Choose from 5,104 Fun Things to Do in Niagara Falls & Around
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Andong Hahoe Folk Village
Hahoe means “enveloped by water,” the name given Andong Hahoe Folk
Village due to its position at the bend of the Nakdong River in the
foothills of the Hwasan Mountains. Far from the modern skyscrapers of
Seoul or Busan, the village offers visitors a glimpse at a Korea of old.
The
village, one of several that comprise the UNESCO-listed Historic
Villages of Korea, dates back to the 10th century, when members of the
Ryu clan began settling there; descendants of the clan still live in the
historic homes today. The village is unique in that commoners and the
upperclass coexisted there, and you’ll notice that the tile-roofed
houses of the elite toward the village center gradually give way to
thatched homes toward the outskirts.
Practical Info
To experience the village at its best, plan your visit for a weekday morning. On weekends, the village gets overrun with visitors and loses a bit of its charm.
Address: Andong Hahoe Folk Village, South Korea
Hours: Daily
From $ 130
Ancient Olympia
The UNESCO World Heritage-listed Olympia in the Peloponnese is world-renowned as the location of the first Olympic Games of the classical world, which were held in in 776 BC; they subsequently took place every four years for almost a thousand years before being disbanded in the fourth century AD. However, the story of Olympia goes back much further, as for centuries it was the holiest and most celebrated shrine in ancient Greece. Pilgrims came from across the Empire to worship Zeus — the father of all Greek gods — and his wife Hera in the temples and shrines of the Atlis (Sanctuary of the Gods).
Excavations at Olympia began in 1829 and today the vast complex is scattered with cracked paving, mounds of stone, crumbling statuary and fractured temples. Only one column remains of the Temple of Zeus, but that is enough to grasp the sheer size of the original building. The temple of Hera is better preserved and it is here that the Olympic flame is still lit before it journeys across the world. Among the jumble of ruins are civic buildings and guesthouses that served ancient pilgrims, plus the stadium, hippodrome, wrestling school and gymnasium where Olympic athletes worked out.
The Archaeological Museum at Olympia is one of the most important in Greece; highlights include a scale model of the ruins, pediment carvings from the Temple of Zeus and a statue of the messenger god Hermes by Praxiteles, one of the most important sculptors of ancient Greece, whose work also adorned the Acropolis.
Practical Info
Archea Olimpia, Greece. Open daily 8am–8pm. Admission site only: adults €6, seniors, students and children younger than 18 €3; combined site and museum: adults €9, seniors, students and children younger than 18 €5. West of Athens in the foothills of Mount Kronios, Olympia is best reached by car; the journey is 187.5 miles (300 km) and takes around four hours via the A7. It is often visited as part of a multi-day tour of classical Greece, and cruise ships visitors from the nearby port of Katakolon can arrange private tours of Olympia.
Address: Archea Olimpia, Pyrgos, Elis, Peloponnese, Greece 270 65, Greece
Hours: Open daily 8am–8pm
Admission: Adults: €6; Seniors, Students and Children: €3
From $ 92
Ancon Hill
Visible from nearly anywhere in Panama City, Ancon Hill stands proudly above everything else in an otherwise flat region, with its immense flag flying high. At 199 meters above sea level, it’s the highest point within the city, and from the top you can see all the main points of interest. It’s possible to see not only the modern part of Panama City, but also the Panama Canal, the Amador Causeway, the Bridge of the Americas and Old City.
In the middle of this bustling city, Ancon Hill serves as a little natural paradise. The forest has plenty of animals—sloths, armadillos, toucan and deer—and a slow walk up the hill provides the chance to see many of them. Once at the top, spend time watching the ships pass through the canal. It’s a pleasant walk from Mi Pueblito, and serious bikers take the challenge of riding up the hill. Go early to beat the heat, and don’t forget your camera!
There’s also history wrapped up here. The name Ancon was used for the first boat that officially crossed the Panama Canal in 1914, and although it was under the jurisdiction of the United States during part of the 20th century, Panama took control in 1977.
Practical Info
Ancon Hill is open from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is accessible via taxi from the city or by foot or bike. There is no charge to visit.
