Choose from 5,104 Fun Things to Do in Niagara Falls & Around
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Gianicolo Hill
Ancient Rome was famously composed of seven hills, but there are even more hills in modern Rome that weren't even included back then. One of them is the Janiculum Hill, or Gianicolo in Italian.
Gianicolo Hill sits on the western side of the Tiber River, near the Trastevere neighborhood, and takes its name from the god Janus – there was once an ancient cult to him located on the hill. Today, attractions on the hill include the San Pietro in Montorio church, a Bramante-designed shrine on the supposed location of St. Peter's crucifixion, and a botanical garden associated with the University of Rome. But the main draw is the view overlooking Rome – it's one of the best in the city.
Practical Info
The Gianicolo Hill is a public place, so it's open at all hours and it costs nothing to explore. There are several buses that will get you up to the central Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi if you don't feel like walking, too.
Address: Via del Gianicolo, Rome, Italy
From $ 65
Giraffe Center
This 120-acre conservation center in the heart of Kenya’s largest city provides a natural breeding ground for one of Africa’s most graceful animals. As part of a concerted effort to increase numbers for these endangered species, giraffe calves are bread, born and raised in this protected environment before being introduced to the wild at the age of two. Visitors can sit in on talks about the center’s conservation activities and efforts, then climb a raised platform to pet and feed giraffes before taking to the 1.5-kilometer nature trail for guided birding or a tree identification tour.
Practical Info:
The Giraffe Center is open every day from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. and costs about $7 USD for adult entry. It’s located on Duma Road near the intersection of Kima and Nyumbi Roads in Nairobi.
Address: Duma Road, Nairobi 00509, Kenya
Hours: Daily: 9am - 5pm
Admission: Nonresident Adult: $7
From $ 25
Gleis 17, Grunewald
Track 17 (Gleis 17 in German) at the Grunewald S-Bahn station in Berlin is a memorial site that honors the Jewish citizens who were deported by Deutsche Reichsbahn during the Nazi era. Deutsche Reichsbahn was the company that preceeded Deutsche Bahn, the current national railway company. Over 50,000 Jews from Berlin and surrounding areas were deported from Track 17 at the Grunewald station between 1941 and 1945, destined for various concentration camps east of Germany.
For years after the war, the railway companies in East and West Germany avoided the topic of the deportation their predecessors had been involved with. But research easily showed that without the Deutsche Reichsbahn, the mass deportation would not have been possible. When the two companies merged after the reunification of Germany, Deutsche Bahn set up the memorial site in 1998 to commemorate the victims.
The memorial is made up of 186 cast steel bars embedded in the gravel along the track, all referring to the number of transports that left Berlin. Inscribed on them are the dates of the transports, the number of deportees and the train's route. There are also sculptures, plaques and trees that were brought in from Auschwitz to honor the victims. Trains no longer run from this memorial track.
Practical Info
To reach the Track 17 memorial, take the S-bahn line S7 to the Grunewald station. On Friday and Saturday nights, the S5 line replaces the S7 line.
Address: Gleis 17, Berlin, Germany
Hours: Daily
From $ 45
Ghetto Heroes Square
In March 1941, thousands of Krakow’s Jews were forcibly moved and incarcerated within the Podgórze ghetto south of Kazimierz. Plac Zgody, a large square in the heart of the ghetto, was the departure point during World War II for Jews boarding trains to Paszów, Auschwitz and various other camps. It has since been renamed Ghetto Heroes Square in honor of the Jewish deportees.
Today the entire square serves as a memorial to the Krakow Jews. Designed by local architects Piotr Lewicki and Kazimierz Latak, the memorial comprises 70 empty chairs placed at regular intervals throughout the open space — a chilling reminder of the furniture, luggage and other personal belongings that littered the square after the final deportations and razing of the ghetto in 1942 and 1943.
Practical Info
Visit at night, and you might see candles placed by locals as a mark of respect for lives lost.
Address: Plac Bohaterow Getta, Krakow, Poland
From $ 10
Ghetto Eagle Pharmacy Museum
Tadeusz Pankiewicz’s pharmacy in the heart of Podgórze ran quite smoothly until 1941 when the Nazis closed off the surrounding area and created a ghetto for the Jewish community. And although Pankiewicz was offered to move the Aryan side of the city at the time, he chose to stay in the ghetto, where he was able to supply the residents with medication and various pharmaceutical products that were not only used for health reasons but also to help them mislead the Gestapo; for example, many residents used hair dyes to disguise their identity, or even tranquilizers to keep children quiet during raids. The pharmacy itself was often used as a shelter to Jews who escaped deportation to the camps.
