Choose from 5,104 Fun Things to Do in Niagara Falls & Around
ShowingFilter 1121-1140 of 5104 listings.
Dongbaek Island (Dongbaekseom)
Deongbeak Island (Dongbaekseom), considered one of Busan’s most scenic places, isn’t really an island at all. The former island, now connected to the Korean mainland by a land bridge made up of accumulated sediment, gets its name from the abundant dongbaek trees that live there.
Located within an easy walking distance of Haeundae Beach, the island park is crisscrossed by a series of boardwalks and trails, some winding along the rocky shore and others climbing through the verdant interior, perfect for a fresh air escape from the nearby city. Follow the boardwalk along the shore, and eventually you’ll come upon one of the island’s most famous landmarks, a statue of a mermaid sitting on a rock amid the crashing waves.
Practical Info
To get to Deongbaek Island, take the subway to Dongbaek Station and leave through exit 1. Admission to the island is free.
Address: Deongbaek Island, Busan, South Korea
Hours: Daily
From $ 90
Discover Mexico Park
Discover Mexico Park showcases Mexican history, culture, and art through several indoor and outdoor exhibitions. Outside, miniature models depict famous sites and a botanical garden showcases Mexico’s rich wildlife. Inside, you can peruse artisanal crafts and taste traditional Mexican foods and beverages at the snack bar.
The Basics
Stroll through the park, listen to traditional Mexican music, and peruse cultural highlights of Mexico’s past and present. An admission ticket grants you entry to the park, while more in-depth experiences can be added on. For example, you can learn about Mexico’s chocolate-making traditions at a hands-on cacao workshop or sample local spirits during a Jose Cuervo tequila tasting. Some combination tours also visit other nearby attractions, such as Chankanaab National Park.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Discover Mexico Park is a must-see attraction for history buffs and culture lovers.
- The park takes roughly two hours to explore.
- On-site visitor facilities include a gift shop and snack bar.
- A large portion of the park is located outside; remember to bring sun protection, water, and comfortable shoes.
How to Get There
Located in Cozumel, Discover Mexico Park lies about seven minutes by road from the island’s downtown area. There is no public transportation on the island, but you can get there via taxi, rental car, scooter, or as part of a guided tour.
When to Get There
The park is busiest from December through April, when the weather tends to be sunny and warm. There are fewer crowds during hurricane season (May through October), but be sure to check the weather for storms.
Highlights of Discover Mexico Park
Don’t miss the Museum of Popular Arts, which houses local crafts. Take photos in front of the park’s many miniature structures, which all depict popular examples of Mexican architecture. You can also watch a video about the country’s culture and history, create alebrijes (Mexican handcrafts from Oaxaca), or peruse the souvenir store. If you have time, watch a ritual performance by the Papantla Flyers.
Address: Carretera Costera sur km. 5,5, Zona Hotelera Sur, Cozumel, Mexico
Admission: Varies
From $ 26
Domus Augustana
One of the many ancient Roman ruins atop the Palatine Hill is the Domus Augustana, part of the huge Flavian Palace, built for Emperor Domitian.
The Domus Augustana – sometimes called the Domus Augustiana – was the luxurious residence of the emperor (his official name was Titus Flavius Domitianus, hence the name of the palace). The palace complex was built in the late 1st century, and the Domus Augustana was lived in by emperors until about the third century. It's fairly well-preserved.
Practical Info
The ruins on the Palatine Hill are open to the public starting at 8:30am, with the closing time varying from 4:30pm-6:30pm depending on the season. A 48-hour combined ticket that includes the Colosseum, Forum, and Palatine Hill costs €12. Children under age 18 are admitted for free, and there's free admission the first Sunday of every month.
Address: Via di San Gregorio, 30, Rome, Italy
Hours: Open to the public starting at 8:30am, with the closing time varying from 4:30pm-6:30pm depending on the season.