Address: Ancon Hill, Balboa, Panama City, Panama
Hours: Daily, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
From $ 65
Andrássy Avenue
The elegant boulevard of Andrássy Avenue was completed in 1885 as part of the expansion of Budapest under Emperor Franz Joseph I to celebrate the thousand-year anniversary of the state of Hungary. It connects the Pest-side city center at Erzsébet Square to the City Park (Városliget) and as a masterpiece of urban planning was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2002, along with Heroes’ Square.
Elegant townhouses lined the avenue and it became the preserve of wealthy bankers and the aristocracy. In order to conserve Andrássy’s architectural harmony, the city fathers decided to build a train line underneath the avenue. And so the Millennium Underground Railway opened, the first in continental Europe; it was first used to transport people from the city center to Városliget, which was the focus of the millennium celebrations in 1896.
Today the Art Nouveau architecture competes for attention with sleek cafés and bars and upscale shopping. In its 1.5-mile (2.5-km) march through Pest, Andrássy is punctuated by the vast octagonal square of Oktagon and is home to the Hungarian State Opera House, the House of Terror Museum in the old headquarter of the secret police, and Budapest’s gloriously grand and much-loved Gerbeaud Café.
Elegant townhouses lined the avenue and it became the preserve of wealthy bankers and the aristocracy. In order to conserve Andrássy’s architectural harmony, the city fathers decided to build a train line underneath the avenue. And so the Millennium Underground Railway opened, the first in continental Europe; it was first used to transport people from the city center to Városliget, which was the focus of the millennium celebrations in 1896.
Today the Art Nouveau architecture competes for attention with sleek cafés and bars and upscale shopping. In its 1.5-mile (2.5-km) march through Pest, Andrássy is punctuated by the vast octagonal square of Oktagon and is home to the Hungarian State Opera House, the House of Terror Museum in the old headquarter of the secret police, and Budapest’s gloriously grand and much-loved Gerbeaud Café.
Practical Info
The Millennium Underground Railway (M1) has several stops along Andrássy Avenue, including ones at Oktagon and Heroes’ Square.
Address: Andrássy Avenue, Budapest, Hungary
From $ 17
Angel Falls
Venezuela's Angel Falls isn't just any waterfall—it's the world's highest uninterrupted waterfall. For scale, imagine Niagara Falls...now multiply that by 15. Angel Falls measures 3,212 feet (979 meters), with the longest single plunge coming in at a lengthy 2,648 feet (807 meters). Set in Venezuela's Guayana Highlands, the massive natural wonder drops over the edge of Auyantepui mountain in the Canaima National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The mountain's mesa (called a Tepui by the natives) is one of more than 100 of its kind in the highlands. The massive table mountains are formed from sandstone and are being continually eroded and changed by the area’s heavy rainfall.
The falls weren’t actually named for any celestial messengers but for a James ('Jimmie') Crawford Angel, an adventurous pilot from Missouri who saw the waterfall while searching for gold in 1933. A few years later, he tried to land his plane there and failed, making an 11-day trek to civilization and drawing plenty of scientific and tourism interest to the region in the aftermath of his adventure.
Practical Info
Canaima National Park is located in southeastern Venezuela, south of the Orinoco River. The park is made up of 7.5 million acres (3 million hectares), making it the second largest protected area in Venezuela (and the sixth largest in the world).
Address: Gran Sabana, Venezuela
From $ 1,115
Andong Folk Museum
Andong Folk Museum is the perfect place to get acquainted with Andong’s ancient culture and traditions. Next door to Andong Folk Village, the museum contains over 3,700 artifacts. From traditional clothing to pottery dating back to the Joseon Dynasty (1392 - 1897), as you wander two floors of exhibits you’ll get to learn the traditions that Koreans go through from birth to childhood, in adulthood, and in death. From Korean child rearing to ancient cooking methods, wedding ceremonies to spiritual practices, there are lots of interesting facts to learn about. Did you know that, in the past, when pregnant Korean women wanted a boy they would pray to phallic rocks?
After seeing the indoor exhibits, head to the outdoor park to see the thatched-roof houses that were saved when nearby Andong Dam was erected in 1976. In the garden you’ll also get to see and learn about Korea’s giant totems, traditionally built with fierce faces to ward away evil spirits.