The pharmacy is now part of the Krakow Historical Museum and has been restored to its wartime appearance. Multimedia exhibits and various artifacts, as well as numerous testimonials from Holocaust survivors and Poles, inform visitors about the reality of life in the ghetto and the pharmacy’s role in a very intimate, hands-on way.
Practical Info
The Ghetto Eagle Pharmacy Museum is located at Bohaterów Getta 18, just south of Krakow’s historical center. It is open from 10 AM to 2 PM on Mondays, and from 9 AM to 5 PM on every other day of the week. Last entrance is 30 minutes before closing. The museum is closed every second Tuesday of the month. Admission is 10 złoty per adult, 8 złoty per child or 20 złoty per family. Entry is free of charge on Mondays.
Address: plac Bohaterów Getta 18, Kraków 30-001, Poland
Hours: Mon 10am-2pm, Tue-Sun 9am-5pm
Admission: Adult 10 złoty, Child 8 złoty
From $ 3
Giza Plateau
One of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Great Pyramids of Giza are located just outside the fringes of Cairo on the the Giza Plateau. This complex of ancient monuments includes not only the mysterious pyramids but a workers’ village, plus the distinctive symbol of ancient Egypt, the Great Sphinx, which is situated at the base of the Giza Plateau.
The Great Pyramid of Khufu is the grandest in the complex, with the two smaller structures, Khafre and Menkaure, nearby. To the east of these there are three small graves – the tombs of Khufu's wives and sisters.
There are two entrances to the complex, one via Pyramids Road at the foot of the Great Pyramid of Khufu, and another below the Sphinx via the village of Nazlet asSamaan. (Most visitors enter the site from Pyramids Road, as this is where buses from the city stop.)
Practical Info
The Giza Plateau is easily accessible from central Cairo, with taxis available at a reasonable rate and CTA (Cairo Transport Authority) buses running regularly to the pyramids from the city.
Address: Pyramids Road, Giza, Cairo, Egypt
Hours: Winter: 8am-4pm / Summer: 8am-6pm
Admission: E£60
From $ 6
Giant Swing (Sao Ching Cha)
Arching in front of the sacred Wat Suthat in Bangkok, what is left of the Giant Swing (Sao Ching Cha) is a tall teak structure that once supported a giant seat used during Brahman festivals to honor the god Shiva. The landmark is often spotted on walking and biking tours through Bangkok.
During the festivities, participants would swing in arcs in an effort to reach a bag of gold suspended from a bamboo pole, an act that was believed to encourage a good harvest. A black-and-white photograph illustrating the ceremony can be found at Wat Suthat's ticket counter nearby.
Constructed toward the end of the 18th century by King Rama I, the swing was later damaged by lightning during the reign of Rama II. In 1920, it was renovated and moved to its current location in front of Wat Suthat. However, there were so many injuries and even accidental deaths that the ceremonies were discontinued for good by the end of the 1930s. In 2007, the Giant Swing was replaced with the current model, while the previous version was moved to the National Museum.
Practical Info
Wat Suthat and the Giant Swing are located to the east of the Grand Palace on the route that leads to the Golden Mount (Wat Saket).
Address: Thanon Bamrung Muang, Bangkok, Thailand
From $ 23
Glencoe
Bordered by steep, waterfall-threaded mountains, this dramatic glen is the stuff of Scottish postcards. Though it has historical significance—it was the site of the 1692 Glencoe Massacre of the MacDonald Clan—and its very own ski resort, Glencoe Mountain Resort, the valley’s main draw is its spectacular scenery.
The Basics
Soak up Glencoe’s stunning scenery during a drive along the A82 road, which cuts through the glen. More active travelers may want to explore on foot, taking advantage of the area’s excellent hiking. Organized day and multi-day tours from Edinburgh and Glasgow often go through Glencoe, passing by locations featured in films such as Skyfall, Braveheart, and the Harry Potter series, as well as other notable beauty spots. Some organized tours stop for photos or even embark on guided walks in the scenic valley before continuing to other destinations in the Scottish Highlands such as Fort William, Ben Nevis, and Loch Ness.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Glencoe is ideal for outdoor lovers and scenery-seekers.