Admission: €12, Children under 18 are free
From $ 70
Dominus Flevit
Sitting halfway up the Mount of Olives, Dominus Flevit is a prominent Franciscan church in Jerusalem. The name translates from Latin to “The Lord Wept,” with the structure shaped like a teardrop to symbolize the tears of Jesus. It is said to mark the spot where Jesus looked out onto Jerusalem and wept, knowing the city was bound to be destroyed.
The site went unmarked until the Crusader era, when a small chapel was built that eventually fell into ruin. The present day structure was built in 1955 by Italian architect Antonio Barluzzi, standing upon centuries of history and ruins — including the Byzantine era monastery and an ancient necropolis. Today the church has a panoramic, often-photographed view of Jerusalem. The window at the altar provides an overlook of the city focused on the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
Practical Info
The church is accessed by a steep walkway from the top or base of the Mount of Olives, southeast of the Lion’s Gate of the Old City of Jerusalem. Visitors are welcomed daily free of charge.
Address: Mount of Olives, Jerusalem, Israel
From $ 35
Ding Ding Tram (Double Deckers)
Hong Kong’s public transportation system is one of the most modern and efficient in the world, but for an authentic, street-level tour of old Hong Kong Island, hop on the Ding Ding Tram. These double decker trams got their nickname from the dinging sound used to warn other traffic and pedestrians that the tram is approaching. The bell was replaced by a beeping sound in 2000, but the public vehemently opposed the change, and the “ding ding” sound was shortly reintroduced.
Trams have been ferrying passengers along the streets of Hong Kong since 1904, but the iconic double deckers didn’t show up on the scene until 1912. The modern line makes a loop from Kennedy Town in the west to Shau Kei Wan in the east, passing through some of the island’s oldest neighborhoods. Hong Kong maintains the largest fleet of double decker trams in the world, so you’ll only have to wait a minute or two, and you can pay the inexpensive fare with your octopus card.
Trams have been ferrying passengers along the streets of Hong Kong since 1904, but the iconic double deckers didn’t show up on the scene until 1912. The modern line makes a loop from Kennedy Town in the west to Shau Kei Wan in the east, passing through some of the island’s oldest neighborhoods. Hong Kong maintains the largest fleet of double decker trams in the world, so you’ll only have to wait a minute or two, and you can pay the inexpensive fare with your octopus card.
Address: China
From $ 12
Donaupark
Donaupark, or Danube Park, is huge - 2,600,000 square feet (800,000 square metres). Located on the north bank of the impressive Danube River, it even has beaches for the summer months. There is a stage with live entertainment, a mini train to ride, a giant chess board, tennis courts, a skater park, bike paths and a small zoo!
Until 1945 it was a military firing range, then it was used for landfill. Finally it became a park, originally for the Vienna International Flower Show of 1964. At this time, Vienna's tallest structure, the Danube Tower, was also built in the park. It's 826 ft (252 m) high and has a revolving restaurant and viewing platforms. In 1983, Pope John Paul II celebrated a mass at the base of the tower. And of course, people bungee jump from the tower.
Practical Info
Catch the U1 metro to the Alte Donau stop. The park is only 2.5 miles (4 km) from the city centre and easy to reach by road also.
Address: Arbeiterstrandbadstraße 122, Vienna 1220, Austria
Admission: Free
From $ 32
Dolac Market
At Zagreb’s much-loved, indoor-outdoor Dolac Market, all manner of edible supplies and artisanal products are trucked in from the fertile farming regions of Croatia and displayed in myriad stalls sheltered by red umbrellas. The capital city’s premier market has been bustling for 80-plus years and attracts a loyal crowd of grocery-shopping locals as well as hungry visitors on the hunt for a cheap meal. In addition to being a great place for food shopping, it is also an excellent people-watching spot.
