making up part of this land are two glorious beaches that are a big part of the draw of Daniel’s Head Park. The water framing the beaches is shallow in most parts, making it an ideal place for families to go swimming. Snorkelers will also love donning some goggles and seeing what lies underneath the surface of the sea. Thanks to clear, calm water, you can usually see the underwater sea life well.
Tropical fish isn’t all you can see in this area snorkeling; you can take a boat from the Daniel’s Head coast to the snorkeling hot spot of the shipwreck MVS Vixen, which still has part of its hull sticking out of the water making it very easy to snorkel around. Daniel’s Head Park has other water activities, too, including kayaking and stand up paddle boarding. There is also a restaurant, picnic tables and bathrooms located in Daniel’s Head Park.
Practical Info
Daniel’s Head Park is located about nine miles from Sandys Parish. If you don’t have a scooter or car rented, you’ll need to arrange a taxi or other form of transportation to take you. Be sure to arrange a pickup time as this is off the beaten path of most public transportation so you’ll want to make sure you have a way to get back to your hotel or cruise ship.
Address: Daniel's Head Road, Somerset Village, Bermuda
From $ 85
Danube River at Vienna
Until the late 19th century the Danube River, or Donau Kanal, was unregulated and formed a 5-mile (8 km) wide wetland which regularly flooded nearby villages around Vienna. In 1870 the river was dammed and a new river channel formed for shipping. The mighty river continued to flood periodically and after 1972 a new flood-control project was started. This resulted in the creation of the Danube Island and Danube Canal or Little Danube, which runs past the old town. Both are now popular as picnic areas. In June, the annual Danube Island Festival attracts over 3 million visitors.
In summer, the Viennese flock to the Old Danube to swim, sail, row, paddleboat and even surf! Okay, so that's in a wave pool but there are still three surf and sail schools, plus beaches including a nudist area. Something for everyone.
Practical Info
There are various boat tours you can take along the Danube, into the Danube Valley, up to Bratislava in Slovakia or downstream to Budapest in Hungary. Metro line U1 goes to the river, stops: Alte Donau (Old Danube) or Danube Island.
Address: Vienna, Austria
From $ 22
Dayang Bunting Island
Dayang Bunting Island is the second largest island in the Langkawi island group in Malaysia. The translation of the island's name is Pregnant Maiden Island, and it is most famous for Dayang Bunting Lake, or Pregnant Maiden Lake. The legend says that a princess named Mambang Sari married a man named Mat Teja and had a child. Unfortunately the baby died just a few days after he was born. The princess placed his body in the lake and blessed all women who have trouble conceiving a child. It is said that infertile women who take a dip in the lake will later be able to get pregnant.
Aside from the lake, another one of the island's attractions is Dayang Bunting Marble Geoforest Park where you can see unique limestone formations and caves. Visitors can also walk along a path through the mangrove forest and look for native birds and other animals. There are more than 90 different species of birds on the island.
Practical Info
Dayang Bunting Island is about 12 miles south of the main island of Langkawi. You can get there by boat from either Kuah Jetty or at Pantai Cenang, and the journey takes about 15 to 20 minutes. There are several island-hopping tours that include Dayang Bunting Island.
Address: Kedah, Malaysia
From $ 18
Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden
On lands bestowed by a local resident, the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden has grown into more than 400 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens. Its meadows and lakefront lands hold more than a dozen specialized gardens, with both local and exotic plants and flowers. Often bees and butterflies can be spotted amongst the flowers. There are also sculptures and fountains throughout.
The gardens are meticulously designed and quite pleasing to walk through or relax in. Of particular note is the Four Seasons Garden, which is home to a variety of plants with different shapes, colors, textures, and sizes. There are educational displays and interactive sections for children.
Be sure to check out its Orchid Conservatory and many paths winding throughout the acres, including the Woodland Trail. Many different ecosystems can be viewed in one place, and the air is always fragrant with floral scents.