Practical Info
Admission to Andong Folk Museum is W 1,000. It is open from 9am to 6pm in March through October, and until 5pm from November to February. Signs are in English, as well as Korean, Japanese, and Chinese, and there’s an onsite snack bar, restaurant, and souvenir shop. To get to the museum from Andong Bus Terminal, take Bus 3, which runs every 20 minutes.
Address: 13, Minsokchon-gil, Andong-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do 760-360, South Korea
Hours: Nov-Feb 9am-5pm; March-Oct 9am-6pm
Admission: W 1,000
From $ 130
Anichkov Palace
Guarding the western end of Nevsky Prospekt, St. Petersburg’s busiest shopping boulevard, Anichkov Palace is one of the street’s oldest buildings, occupying a scenic spot on the Fontanka River waterfront, fronted by the landmark Anichkov Bridge. Commissioned by Empress Elizabeth in 1741, the royal residence was designed by architect Mikhail Zemtsov, and added to over the years by architects like Francesco Bartolomeo Rastrelli and Karl Rossi.
Despite changing hands many times throughout the years, Anichkov Palace remained a royal residence until 1917, when it was nationalized in the aftermath of the October Revolution and used temporarily to house the St. Petersburg City Museum. Currently, the palace is used as a center for children’s after-school activities and is closed to the public, although visitors can still explore the small onsite history museum or arrange a private tour.
Practical Info
Anichkov Palace is located at the intersection of the Fontanka River and Nevsky Prospekt in downtown St. Petersburg. The palace is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and adult admission to the museum costs R150.
Address: Nevsky Prospect, 39, St. Petersburg, Russia
Hours: Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Admission: Adult admission to the museum costs R150.
From $ 18
Andicuri Beach
The stunning Andicuri Beach stretches some 70 meters along Aruba’s eastern coast and is known for its turquoise blue waters and limestone cliffs that offer sun-kissed travelers a bit of shade.
Although the beach attracts travelers from across the globe in search of a truly tropical experience, strong currents and serious waves make Andicuri less than ideal for swimming and snorkeling. But these conditions do make it the perfect destination for more adventurous travelers who want to try their hand at kitesurfing, body boarding or surfing.
Accessing this secluded beach can be tough, so visitors should be prepared to hike in on foot, or navigate the terrain with a vehicle designed specifically for off-road travel. And while the going may be tough, those who do make it to Andicuri say its beauty is unmatched and its shores are almost always quiet.
Practical Info
Andicuri Beach can be difficult to locate, since it’s known for being one of Aruba’s most secluded stretches of shore. It is located about 20 minutes from Oranjestad by car.
Address: Aruba
From $ 80
Angkor Centre for Conservation of Biodiversity
Recognized as the first nature preservation in Cambodia, the Angkor Center for Conservation of Biodiversity is known for its wildlife rescue, animal rehabilitation, and endangered species breeding programs.
Visitors to ACCB can tour the grounds under the direction of expert guides who are well informed about the unique challenges facing the protection of Cambodia’s wildlife. From the pileated gibbons to silvered langur, ACCB houses animals found in few other places on earth. Visitors leave impressed by the well-kept grounds, knowledgeable staff, and diversity of animals. And whether it’s combined with a trip to nearby Banteray Srei visited as a destination all its own, ACCB treats visitors to a one-of-a-kind experience.
Practical Info
ACCB is located 12 kilometers north of Banteay Srey. It is accessible only via 90-minute guided tours, which take place Monday through Saturday at 9am and 1pm. Guests are asked to pay a minimum donation of $3.
Address: Kbal Spean, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Hours: Guided tours only, Monday-Saturday at 9am and 1pm
Admission: Suggested donation $3
From $ 440
Ancient Rome
At the height of its power, the ancient city of Rome was home to millions and the capital of a vast empire, crowded with monumental temples, civic buildings, and villas. Today, visitors can get a sense of the ancient city’s wealth and power by visiting the archaeological ruins covering the Palatine Hill in the center of modern Rome, including the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Temple of Julius Caesar, and Arch of Constantine.