The Basics
The market it divided into two main sections: a raised, open-air market square where producers sell fresh fruits, vegetables, and eggs; and a street-level indoor market for meat, fish, dairy products, and flowers. From early morning on, the market is abuzz with shoppers and traders, many of whom are on a first-name basis with their regular customers. The best place to observe the action is from one of the bars or cafés dotted around the edge where patrons dine on gableci (cheap and hearty lunches). Visitors can either explore independently or browse in the company of a local tour guide who can explain regional ingredients and specialties. Most Zagreb city sightseeing tours include a stop at the market.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Bring cash to pay for purchases.
- Bargaining has fallen out of favor at this local market and most vendors now have fixed prices. If no prices are listed, feel free to try and negotiate, but be aware that you may be rejected.
- Get there early to nab the best produce.
How to Get There
Dolac Market is strategically located between the Lower Town (Donji Grad) and Upper Town (Gornji Grad), overlooking Trg bana Josipa Jelacica, Zagreb’s main square. Take the tram (lines 1, 6, 11, 12, 13, 14, or 17) to Trg bana Jelacica. The market is just a five-minute stroll away.
When to Get There
The market is open daily from 6:30am to 3pm (until 1pm on Sundays) and is at its busiest and buzziest on sunny weekend days. The best time to go is in the morning, when the baked goods are still warm and the finest fresh produce has yet to be snapped up. Many traders start packing up their stalls in early afternoon.
What to Eat at Dolac Market
Dolac Market is the ideal place to delve into Croatia’s culinary scene. Among the must-try dairy products for sale here is sir i vrhnje (cream cheese), which is often served with a sprinkling of salt or spices. Other typical ready-to-eat Croatian meals you may see on menus here include grilled fish with a side serving of blitva (garlic-spiked sautéed Swiss chard and potatoes), grah (bean stew), and purica s mlincima (roasted turkey with baked noodles).
Address: Dolac 9, Zagreb, Croatia
Hours: Daily 6:30am–3pm (until 1pm Sundays)
From $ 23
Domaine Bousquet
This winery that grows organic grapes is easily accessible from Mendoza, in the Uco Valley, with the closest town being diminutive Tupungato. Domaine Bosquet dates to the 1990s when the Bosquet family, with a long history of winemaking in their native southern France, came to Mendoza. They eventually bought land in 1998 at the current location, where they grow grapes at approximately 1,200 meters in altitude, which makes it one of the highest altitude wineries in Mendoza and in the world. Much of the harvest is done by hand, and Domain Bousquet prides itself on combining French and Argentine traditions.
The winery has a capacity of 2.5 million liters, divided among Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, a sweet Malbec and a sparkling wine. The grapes are certified organic, and the Domaine Bosquet has been certified as fair trade as well. They offer four different types of tastings, including one that is all Malbec, and another that gives samples from the various lines, such as Reserve or Grand Reserve.
Practical Info
There is a restaurant on site serving organic foods in taster menus (with vegetarian and celiac options available), and there is a small inn onsite with apartments or suites for overnight guests, and the winery also offers cooking classes.
Address: Ruta 89 Km. 7, Tupungato, Mendoza 5561, Argentina
Hours: Monday-Friday 10am-6pm
Saturday-Sunday 11am-9pm
From $ 200
Doctor's Cave Beach
Set along Montego Bay’s famous Hip Strip stretch along Gloucester Avenue, Doctor’s Cave Beach is one of the most popular beaches on Jamaica’s west coast. A jumping-off point to the pristine 15-acre (6-hectare) Montego Bay Marine Park, the beach offers easy and direct access to fun water-based activities.
The Basics
You can experience Doctor’s Cave Beach as part of a private or group half-day, full-day, or multi-day tour, some of which include sightseeing, shopping, a meal along the Hip Strip, or even a scuba diving excursion. The welcoming beach accommodates all travelers, from relaxing sunbathers to active adventurers. Zoom around on a Jet Ski, take flight on a parasail, cruise in a glass-bottom boat, swim in the warm turquoise water, or simply laze about on the sandy beach with a pina colada in hand. An on-site rental center offers umbrellas, beach chairs, and snorkel gear. When you’re feeling hungry, take a few steps to the beachside Sand Restaurant and Bar.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Doctor’s Cave Beach is perfect for solo travelers, couples, and families.