- Wear layers and sturdy shoes, and bring a waterproof jacket as the weather can be unpredictable.
- Rangers at the Glencoe Visitor Centre can offer advice and recommend suitable walking routes.
- The Glencoe Visitor Centre, which features a viewing platform, is accessible to wheelchair users.
How to Get There
Glencoe is situated in the Scottish Highlands along the A82 highway. The road runs from Glasgow to Fort William to Inverness, passing by Rannoch Moor, Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, Loch Ness, and the Great Glen. If you don’t have a car, numerous sightseeing tours frequent the area. The Glencoe Visitor Centre is 17 miles (27 kilometers) south of Fort William.
When to Get There
Each season in Glencoe brings its own majesty. Summers are best for hikers, with long days, mild weather, and carpets of purple heather. Spring brings bluebells and rhododendrons, autumn yields a palette of fiery rust, and winter is good for skiing. Summers are peak tourist season, but with so much space, Glencoe never feels overrun. That said, get there in early morning to avoid the midday rush.
Getting Active in Glencoe
Glencoe offers a wealth of activities for visitors. Search for red squirrels, deer, and golden eagles; admire the rushing Glencoe Gorge Waterfall; tackle a Via Ferrata climbing route; or summit a Munro (a mountain over 3,000 feet/914 meters). Lots of gentler hiking trails can be found too, such as the woodland walk to Signal Rock. Glencoe Mountain Resort has a 12-minute chairlift that carries sightseers up to a height of 2,200 feet (670 meters).
Address: Scotland
Admission: Free
From $ 52
Ghetto Museum (Muzeum Ghetta)
An hour north of Prague stands the Terezín Memorial, used by the Nazis in World War II as a transit point for Jews being transported to Auschwitz and other death camps in Eastern Europe. It was built a garrison town in 1780 by Emperor Franz Josef and, two centuries later, was transformed into a fortified work camp and ghetto by the Gestapo. From 1940 onwards, more than 30,000 inmates died of disease and starvation in the Magdeburg Barracks, whose gates bear the infamous slogan ‘Arbeit Macht Frei’ — ‘work makes you free’.
The memorial is open for guided tours encompassing the Gestapo prison, the barracks, the Jewish cemetery overlooked by a massive Star of David, the crematorium, morgue and the Ghetto Museum, which opened in 1991 in the camp’s Baroque former school. Among the thought-provoking exhibits are paintings by children who were imprisoned in Terezín and two highly emotional documentaries with eyewitness accounts by survivors plus temporary exhibitions highlighting the tragedy of life in the ghetto and Terezín’s role as a Nazi transit center for Jews from across Europe. There is a star-shaped memorial to the children who died at the camp in the courtyard behind the school.
Practical Info
Principova alej 304, Terezín. Open daily Apr–Oct 9am–6pm, Nov–Mar 9am–5.30pm. Admission adult 215 CZK; seniors, students & children 165 CZK; family 425 CZK. Accessed from Prague by the E55 road in an hour, or by bus from Florenc bus station.
Address: Principova alej 304, Terezín, Northern Bohemia, Czech Republic 411 55, Czech Republic
Hours: Open daily Apr–Oct 9am–6pm, Nov–Mar 9am–5.30pm
Admission: Adults: 215 CZK; Seniors, Students & Children 165 CZK; Families 425 CZK
From $ 35
Ginuciai Water Mill
Located near Ignalina among the rivers and lakes of eastern Lithuania’s scenic Aukštaitija National Park, the wooden water mill at Ginučiai was originally constructed in the 19th century and sits over waters running into Lake Linkmenas. Until 1968 it was used for making flour and producing electricity but following its closure, the mill was extensively refurbished and reopened in 1978 as part museum and part rustic, back-to-nature hotel. It is now the only wooden water mill still standing in the country to have all its original milling machinery still in use, including the mill stones and water wheels.
Practical Info
A visit to Ginučiai can be combined with the nearby eccentric Museum of Ancient Beekeeping nearby. The mill is situated 60 miles (100 km) north of Vilnius in Aukštaitija National Park and is open in summer and free to visit.
Address: Ginuciai Village, Ignalina, Lithuania
From $ 87
Glasgow Cathedral
Dating back to medieval times, Glasgow Cathedral is the only medieval cathedral on Scotland’s mainland to have survived the Reformation almost fully intact. A magnificent Gothic construction, it features stained-glass windows, a 15th-century stone choir screen, and the tomb of St. Mungo, Glasgow’s patron saint.