Practical Info
You'll find the garden just outside of Charlottesville near the state line in Belmont, North Carolina. The best way to get there is via car on either Interstate 85 or 77 and parking is free.
Open daily from 9am-5pm, the garden has a fee of $12.95 to enter ($6.95 for children.) Picnic facilities are available, and drinks and snacks can be found in the Garden Store.
Address: 6500 S New Hope Road, Belmont, USA
Hours: 9am-5pm
Admission: $12.95 for adults; $6.95 for children 2-12
From $ 13
Danube River at Belgrade
Once the frontier of the Roman Empire, the Danube River is the second longest river in Europe. In Serbia, it connects the capital city of Belgrade with both the North Sea and the Black Sea. The Sava River enters the Danube at Belgrade and together, the two rivers provide ample opportunities for visitors to enjoy the water while visiting the capital. In addition to walking or biking along the riverbanks, visitors can dine or enjoy a drink at one of several floating restaurants. Boat and kayak tours offer the chance to see Belgrade and the famous Belgrade Fortress from a different perspective.
The Great War Island sits near where the Danube and Sava rivers meet. Most visitors will head to Lido Beach on the northern tip of the island. While it isn’t well developed, it is a nice place to relax for afternoon. Nature lovers and bird watchers will enjoy exploring the rest of the island, with its forest, wildlife and more than a hundred species of birds.
Practical Info
The Great War Island is connected to the mainland by a pontoon bridge in the summer months and can be reached the rest of the year by taking a boat from Zemun Quay.
Kayaks are available for rent and boat tours run throughout the day.
Address: Belgrade, Serbia
From $ 17
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
Few markets couple ephemeral wares—fresh fruits, fish, foods, and colorful flower bouquets—with culture, chaos, and tradition like the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. One of the largest and last remaining floating markets in Thailand, this authentic market has entranced travelers and photographers the world over with its vividly colorful scenes of vendors offering goods from long-tailed boats on the sleepy green Damnoen Saduak canal, built by King Rama IV in the 19th century.
The Basics
The famous floating market is commonly visited on half- and full-day tours from Bangkok. Popular options include a guided boat ride along the canal in a long-tailed speedboat or umbrella-shaded paddle boat and a riverside group bike excursion that explores the countryside and nearby canals (klongs) for a better appreciation of local life. Both group and private tours are available, and round-trip transportation from Bangkok is typically included. Because the market wraps up around midday, the experience is often coupled with a visit to the Sampran riverside Thai village or the stupa at Phra Pathom Chedi (Phra Pathommachedi) in Nakhon Pathom, the tallest stupa in Thailand.
Things to Know Before You Go
- There is no admission fee for the market.
- Remember to wear a hat and sunblock—much of the market is shadeless.
- Some of the vendor offerings are geared toward locals, while others typically sell souvenirs to travelers.
- Pay attention to your valuables and be courteous when taking photos of vendors or their goods.
- Vendors generally accept only Thai baht as payment.
How to Get There
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is located some 62 miles (100 kilometers) southwest of downtown Bangkok city in the southern part of the Ratchaburi province, a journey of about 90 minute by road. Most visitors arrive by organized tour from Bangkok, though it is possible to take a taxi or public bus.
When to Get There
The market runs every morning from 7am to 11am. Arrive early for the best pick of the produce, to spend the most time wandering amid the vendors before boat traffic picks up around 9am, and to beat the heat, especially during the sweltering summer months of March, April, and May. Toward midday, when vendors pack up, it may be possible to negotiate for better deals.
What to Buy at the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
To make the most of your market tour, you may want to interact with vendors and purchase some of their unusual, delicious, and practical goods. Taste smelly durian, order fried bananas served via fishing pole, or select a straw hat from a canalside stall. Whatever you choose, you’ll need to bring Thai baht in small bills and bartering skills. Bartering is part of the local culture and will help to get you the best price.