- Admission includes access to some of the best reef snorkeling on the west coast. Rent gear or bring your own.
- Remember to bring sun protection.
How to Get There
Doctor’s Cave Beach is located on Gloucester Avenue, along the stretch known as the Hip Strip. It’s about a 5-minute drive north of the center of Montego Bay.
When to Get There
The beach and its facilities are open daily from 8:30am to 5:30pm. Generally the peak times—and crowds—are mornings and afternoons during the high-season winter months. Arrive early to rent a small hut, as they go fast.
The Story Behind the Name
Though the cave no longer exists—a hurricane washed it away in 1932—the legend of the doctor remains. In the 1920s, noted British osteopath Sir Herbert Barker was so inspired by the curative powers of the waters here that he published a paper claiming that they restored him to good health and hold the potential to cure several ailments.
Address: Doctor's Cave Bathing Club, White Sands Beach, Montego Bay, Jamaica
Admission: Varies
From $ 42
Dom Fernando II e Glória
Unfairly passed over due to her location in a dry dock at Cacilhas on the southern bank of the Tagus River from central Lisbon, the Dom Fernando II e Glória is one of the most complete and best examples of wooden-hulled frigate in the world. At 280 ft (87 m) in length, the immaculately restored warship had 50 cannons and was launched by the Portuguese Navy in 1843.
This elegant three-masted frigate was built in Goa, southern India, and her maiden voyage was to Lisbon; she served across Africa and Asia until 1878, wracking up 100,000 nautical miles before becoming a permanent fixture in dock in Lisbon as the Naval Artillery School. A fire destroyed much of her hull in 1963 and the ship then lay abandoned in the Tagus until 1993, when she was fully refurbished to splendid working condition, awarded an International Maritime Heritage Award and opened as a museum; she was eventually moved to Cacilhas in 2007.
Today Dom Fernando II e Glória has four decks to explore, offering an intimate glimpse into life aboard a 19th-century warship, from the cooking stations to primitive hammocks for the sailors, the swanky officers’ mess to the sick bay and rows of cannons poised to fire.
Practical Info
Admission for the Dom Fernando II e Glória for adults is €5; seniors & children aged 4–12 are €2.50; family €13. Admission is free on the first Sunday of every month. The ship is open Tue–Sun 10am–6pm. To access, take the ferry from Lisbon’s Cais do Sodre terminal to Cacilhas (€1.25) and it is a 175-yard (150-m) walk to the warship.
Address: Doca nº 2 da Ex-Parry & Son, Cacilhas, Lisbon, Beiras, Portugal
Hours: Tue–Sun 10am–6pm
Admission: Adults €5; seniors & children aged 4–12 €2.50; family €13; free first Sun of every month
From $ 58
Disney Village
From getting your adrenaline pumping on Space Mountain and flying with Peter Pan, to snapping a selfie with Donald and Mickey, and hunting down all your favorite characters, a visit to Disneyland Paris can be exhausting! Thankfully, there’s also the on-site Disney Village with its myriad of shops and restaurants, where you can take a break from the action and refuel in preparation for the next round of shows and rides.
Of course, the Disney fun doesn’t end just because its lunchtime and many of the restaurants continue the fantastical theme. Tuck into a Tex-Mex buffet at Billy Bob's Country Western Saloon; join the gang for brunch at Café Mickey; picnic in the wilderness at the Rainforest Café; or book an extra special Disney dinner show (don’t worry, there’s old favorites like Starbucks, the Hard Rock Café and McDonalds, too). Once you’ve finished eating, get your credit card ready for a tour of the official Disney souvenir stores, where you can pick up adorable toys, exclusive collectables and Disney-inspired fashions to transform your little ones into real-life pirates and princesses.