The Basics
Glasgow Cathedral is one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks and is among just a few surviving medieval buildings in all of Glasgow. Visitors can explore the church independently or go as part of a private guided tour around the city. Some sightseeing passes provide free entry to the cathedral as well as other well-known historic Scottish attractions, such as Edinburgh Castle, Stirling Castle, and Melrose Abbey. Guided tours, lasting one hour, are conducted by volunteer guides as required.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Glasgow Cathedral is a must for history buffs and fans of ecclesiastical architecture.
- The west entrance to the cathedral provides access to the nave via a stair lift. Inside, some sections of the cathedral, such as the crypt and the Blackadder Aisle, are not wheelchair accessible.
- Visitors are welcome to attend Choral Evensong, which takes place most Sundays at 4pm.
How to Get There
The cathedral is situated in Glasgow’s Cathedral Precinct, just north of Glasgow High Street. The nearest train station is High Street, a 10-minute stroll away. Walk north from the station along High Street and Castle Street. The cathedral will be on your right.
When to Get There
The cathedral sees most visitors during the peak tourist months of June, July, and August. In winter, the cathedral receives less visitors. Volunteer guides are not available on Sundays. If you want to explore the interior, avoid going during service times because the Lower Church is closed and you may disturb worshippers.
Glasgow Necropolis
Situated directly behind the cathedral, this vast Victorian cemetery spreads across the hillside, offering views of the surrounding city. Take a walk along the meandering paths, which area lined with some elaborate examples of funerary art. Some of the monuments, mausoleums, and tombs were designed by leading 19th-century architects.
Address: 28-32 Cathedral Square, Glasgow G4 0XA, Scotland
Admission: Free
From $ 19
Glasnevin Cemetery Museum
This museum documents the story of Dublin’s Glasnevin Cemetery, which was opened in 1832 to serve as a multifaith burial place. Exhibits memorialize many notable Irish figures who are interred here, and tell the history of burial practices, religious beliefs about the afterlife, and even instances of body snatching.
The Basics
Guests pay to explore the museum, and then wander around the graveyard at their leisure. For a more informative visit, join a guided cemetery tour, which includes entrance to the museum. On a general history tour, guides share tales about the cemetery and the prominent figures buried there; the Dead Interesting tour focuses on the sculptures and symbols, and secrets of the graveyard. Museum entrance is also included with select Dublin sightseeing passes.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Glasnevin Cemetery Museum is a must for history buffs.
- Glasnevin Cemetery is a functioning graveyard so be respectful when burial ceremonies are taking place or people are visiting the graves of loved ones.
- The museum is fully wheelchair-accessible.
How to Get There
Glasnevin Cemetery is on Finglas Road, about 2 miles (3 kilometers) north of Dublin city center. Dublin Bus routes 40 and 140 travel to the cemetery from O’Connell Street in the city center. Some hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus routes also stop at the cemetery.
When to Get There
The museum is open daily and can be visited year-round. Summer is peak tourist season in Dublin, so you can expect to encounter more people at this time, especially on weekends. Try coming early in the morning or in late afternoon to beat the crowds.
Climb the O’Connell Tower
In addition to touring the graveyard and exploring the museum’s exhibits, it’s also possible to climb the O’Connell Tower. Set above a vault that holds the remains of Daniel O’Connell, a 19th-century Irish politician and campaigner for Irish sovereignty, the round tower rises to a height of 180 feet (55 meters) and offers excellent views over Dublin.
Address: Finglas Rd, Dublin, Ireland
Admission: Varies
From $ 15
Gibb's Hill Lighthouse
Bermuda boasts two lighthouses, but the one at Gibb’s Hill is the most notable, the first of only a few in the world to be made from cast iron.
Standing 108m (354ft) above sea level on one of Bermuda’s highest hills, the sparkling white lighthouse was first lit in 1846, and was automated in 1964. Shipwrecks in these parts were legendary, and in just 10 years before the lighthouse was built almost 40 ships came to grief. The lighthouse helped make Bermuda’s waters much safer, its light visible for miles out to sea.
On a visit to the lighthouse you can ascend the 185 spiral steps to the top for stunning views out to sea and over the island. If you visit between February and May, you might even spot a passing whale!
The steps aren’t too steep, and there are resting places and exhibits along the way.