The Basics
The archaeological ruins of ancient Rome include some of the most iconic sights in Italy, and they’re visited by millions of tourists each year. Long entrance lines are common at the Colosseum and the Roman Forum (especially in summer), so consider booking a guided tour or skip-the-line access in advance. A half-day tour with a small group can cover most of the sites on the Palatine Hill, while a private Colosseum tour offering evening access is an excellent way to enjoy the ancient amphitheater without the crowds. For a unique experience, consider booking a Colosseum underground tour to understand the inner workings of this iconic stadium.
Things to Know Before You Go
- A family-friendly group tour with an expert guide is a great way to make these important sites come alive for kids.
- Most of the archaeological sites and monuments dating from ancient Rome are open air, so be sure to wear a hat and suitable clothing.
- The Colosseum and other Ancient Roman sites are accessible to wheelchairs.
How to Get There
The most famous ruins of Ancient Rome are concentrated on Palatine Hill, and they can be reached from the Colosseo station on Line B of the city’s underground metro system, which also stops at the main Termini train station.
When to Get There
The sights of Ancient Rome are most crowded at midday, so consider scheduling your Rome tour around a visit in the early morning or late afternoon. Summer is the busiest season, when skip-the-line tickets or a private tour guide are essential; the sites are less crowded during winter.
Discovering the Circus Maximus
The newly excavated and restored remains of the Circus Maximus, ancient Rome's largest stadium, offer a fascinating look into Roman life. The site of chariot races and other sports and entertainment for almost 1,000 years, this immense venue could hold up to 150,000 spectators.
Address: Rome, Italy
Hours: Daily
From $ 31
Ancient City Museum
This 320-acre outdoor museum filled with lush gardens and historic structures showcases the art, architecture and culture of Thailand’s rich and diverse heritage. In a single stop, travelers can explore replicas of the nation’s most iconic buildings, including 116 pavilions, temples, floating markets and shrines all laid out to scale in their accurate geographic positions.
Visitors should plan to wander through the garden of stupas, which showcases the significance of Buddhism on local traditions, as well as the Garden of the Gods, where Hindu deities are on display. While structures housed in the Ancient City Museum are no substitute for the real thing, they certainly provide travelers on a tight schedule with a taste of what Thai life, culture and art is like.
Practical Info
The Ancient City Museum is open daily from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. in Samut Prakan—about an hour away from downtown Bangkok. It is accessible via private taxi or using the BTS Skytrain to On-Nut Station and hiring a taxi from there.
Address: 296/1,Sukhumvit Rd, Samut Prakan, Thailand
Hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Admission: 400 baht
From $ 42
Angus Folk Museum
A visit to the Angus Folk Museum is a great way to get a taste of Scottish rural life 200 years ago. Six 18th century cottages display one of Scotland’s finest folk collections, with many items donated by friends of Jean, Lady Maitland, or purchased at sales or auctions.
Start your tour in the reception and shop at one end of the interconnected cottages before moving on to the typical Scottish farmstead featuring a “Life on the Land” exhibition. The Smiddy features all of the tools of a working blacksmith and in the Dairy, you can see what was needed to milk cows and make butter or cheese. There is also a laundry, stable, quarters for unmarried farmer laborers and a large area for spinning and weaving, as well as a Victorian school room with blackboards, maps and an abacus. You can also see a Glenisla hearse – a horse-drawn wagon that was used to carry wealthy parishioners to their graves.
Practical Info
The Angus Folk Museum is currently closed to the public due to problems with the stability of the roof structure and excessively high humidity levels. When open, admission for adults is 6.50 pounds. Located in Glamis village, 5 miles southwest of Forfar, it is accessible by limited bus service from Dundee via Forfar. Meffan Coaches numbers 124 and 125 run Monday through Saturday and Strathtay Buses number 20C runs on Sundays.
Address: Kirkwynd, Glamis, Forfar DD8 1RT, United Kingdom, Scotland
Admission: Adults £6.50
From $ 14
Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall
The 20th century Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall (or Ananta Samakom Throne Hall) in Bangkok is a less visited destination, but well worth it. Serving a museum and every now and then a state-house, the building is a two-storey marble strewn centerpiece located at the Royal Plaza in Dusit.
Designed using neo-classical renaissance style, the building was completed under the orders of King Rama V in 1915 with the help of two Italian architects. Beneath a large central dome the hall was used to house the first Thai Parliament after it was completed.