Disneyland© Paris
Disneyland© Paris
Practical Info
The Disney Village is located at Disneyland Paris, 32 km east of central Paris, and can be reached by train from the city or shuttle bus from the Orly and Charles de Gaulle airports.
Address: Avenue Paul Séramy, Marne la Vallee, France
Admission: Varies
From $ 28
Dome of the Rock
Built in the seventh century, the Dome of the Rock is one of the most famous Muslim shrines in the world. The iconic gilded wooden dome and ornate octagonal base marks the location where the Prophet Muhammad was believed to have ascended to heaven. Located on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem’s Old City, the shrine is also home to the Foundation Stone and is an important holy site.
The Basics
Visitors to Jerusalem’s Old City can tour the Temple Mount and the outside of the Dome of the Rock outside of Muslim prayer times. Although non-Muslims are not permitted to enter the shrine, they may respectfully admire the mosaics, ancient architecture, and calligraphy that surrounds the shrine. The Dome of the Rock is open to Muslims during prayer times.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Temple Mount is located within a 35-acre compound known as Al-Haram Al-Sharif, which is controlled by the Islamic Trust.
- The Dome of the Mount is a sacred, religious site, and non-Muslims are not permitted to enter the shrine.
- Guided tours to the Dome of the Rock can help visitors explore the area respectfully
- Visitors are expected to dress respectfully with covered legs and arms.
- There are many steps and hills to get to the area, so relative physical health (and good walking shoes) are important.
How to Get There
The Dome of the Rock is located on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem’s Old Town. Many tours include visits to the Temple Mount and can help visitors avoid cultural faux pas.
When to Get There
Visitors are permitted to visit the Temple Mount outside of Muslim prayer times, which change seasonally; be sure to check the schedule in advance.
Al-Aqsa Mosque
Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem’s Old City is considered to be Islam’s third holiest site. It is located on the Temple Mount inside the 35-acre compound that also houses the Dome of the Rock. The compound is controlled by the Islamic Trust: Non-Muslims are not allowed inside the mosque, but may visit the compound outside of prayer times.
Address: Temple Mount, Jerusalem, Israel
Admission: Varies
From $ 32
Djurgarden
The island of Djurgården is one of the Stockholm archipelago’s most visited islands, dominated by scenic parklands and former royal hunting grounds stretching along the picturesque Djurgården Canal. A haven for walkers, cyclists, and picnickers, Djurgården is also home to some of Stockholm’s top museums and cultural attractions.
The Basics
One of the highlights of Djurgården is Skansen, an open-air museum and zoo devoted to preserving Sweden’s native wildlife and traditional craftsmanship, with over 150 reconstructed 19th-century buildings displaying everything from baking to glass-blowing. Another popular draw is the neighboring Vasa Museum—an impressive naval museum that houses the world’s only intact 17th-century warship, Vasa, which famously sank on her maiden voyage. Additional highlights include Gröna Lund Tivoli (Sweden’s oldest amusement park), the Nordic Museum (Nordiska Museet), and the Rosendal Palace, all supported by a variety of atmospheric waterfront cafés and restaurants.
Djurgården is a stop on most Stockholm city sightseeing tours, boat tours, and bus or bike tours. The Royal Canal Tour focuses on the city’s bridges and canals that connect the different islands in the Stockholm archipelago, including Djurgården.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Djurgården is a must-do for first-time visitors to Stockholm.
- As Djurgården comprises a disparate set of attractions, the Djurgården Visitor Center is a great place to get your bearings.
- There are plenty of eating, drinking, and picnicking options on the island.
- Most museums and attractions on Djurgården operate on different schedules according to the season.
- Many Djurgården businesses are accessible to wheelchair users.