Next door, in the colonial-style former signal station, there’s a gift shop and the swanky Dining Room restaurant serving lunch and dinner.
Standing 108m (354ft) above sea level on one of Bermuda’s highest hills, the sparkling white lighthouse was first lit in 1846, and was automated in 1964. Shipwrecks in these parts were legendary, and in just 10 years before the lighthouse was built almost 40 ships came to grief. The lighthouse helped make Bermuda’s waters much safer, its light visible for miles out to sea.
On a visit to the lighthouse you can ascend the 185 spiral steps to the top for stunning views out to sea and over the island. If you visit between February and May, you might even spot a passing whale!
The steps aren’t too steep, and there are resting places and exhibits along the way.
Next door, in the colonial-style former signal station, there’s a gift shop and the swanky Dining Room restaurant serving lunch and dinner.
Practical Info
Gibb’s Hill Lighthouse overlooks Sinky Bay Beach, on the southwest coast. It’s in Southampton Parish.
Address: At Anne's Road, Southampton, Bermuda
Hours: Open 9am - 5pm
Admission: Adults: $2.50
From $ 55
Glacier Skywalk
Jutting out from the side of a Jasper National Park cliff, the elevated, glass-bottomed Glacier Skywalk is an exhilarating—if somewhat unnerving—way to experience the epic, untouched landscapes of the Canadian Rockies. From this vantage point, the view of the park’s ice-hatted peaks and glacial valleys is nothing short of spectacular.
The Basics
At the Glacier Skywalk, make your way along the 1,312-foot (400-meter) Discovery Trail to the Discovery Vista. Here step out onto a curving, open-air observation platform where only a transparent pane of glass underfoot separates you from the Sunwapta Valley floor—918 feet (280 meters) below.
You can purchase an admission ticket and make your own way to the nearby Glacier Discovery Center, from where a shuttle bus transports you to the Glacier Skywalk. Alternatively, visit as part of an organized day tour from Jasper, Banff, or Calgary. Day tours typically combine visits to the Glacier Skywalk with the Athabasca Glacier, part of the breathtaking Columbia Icefield. One-way day tours, running from Jasper to Lake Louise (and vice versa), Banff to Jasper (and vice versa), and Jasper to Calgary are also available.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Complimentary audio guides are available to visitors.
- The skywalk is partially exposed and can be windy and cold, so dress warmly.
- The Glacier Skywalk is accessible to wheelchair users.
How to Get There
The Glacier Skywalk experience begins at the nearby Columbia Icefield Discovery Center in Jasper National Park, Alberta. To get there, drive 2.5 hours north from Banff or 1.5 hours south from Jasper along the Icefields Parkway (Highway 93). Free Glacier Skywalk–bound shuttle buses depart from the Discovery Center every 15 minutes. There is no parking at the Glacier Skywalk.
When to Get There
The Glacier Skywalk is open from May through mid-October. The best time to come is directly after opening or in late afternoon, around the bulk of the visitors.
Views from the Skywalk
On a clear day, you will be able to see a portion of the Columbia Icefield, one of Canada’s biggest expanses of glacial ice. The North Glacier of Mt. Athabasca is also visible, as is Mt. Kitchener. If you have a sharp eye, you may even be able to spot bighorn sheep and mountain goats roaming below.
Address: Jasper National Park, Jasper, Alberta, Canada
Hours: Hours vary by season.
Admission: $34
From $ 28
Gibb's Cay
What makes an underwater experience great isn’t always what you see – sometimes it’s what you do. And while the Turks and Caicos have some amazing snorkeling and diving spots, Gibb's Cay is a place where animal lovers can come and have an altogether different experience – one playing with gentle sting rays.
Don’t let their harsh name fool you – these underwater flying creatures are often as gentle as a cat. While you disembark from your boat, you’ll likely notice the velvety feel of friendly sting rays about your feet. Something of a symbiosis has developed here over the years, and now stingrays approach boats and people by the dozens to play with them and be fed by them. The stingrays are wild, and so best treated with the utmost respect, but Gibbs Cay offers what other islands cannot – a magical experience and a chance to interact with one of Mother Nature’s most delicate underwater creatures.