Address: Ratchaburi, Thailand
Hours: Daily 9am - 2pm
Admission: Free
From $ 20
Damlatas Caves
The Damlatas Caves are a series of dripping caves in the coastal town of Alanya, Turkey. They were discovered accidentally in 1948 during mining activities at a quarry that was being used to build the harbor. The caves are located on the western side of the peninsula and can be accessed by a passageway that is 164 feet long followed by a cylindrical chamber. Here visitors will see stalactites and stalagmites that were formed over a period of 15,000 years.
The air inside the cave is said to be beneficial for people with asthma. It has 10 to 12 times as much carbon dioxide as normal air and 95% humidity. Because of this, a large number of tourists come to Alanya each year with the specific purpose of curing their asthma. They stay for three weeks and spend four hours each morning inside the caves, at a greatly reduced rate. During this time, the caves are only open to asthma patients. Visitors without asthma will still enjoy the beauty of this natural formation from late morning through the afternoon.
Practical Info
The entrance to the Damlatas Caves is located on Kleopatra Beach, which is parallel to Atatürk Blvd. Admission is 4.50TL. Opening hours are daily 10am to 6pm.
Address: Atatürk Blvd, Alanya, Antalya Province 07400, Turkey
Hours: Open daily 10am-6pm
Admission: 4.50TL
From $ 17
David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
A pioneering facility for the protection and rehabilitation of black rhinos and African elephants, the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust saves injured and orphaned animals from the wild and rehabilitates them for a return to their natural habitats. This nonprofit park was founded in 1977 and operates within Nairobi National Park.
The Basics
The wildlife center at the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust ranks among Nairobi’s most popular attractions. Travelers on full or half-day tours from Nairobi observe as handlers bottle-feed and play with baby elephants in their watering hole. Keepers tell the stories of the orphaned animals. Those with limited time in Nairobi can combine the elephant orphanage, Nairobi National Park, the Karen Blixen Museum, and the Giraffe Center into a single day of sightseeing.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The wildlife trust is a must-visit for animal lovers and families with kids.
- Entrance fees and contributions made on-site must be made in cash.
- Don’t forget your camera; the baby elephants are very photogenic.
- Day trips to the wildlife center can last from four to 10 hours, depending on what other attractions are included.
How to Get There
It’s possible to reach the wildlife center by taking bus 125 or 126 from Moi Avenue to the KWS Central Workshop; from there it’s a short walk to the center. The easier way is to hire a taxi from the city center, or book a guided tour that includes the center as well as round-trip transportation from Nairobi hotels.
When to Get There
Visitors who want to see the orphan elephants must be present between 11am and 12pm, because the orphanage is only open for an hour each day. Arrive early, as the Trust gets busy during nursery viewings.
Who Was David Sheldrick?
For more than two decades, David Sheldrick worked at Tsavo National Park as a park warden and anti-poaching activist. After his death in 1976, his wife Dr. Daphne Sheldrick established the nonprofit in her husband’s name. She and her family continue to live and work in Nairobi National Park.
Address: Mbagathi Road, Nairobi 00503, Kenya
Admission: Varies
From $ 7
Danube Promenade
Stretching from the Chain Bridge to the Elisabeth Bridge on the Pest side of the Danube, the Danube Promenade is a favorite among tourists and locals alike. In the early 20th century, this stretch was home to famous hotels such as the Ritz, the Bristol and the Carlton. Today, new luxury hotels like the InterContinental and the Sofitel line the Promenade, together with other prominent buildings and attractions.
Near the Chain Bridge, you will find the neo-Renaissance Hungarian Academy of Sciences building, opened in 1865. On the same square is the art nouveau Gresham Palace and a statue of Count Istvan Szechenyi, a 19th-century Hungarian politician and writer who encouraged the founding of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences and promoted political reform.