How to Get There
Djurgården is best accessed by ferry, subway, or bus. Parking is not widely available, so driving is not recommended. The Tunnelbana from central Stockholm stops in Karlaplan, on the island.
When to Get There
Djurgården certainly comes alive in the summer, when the greenery is in full force and the locals are soaking up the sun. Skansen and Gröna Lund, two of the island’s top attractions, are most active during this time, with longer hours and lots of special events. But Djurgården’s array of museums stay open year-round, offering lots of activities and a respite from the bitter Scandinavian winter.
Djurgården History
Originally named Kungliga Djurgården, or the Royal Game Park, the island was a game park and hunting ground for King John III in the 16th century. Over the years it has seen different additions and iterations, such as yacht harbors, a naval shipyard, and the 1897 World’s Fair site. Today Djurgården is one of Stockholm’s most popular leisure destinations, hosting 10 million visitors per year.
Address: Djurgården, Stockholm, Sweden
From $ 23
DMZ
Nowhere is the tension between North and South Korea more palpable than in the no-man's-land known as the Korean Demilitarized Zone, or DMZ. As a divided nation, only 2.5 miles (4 km) separate the North from the South at what is the most heavily armed border on earth. The 150-mile (241-km) zone has served as a buffer since the 1953 cease-fire agreement between the United Nations and North Korea that put the Korean War on hold.
The Basics
Even with its past, the area is quite safe for travelers and is one of the most fascinating day trip options from Seoul. The DMZ can only be visited as part of an organized, guided tour, during which travelers get the chance to see the Joint Security Area (JSA), also known as Panmunjom, where the North and South met for peace talks during the war. Visitors can also see both North Korean and South Korean soldiers each guarding their respective sides of the DMZ. Other common stops on the tour include Imjingak Park, the 3rd Infiltration Tunnel, Freedom Bridge, and the Dora Observatory, where it's possible to look across the border into North Korea.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The DMZ is a must-see for history buffs.
- Choose a full- or half-day tour, lasting between 6 and 10 hours.
- The DMZ can only be visited on a guided tour; no independent visits are permitted.
- Don't forget your passport, as you'll need it for security check.
- Dress conservatively and avoid wearing any "commercial" military clothing.
How to Get to the DMZ
Travelers wanting to go to the DMZ must visit with a guide, and tours need to be booked at least a few days ahead of time for security reasons. Tours typically include pickup and drop-off from either your hotel in Seoul or a central meeting point, so there's no hassle with transportation to and from the various points of interest.
When to Get There
Tours to the DMZ can be canceled on short notice, so it's a good idea to book for your first full day in Seoul so you have time to reschedule as needed. For the best weather, plan to visit in spring or fall. Expect high humidity and more frequent rainfall during the summer months, and dress for chilly weather in winter—temperatures tend to hover in the 20s and 30s F.
Dress to Impress at the DMZ
The DMZ has a strictly enforced dress code, partly because North Korean soldiers have been known to take photos of poorly dressed tourists to use in propaganda "proving" that other nations are too poor to afford proper clothing. Leave the ripped jeans, sandals, and halter tops at the hotel.
Address: South Korea
From $ 40
Dino Park
Don’t look now, but it seems like dinosaurs are once again roaming the forests of Rincon de la Vieja. Here at the Dino World Dinosaur Park, watch a vicious Tyrannosaurus Rex as it prowls and growls through the rainforest, or stare in wonder at the towering height of a life-sized, long necked Brontosaurus. More than just stationery statues of dinosaurs, the creatures here at the Dino Park are moving, growling, full-sized replicas of dinosaurs that once roamed the continent, and offer a curiously real way to see how dinosaurs looked in the wild. Interestingly enough, Costa Rica was still underwater when dinosaurs roamed the Earth, though now it sports the only park of its kind in Latin America. Over two dozen different species of dinosaurs all lurk in the trees and the jungle, from quick and nimble velociraptors to lumbering three-horned triceratops. There’s also an educational component to all of the different dinosaurs, and guests will learn their diet, habitat, history, and era they lived in. As part of the popular Blue River Resort, the Dino Park also is nearby to spas, hot springs, mud baths, and swimming pools, and is set on the slopes of a lush volcano in the Guanacaste interior.