Don’t let their harsh name fool you – these underwater flying creatures are often as gentle as a cat. While you disembark from your boat, you’ll likely notice the velvety feel of friendly sting rays about your feet. Something of a symbiosis has developed here over the years, and now stingrays approach boats and people by the dozens to play with them and be fed by them. The stingrays are wild, and so best treated with the utmost respect, but Gibbs Cay offers what other islands cannot – a magical experience and a chance to interact with one of Mother Nature’s most delicate underwater creatures.
Address: Gibb's Cay, Turks and Caicos
From $ 110
Gibran Museum
When prominent Lebanese poet, artist and philosopher Khalil Gibran died in 1931, his body was interred within the chapel of a nineteenth century monastery on the outskirts of Bsharri according to his wishes. This monastery, set into the rocky slopes on the eastern side of town, now houses a museum dedicated to Gibran.
Besides Gibran’s tomb, the museum collection includes 440 of his original paintings and drawings, as well as private manuscripts and personal belongings from his time living in New York.
Practical Info
The museum operates a small gift shop where you can purchase postcards of Gibran’s paintings or pick up a copy of his famous book.
Did You Know? Gibran’s most famous work among English speakers was his 1923 book of philosophical essays known as The Prophet. According to an article in The New Yorker, he’s the third best-selling poet of all time.
Address: Bsharri, Lebanon
Hours: Open daily 10am-6pm
Admission: LBP8000
From $ 49
Giza Pyramids
One of the most iconic and mysterious Seven Wonders of the Ancient World (and the only one still standing), the Pyramids of Giza—the Great Pyramid of Khufu, Pyramid of Khafre, and Pyramid of Menkaure—still live up to more than 4,000 years of hype. Seeing these three fourth-dynasty pyramids and their guardian Great Sphinx rising from the Giza Plateau is a must on any trip to Cairo (and the reason many travelers find themselves in Egypt).
The Basics
Few structures on the planet are as immediately recognizable as the Giza Pyramids, and travelers have several options for visiting these wonders of ancient Egypt. Most see them on a full-day tour from Giza or Cairo; these tours often also include a Nile River cruise or stops at other sights such as Memphis, the Egyptian Museum, and the Khan El Khalili Bazaar. Once at the pyramid site, explore the pyramid complex on foot, or choose to take in the view from afar with a camel ride (a great photo opportunity). Those who visit on their own should keep in mind that there are separate entrance fees for the complex and each individual pyramid.
How to Get There
While a guided tour from Cairo or Giza is the easiest and most convenient way to see the pyramids, it’s also possible to visit independently by taking a taxi or public bus from downtown Cairo or the Giza metro station along Pyramids Road.
When to Get There
The winter months (late November to early February) tend to bring optimal weather; in summer, expect temperatures in the 90s F. Keep in mind how traveling during Ramadan could impact your plans, and note that Fridays, a traditional day of rest in Egypt, tend to be a bit quieter at the Great Pyramids of Giza.
How to Avoid Scams and Touts at the Giza Pyramids
The main entrance to the pyramids is often crowded with pushy souvenir vendors, touts, and taxi drivers looking for a fare. To gain the assistance of a professional guide and avoid looking for vendors on the spot, it’s best to book your tour in advance, but if arriving by taxi, ask your driver to take you to the vehicle entrance, where there are fewer touts but still opportunities to book horse riding, camel riding, or carriage tours. You may also come across unofficial guides who claim you must tour the complex with them; this is not true.
The Basics
Few structures on the planet are as immediately recognizable as the Giza Pyramids, and travelers have several options for visiting these wonders of ancient Egypt. Most see them on a full-day tour from Giza or Cairo; these tours often also include a Nile River cruise or stops at other sights such as Memphis, the Egyptian Museum, and the Khan El Khalili Bazaar. Once at the pyramid site, explore the pyramid complex on foot, or choose to take in the view from afar with a camel ride (a great photo opportunity). Those who visit on their own should keep in mind that there are separate entrance fees for the complex and each individual pyramid.
- Remember to wear closed-toe shoes and modest clothing at the pyramids.
- Be prepared for plenty of sun; bring along a hat, sunscreen, and water to stay comfortable.
- Choosing a private tour will allow you to customize your experience.
- Leave yourself plenty of free time to explore.
How to Get There
While a guided tour from Cairo or Giza is the easiest and most convenient way to see the pyramids, it’s also possible to visit independently by taking a taxi or public bus from downtown Cairo or the Giza metro station along Pyramids Road.