As a museum, the building now showcases several permanent exhibits featuring the works of national artists as well as handicrafts designed by students of the Chitralada Vocational Center. Guided tours are available on most days. Just be mindful that as a royal establishment, a strict dress code applies.
Designed using neo-classical renaissance style, the building was completed under the orders of King Rama V in 1915 with the help of two Italian architects. Beneath a large central dome the hall was used to house the first Thai Parliament after it was completed.
As a museum, the building now showcases several permanent exhibits featuring the works of national artists as well as handicrafts designed by students of the Chitralada Vocational Center. Guided tours are available on most days. Just be mindful that as a royal establishment, a strict dress code applies.
Address: Dusit, Bangkok 10300, Thailand
From $ 69
Andeluna Cellars
The name Andeluna comes from a combination of the words Andes, in the foothills of which these grapes are grown, and luna (moon), which the winemakers say impart magic and inspiration to their winemaking. Andeluna harvests Argentine grapes from vineyards originally planted 125 years ago by early Italian immigrants. These are brought to a 48,000 square foot winemaking facility for the de-stemming, crush and fermentation. Andeluna was started in 2003 under the tutelage of one Argentine and one American investor, H. Ward Lay, of the Lays potato chip fortune.
The winery is located in Tupungato, Argentina, near Mendoza, and here they grow Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay and Cabernet Franc, all at altitude, in this case at up to 4300 feet above sea level. The winery features classic architecture with views of the Andes Mountains, over some of the area’s prime grape vines. There is a bar, tasting room, reserve tastings in the wine cellar where they also store 1,200 barrels of wine, and a kitchen and dining room for gourmet lunches.
Practical Info
While Andeluna grows some of the same varietals as nearby wineries, and makes two different kinds of Malbec, they also make a more European-styled wine, the exclusive Grand Reserve Pasionado, made in a Bordeaux style. They also conduct tastings in four different areas of the winery, depending on visitors’ preference.
Address: Ruta Provincial 89 s/n. km 11 Gualtallary, Tupungato, Mendoza, Argentina
From $ 22
Angkor Thom
The last capital of the Khmers is a stupendous complex on a stupefying scale; established in the 12th century on the site of an earlier capital, Angkor Thom dwarfs even nearby Angkor Wat. The city’s 7.5 miles (12 kilometers) of wall is ringed by a moat (which no longer holds water or – thankfully – crocodiles). Each of the five enormous gates is a monument in itself, approached by avenues lined with 108 divinities (good on the left, evil on the right).
Some elevation will help you make sense of the layout; head for the Terrace of the Elephants or nearby Terrace of the Leper King with their intricate carvings, or the hilltop Phnom Bakheng, particularly popular at sunset. Among the myriad other points of interest are the temples of East Mebon and Pre Rup, built in the same “temple-mountain” style as Angkor Wat.
Practical Info
The southern gate to Angkor Thom lies 4.5 miles (7 kilometers) north of Siem Reap, past Angkor Wat. Baphuon and Bayon are also within the complex while much-photographed Ta Prohm lies to the east, an evocative ruin where trees force their way through intricately carved stone.
Address: Cambodia
Hours: Open daily, sunrise to sunset
Admission: 80,000 riel
From $ 13
Ancestral Goa Center
The Ancestral Goa Center offers an excellent introduction to Goan life. This living history museum was set up by a local artist. Included are a typical 19th-century Goan village, featuring traditional homes, displays of handicrafts such as pottery and cobbling, and even a replica of a sacred spring, plus lots of activities for kids.
The Basics
This fun attraction, also known as the Big Foot Museum (owing to its dance floor shaped like a huge foot), features carved sculptural depictions of Goan life, including figurines of people engaged in traditional trades, from potters to vegetable sellers. Workshops for kids focus on nature and include painting with natural dyes and a theme park that brings local kids from across economic backgrounds to play together for the day.
Travelers can join a tour that includes a guided visit to the Ancestral Goa Center and other cultural highlights. Some tours may include a traditional lunch featuring regional ingredients.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The museum is largely outside, so wear sunscreen and a hat.
- The Ancestral Goa Center is well-suited to families with kids or anyone with an interest in local culture.
- Don't miss the center’s Sant Mirabai statue, which, at 14 meters long, is the largest laterite sculpture in the country.