Practical Info
Food and drink are available at the park, and it’s best to bring bug spray, comfortable shoes, a bathing, sunscreen, and a rain jacket. The Dino Park is 3 miles from the main Blue River Resort, and four-wheel drive is recommended, but not essential for reaching the park. The Blue River Resort is about 90 minutes from the Liberia.
Address: Rincon de la Vieja, Liberia, Costa Rica
Hours: 9am-5pm daily
Admission: $25 for adults and $15 for children
From $ 125
Dolmabahce Palace (Dolmabahce Sarayi)
When the Ottoman sultans wanted to update their living space, they moved from the sprawling Topkapi complex on Seraglio Point to the more classically proportioned Dolmabahce Palace, also known as Dolmabahce Sarayi.
The sultans lived here from 1856 to 1922. With its columns and pediments, the opulent palace has a very European appearance, and the interior is a mid-Victorian statement in over-the-top luxury.
Gilt, marble and crystal abound. A particular highlight is the world’s largest crystal chandelier hovering over the center hall, a gift from Queen Victoria. Guided tours lead from waiting rooms to the offices of the Grand Vizier and other ornate apartments looking over the sea.
The palace has a special place in the hearts of modern-day Turks, as the leader Atatürk made the palace his home and it was here that he passed away in 1938.
Practical Info
Dolmabahce Palace is on the European side of the Bosphorus, in the district of Besiktas. You can reach the palace by catching a tram from Sultanahmet Square, or by ferry. A guided group tour is required to step inside Dolmabahce.
Address: Dolmabahce Caddesi, Istanbul 80680, Turkey
Hours: Open 9am - 4pm, closed Mondays and Thursdays. No individual tours available
Admission: 20 TL
From $ 15
Dionysus Theater
The Theatre of Dionysus is an impressive ruin on the southern slope of the Acropolis in Athens. You can climb up and sit in the semi-circle of marble seats ringed around the stage area. In its heyday, around the 4th century BC, the theatre could seat 17,000 people. You can still see names of the important people inscribed on the throne like seats in the front row (although this area is roped-off to conserve it). It was in this theatre that the plays of Sophocles, Euripedes, Aeschylus and Aristofanes were performed.
Dionysus was the Greek god of wine, agriculture and theatre, known to the Romans as Bacchus, hence the word Bacchanalia. The theatre is in the area of the Sanctuary of Dionysus, which also housed temples to the god. Excavations in the late 1800s rediscovered this important site and the Greek Government has recently announced its intention to restore the theatre.
Practical Info
The Theatre of Dionysus is located on the southern slope of the Acropolis, right beside the entrance to the Acropolis itself. The closest metro station is Akropoli.
Address: Attiki, Athens, Greece
Hours: Open daily 8am - 5pm (until 7pm in Summer)
Admission: Acropolis admission: € 12
From $ 15
Dolderbahn
The Dolderbahn is a proper mountain railway that, in just under six minutes, leads from the hustle and bustle of Zürich to the top of the Adlisberg, a forested hill on the eastern side of the city. Upon exiting the station at the Dolder Recreation Area next to the luxury Dolder Grand Hotel, one shouldn’t be surprised to see an army of bikers and joggers, as the region is immensely popular due to the many leisure and sports facilities as well as the vast network of hiking trails. The Dolder Train was built to provide the population of Zürich with an easy escape route from the busy city as well as stress-free access to a recreation area and still, there is hardly a better place to practice various sports. Even if you aren’t there to get sweaty, it’s a great destination to enjoy a sunny day high over the roof tops.