On the other end of the Promenade, near the Elisabeth Bridge, is the Contra-Aquincum, a 4th century Roman castle, as well as the Inner City Parish Church. The latter was once a Roman basilica before being used as a mosque and then renovated in a Baroque style in the 18th century. The Elisabeth Bridge spans the Danube at its narrowest point in Budapest and is considered the most elegant bridge in the city.
Other attractions to look out for as you walk along the Promenade include the Vigado Concert Hall, the Little Princess statue and the Shoes on the Danube Bank memorial – a memorial made of cast iron shoes honoring the Jews who were killed in Budapest during World War II. And of course, enjoy great views of Buda Castle, the Citadel and Gellert Hill across the Danube.
Practical Info
The Danube Promenade is easily accessible by foot from both the Buda and Pest sides of the city and streetcar number 2 stops along the Promenade.
Address: Hungary
From $ 16
Dancing House (Tancici dum)
In a city known for its baroque, Gothic, and Art Nouveau architecture, Prague’s postmodern Dancing House (Tancící dum) stands out for displaying none of these architectural styles. The curvaceous, concrete, metal, and glass building was designed by the architectural duo of Czech-Croatian Vlado Milunić and Canadian-American Frank Gehry (of Guggenheim Bilbao fame) and completed in 1996.
The Basics
On Prague’s Rasin embankment, overlooking the Vltava river, the Dancing House occupies the site of a house that was destroyed during the U.S. bombing of Prague in 1945. You can learn more about this history on a World War II-focused walking tour of Prague; other, more general, sightseeing tours by foot, bus, or bike also typically visit the building. You can get a different perspective on a sightseeing cruise along the Vltava.
Most of the nine-story building is given over to offices, but the top floor is home to several public spaces, including a modern French restaurant and a bar with a terrace offering excellent views across the river to Prague Castle. A ground-floor art gallery supports young Czech artists.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Dancing House is a must-see for architecture lovers.
- There’s no fee to enter the building, but there’s a small fee to enter the gallery.
- When the building was completed, its nontraditional aesthetic initially caused much controversy in Prague.
How to Get There
Jiraskovo namesti tram station is right next to the building, and the Karlovo namesti Metro station is a five-minute walk away.
When to Get There
The Dancing House is open daily from morning until night. The art gallery keeps slightly shorter opening hours than the bar and restaurant, so be sure to plan your visit accordingly.
“Ginger and Fred”
The Dancing House’s colloquial name comes from its resemblance to a pair of dancers—Gehry originally named it “Ginger and Fred” for the legendary dancing duo Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire. The formal name, however, is the Nationale Nederlanden building, named for the Dutch insurance company that sponsored, and now occupies, most of the structure.
Address: Jiráskovo náměstí 1981/6, Prague, Czech Republic
Admission: Varies
From $ 12
DDR Museum
The official name of East Germany was first Deutsche Demokratische Republik (DDR), or German Democratic Republic. The DDR Museum in Berlin is an interactive site where visitors can see what life in East Germany was like when the country was split into East and West regions. Rather than simply having exhibits to view and signs to read like most museums, DDR Museum exhibits often require visitors to push buttons, open doors or drawers and pull levers to get information and the full experience.
In this museum, visitors can get a glimpse of what it was like to be under surveillance in a bugged room. Artifacts, such as old clothing, a typewriter and a landmine from the border, are also on display. Other exhibits include one where you can listen to prisoner interrogations and another where you can drive an old Trabi car.
Many people who once lived in East Germany now bring their children and grandchildren to the DDR Museum to show them what life was like just a few decades ago. However, as one of the most popular museums in Berlin, it also attracts tourists from around the world who come to visit the German capital and journey back in time to explore its recent history.
Practical Info
The DDR Museum is located at Karl-Liebknecht-Str. 1 on the river Spree. It is directly opposite the Berlin Cathedral. It's open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., except on Saturday when it is open until 10 p.m.
Address: Karl-Liebknecht-Str. 1, Berlin 10178, Germany
Hours: Daily 10am-8pm, Saturday 10am-10pm
Admission: Adults €7
From $ 11