When to Get There
The winter months (late November to early February) tend to bring optimal weather; in summer, expect temperatures in the 90s F. Keep in mind how traveling during Ramadan could impact your plans, and note that Fridays, a traditional day of rest in Egypt, tend to be a bit quieter at the Great Pyramids of Giza.
How to Avoid Scams and Touts at the Giza Pyramids
The main entrance to the pyramids is often crowded with pushy souvenir vendors, touts, and taxi drivers looking for a fare. To gain the assistance of a professional guide and avoid looking for vendors on the spot, it’s best to book your tour in advance, but if arriving by taxi, ask your driver to take you to the vehicle entrance, where there are fewer touts but still opportunities to book horse riding, camel riding, or carriage tours. You may also come across unofficial guides who claim you must tour the complex with them; this is not true.
Address: Al Haram, Giza, Egypt
Hours: Daily 8am–5pm
Admission: E£80
From $ 6
Glastonbury
Since the now-legendary Glastonbury Festival began making headlines back in the 1970s, the small Somerset town of Glastonbury has become synonymous with its self-named music festival, now the world’s biggest greenfield festival, drawing more than 175,000 revellers to the small town each year. The new-age festivities aren’t the town’s only draw, though – Glastonbury remains a lively place to visit at all times of the year, with a cluster of historic buildings and a traditional weekly market.
Glastonbury’s star attraction is the historic Glastonbury Abbey, founded in the 7th-century and becoming one of England’s most important monasteries in the Middle Ages, as well as allegedly being the burial site of King Arthur. Additional highlights include the 525-foot sacred hill of Glastonbury Tor, home to the ruins of St Michael’s church; the ancient Chalice Well and the fascinating Somerset Rural Life Museum.
Practical Info
Glastonbury is located in Somerset in southwest England, approximately 130 miles from London.
Address: Glastonbury, United Kingdom, England
From $ 52
Giant's Causeway
The Giant's Causeway is a cluster of approximately 40,000 basalt columns rising out of the sea on the Antrim Coast of Northern Ireland. A UNESCO World Heritage site, the area draws thousands of tourists each year who come to marvel at and photograph this natural wonder.
The Basics
While the legend surrounding Giant’s Causeway makes for an interesting story, geologists have a different explanation for the creation of the Giant's Causeway: volcanic activity. It’s said that millions of years ago, a volcanic eruption produced a lava flow that cooled quickly from both the top and sides, shaping the lava into hexagonal columns. Over time, the elements have continued to sculpt these columns into various shapes, and some are known to resemble objects. Notable formations include the Chimney Stacks, Giant's Harp, and Honeycomb, all of which are favorites of visiting photographers. Spot these formations and other stunning views framed by the windswept cliffs on your walk over the columns to the edge of the sea.
Although it’s possible to self-drive, many visitors choose to take a round-trip tour from Dublin with transportation and entrance fees to the Visitor’s Center included. Guided Causeway tours, with upgrades such as private tours or luxury coaches, often include stops at other nearby attractions such as the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, the Bushmills Distillery, and Dunluce Castle.
How to Get to Giant’s Causeway
The Causeway Coastal Route, a popular scenic drive between Belfast City and Londonderry, is a self-drive option through County Antrim that includes a stops at Rathlin Island, Ballintoy, and the Giant’s Causeway. The causeway is about three hours drive north of Dublin and 1.5 hours north of Belfast by car; a variety day trips are available from both departure locations.
When to Get There
Opening times vary seasonally; check the Giant’s Causeway website for opening hours, including the Visitor’s Center opening hours. Expect wind and rain during winter.
Irish Folklore
These rock formations get their name from an old legend stating that Irish warrior Finn McCool built the path across the sea to face his Scottish rival, Benandonner. There are several variations of the story from this point, but each one ends with Finn dressing as a baby and scaring off Benandonner, who thinks the disguised Finn is actually the child of a giant and is too afraid to face his opponent. On his way back to Scotland, Benandonner tears up the path behind him, leaving just what exists today on the Northern Irish coast and the Scottish island of Staffa, which has similar rock formations.
The Basics
While the legend surrounding Giant’s Causeway makes for an interesting story, geologists have a different explanation for the creation of the Giant's Causeway: volcanic activity. It’s said that millions of years ago, a volcanic eruption produced a lava flow that cooled quickly from both the top and sides, shaping the lava into hexagonal columns. Over time, the elements have continued to sculpt these columns into various shapes, and some are known to resemble objects. Notable formations include the Chimney Stacks, Giant's Harp, and Honeycomb, all of which are favorites of visiting photographers. Spot these formations and other stunning views framed by the windswept cliffs on your walk over the columns to the edge of the sea.