The 1,328-meter long track of the Dolderbahn overcomes a height difference of 162 meters and is a little piece of history as it has been in operation since 1895. Eventually, it was upgraded from a funicular railway to rack operation and is now operated with two railcars.
Practical Info
The Dolderbahn leaves from the lower terminus Römerhof, a station that is also serviced by the tram lines 3, 8 and 15 and is located only about 1.5 kilometers outside the city center. The train operates daily from 6:20am to 11:30pm and leaves roughly every 10 minutes.
Address: Switzerland
Hours: 6:20am-11:30pm
From $ 35
Dominica Botanic Gardens
The Dominica Botanic Gardens are a beloved area of green space in the capital of Roseau. Established by the British in 1890, it was originally planted to maintain reserves of the various crops farmers grew on the island. Today the gardens comprise 40 acres along the south edge of the city, situated at the base of Morne Bruce. You can explore an oasis of tropical flora and fauna that is home to more than 50 types of native plants and imported trees. While here, keep your eyes open for the Sisserou Parrot, Dominica’s national bird. In 1979 Hurricane David did considerable damage to the gardens, and you can still see some of the carnage in the form of a bus that was crushed beneath a baobab tree.
Practical Info
The gardens are free and open to the public all day, every day. To get there, simply head east along Valley Rd. toward Windsor Park Stadium—the gate is on the right. If you’re interested in identifying the species you’ll see in the garden, stop by the Forestry, Wildlife & Parks Division just off Valley Road, where you can buy An Illustrated Guide to Dominica’s Botanic Gardens for about $5.
Address: Bath Rd, Roseau, Dominica
Hours: Open daily.
From $ 49
Dohany Street Synagogue
Ranking as the largest synagogue in Europe—and the second-largest in the world—Dohány Street Synagogue is one of Budapest’s most striking monuments. Aptly nicknamed the “Great Synagogue,” it’s not only an architectural marvel but also an important part of Budapest’s Jewish history and heritage.
The Basics
Guided tours take visitors around the synagogue, Heroes’ Temple, Raoul Wallenberg Memorial Park, and the graveyard, providing background information on Budapest’s Jewish history and heritage. Tickets also include access to the Hungarian Jewish Museum and Archives, next door to the synagogue.
Many travelers opt to explore as part of a guided walking tour, taking in the monuments and memorials of Budapest’s Jewish District, such as Gozsdu Courtyard, Rumbach Street Synagogue, the Kazinczy Street Synagogue, and Carl Lutz Memorial Park.
Things to Know Before You Go
- There is an admission fee to visit the synagogue, which includes an optional guided tour and entrance to the museum.
- Visitors are required to undergo security checks, and large bags and items are prohibited.
- Modest dress code is required (shoulders and knees covered). Men are also required to cover their heads—a kippah is provided if you don’t have your own hat.
- The main areas of the synagogue are wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
Dohány Street Synagogue is located in Budapest’s Jewish District on the Pest side. It’s an around 10-minute walk from popular landmarks, such as St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the Hungarian State Opera House, and the closest metro line is Astoria Station (M2).
When to Get There
The synagogue is open for tours on weekdays, except Saturdays, all year round. The busiest time is July and August; arriving early offers the best chance of escaping the crowds. It’s worth timing your visit for one of the free concerts or tours, which run regularly in summer and at least twice daily in winter—times are posted outside the synagogue.
History of the Dohány Street Synagogue
The Moorish Revival synagogue was built in the mid-19th century. Marking the boundary of the Jewish Ghetto during World War II, it served as a shelter for the city's Jews, many of whom died here during the Siege of Budapest during the winter of 1944–1945. The synagogue suffered severe damage during its Nazi occupation, but was extensively restored in the 1990s, largely thanks to Estée Lauder’s donation.
Address: 2-8 Dohány utca, Budapest, Hungary
From $ 14