Although it’s possible to self-drive, many visitors choose to take a round-trip tour from Dublin with transportation and entrance fees to the Visitor’s Center included. Guided Causeway tours, with upgrades such as private tours or luxury coaches, often include stops at other nearby attractions such as the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, the Bushmills Distillery, and Dunluce Castle.
- Wear sensible clothing and footwear, as the stones can be slippery.
- An outdoor audio guide is available, in addition to another guide for visually impaired visitors.
- The site includes three parking lots and a park-and-ride area.
- Paths down to the causeway are partially accessible, as are the grounds.
- The Visitor’s Centre features a number of interactive exhibition; admission fee required.
How to Get to Giant’s Causeway
The Causeway Coastal Route, a popular scenic drive between Belfast City and Londonderry, is a self-drive option through County Antrim that includes a stops at Rathlin Island, Ballintoy, and the Giant’s Causeway. The causeway is about three hours drive north of Dublin and 1.5 hours north of Belfast by car; a variety day trips are available from both departure locations.
When to Get There
Opening times vary seasonally; check the Giant’s Causeway website for opening hours, including the Visitor’s Center opening hours. Expect wind and rain during winter.
Irish Folklore
These rock formations get their name from an old legend stating that Irish warrior Finn McCool built the path across the sea to face his Scottish rival, Benandonner. There are several variations of the story from this point, but each one ends with Finn dressing as a baby and scaring off Benandonner, who thinks the disguised Finn is actually the child of a giant and is too afraid to face his opponent. On his way back to Scotland, Benandonner tears up the path behind him, leaving just what exists today on the Northern Irish coast and the Scottish island of Staffa, which has similar rock formations.
Address: 44a Causeway Road, Bushmills, County Antrim BT57 8SU, Ireland
Hours: Daily: dawn to dusk
From $ 69
Glendalough Monastic Settlement
Home to one of the country’s most popular historic sites, a 6th-century monastic complex, Glendalough, or ‘the valley of the lakes’, is set in an idyllic location between two lakes. An hour south of Dublin, Glendalough makes a popular day trip, as well as a common stop-off for hikers attempting the famous Wicklow Way, which runs through the valley.
The monastery was founded by the hermit monk St Kevin around 618AD and by the 9th century was among the leading monastic cities of Ireland, up until its destruction by the English in 1398. The ruins remain impressive today, with a collection of ancient churches, burial sites and monastic buildings sprawled around the Upper and Lower lakes. Most famous is the 112-foot-tall round tower, measuring 52 feet in circumference and featuring a conical roof, rebuilt with its original stones in the late 19th century. Other key sights include a 10th-century cathedral, the largest building on the plot, home to granite ‘St Kevin’s Cross’; St Kevin’s church with its conical capped belfry and a monumental gateway, unique in Ireland with its two-storied granite arches.
A huge part of Glendalough’s appeal lies in its spectacular surroundings, with the two lakes encircled with woodlands, verdant pastures and the hilltops of the nearby Wicklow Mountains National Park. Make the most of a visit by hiking around the lakes and following the marked trails between the ruins, then head to the Glendalough Visitor center, where a video and exhibition details facts and background information on the monuments.
The monastery was founded by the hermit monk St Kevin around 618AD and by the 9th century was among the leading monastic cities of Ireland, up until its destruction by the English in 1398. The ruins remain impressive today, with a collection of ancient churches, burial sites and monastic buildings sprawled around the Upper and Lower lakes. Most famous is the 112-foot-tall round tower, measuring 52 feet in circumference and featuring a conical roof, rebuilt with its original stones in the late 19th century. Other key sights include a 10th-century cathedral, the largest building on the plot, home to granite ‘St Kevin’s Cross’; St Kevin’s church with its conical capped belfry and a monumental gateway, unique in Ireland with its two-storied granite arches.
A huge part of Glendalough’s appeal lies in its spectacular surroundings, with the two lakes encircled with woodlands, verdant pastures and the hilltops of the nearby Wicklow Mountains National Park. Make the most of a visit by hiking around the lakes and following the marked trails between the ruins, then head to the Glendalough Visitor center, where a video and exhibition details facts and background information on the monuments.
Address: Wicklow, Ireland
From $ 25