How to Get There
This attraction is located in the inland town of Loutolim, in South Goa. It's about an hour away from Panaji by car, or a half-hour from Vasco da Gama, where the airport is located. The closest city is Margao, a 15-minute drive south of the museum. It’s hard to get to the Ancestral Goa Center via public transportation, so travelers should arrive by taxi or join an organized tour.
When to Get There
Goa is a year-round destination, though it’s definitely less crowded during the rainy monsoon season. As the museum is largely outside, it’s best to visit when the weather is dry. Travelers may want to arrive early to avoid the midday.
Goan Handicrafts
Goa offers all sorts of traditional crafts, though many locals have taken up newer, sometimes imported trades (such as batik) to keep up with demand from tourists. You’ll also see plenty of merchants from the Himalayan region of Kashmir selling jewelry, papier-mâché crafts, and clothing. Popular finds include wooden toys and kitchenware, brass work, terracotta pottery, and coconut carvings.
Address: Big Foot, Loutolim, Goa 403718, India
From $ 52
Anderson House (Society of the Cincinnati)
When Larz Anderson, a wealthy American diplomat, died in 1937, his widow donated their 50-room mansion - the Anderson House - and its contents in Dupont Circle to the Society of the Cincinnati - a prestigious male-only organization for descendants of officers in the American Revolutionary War, of which Larz was a long-time active member. By 1939, the Society opened it to the public as a museum and library, showcasing the Andersons' impressive collection of Chinese, Japanese, French, and Italian art, as well as the importance of the family in American history.
The stately Anderson House was designed in the Beaux-Arts style and has been described as a "Florentine villa in the midst of American independence." The Anderson House was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1996 and is considered to be one of the city's hidden treasures. Today, the Anderson House serves as the Society's headquarters and aims to preserve Larz's legacy of patriotic service and entertaining guests and offers several free concerts a year in the grand ballrooms and on the expansive grounds.
The stately Anderson House was designed in the Beaux-Arts style and has been described as a "Florentine villa in the midst of American independence." The Anderson House was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1996 and is considered to be one of the city's hidden treasures. Today, the Anderson House serves as the Society's headquarters and aims to preserve Larz's legacy of patriotic service and entertaining guests and offers several free concerts a year in the grand ballrooms and on the expansive grounds.
Practical Info
The Anderson House is located off the north exit of Dupont Metro Station on the red line. Museum tours commence Tuesday through Saturday from 1:00-4:00pm, last approximately one hour, and are free of charge. The library, where a register resides to find out if your ancestors were officers in the Revolutionary War, is open Monday through Friday from 10:00am - 4:00pm. Reservations are only necessary for groups larger than 10 people.
Address: 2118 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008, USA
Hours: Tue-Sat 1pm-4pm
From $ 240
Ancient Ostia
Ancient Ostia (Ostia Antica), one of the best-preserved archaeological sites in Italy, was once a thriving port city of roughly 100,000 inhabitants conquered by Rome. As the Roman empire expanded, its capital city needed a larger port, and Ostia was eventually abandoned and buried under silt as the course of the Tiber River changed. This layer of mud protected the ancient Roman town from the ravages of time. It is considered by some to be the “better Pompeii."
The Basics
There are a number of important sights in the Ostia Antica archaeological park, including the necropolis, the Baths of Neptune, the amphitheater, the Forum, the Collegiate Temple, and Via Casa di Diana, a main street lined with original apartment buildings and taverns. Given the historical importance of the port city and the collection in its archaeological museum, visiting on a private tour with in-depth explanation adds another layer to any experience. If visiting with kids, consider booking a family-friendly, small-group guided tour. The site is most often visited on half-day tours from Rome.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Bring a hat and sunblock as the archaeological park is outdoors and the area gets hot in summer.
- Ostia Antica is quite close to Rome, making a half-day tour an easy side trip.
- It takes about 2.5 hours to visit the archaeological park with a guide on foot, so wear comfortable clothes and shoes.
How to Get There
If not taking an Ostia tour that includes transportation from Rome, the best way to reach Ostia Antica is by train. Take Rome's metro to the Piramide stop, which is also the Roma Porta San Paolo train station. Follow the signs to Lido, and take a train to Ostia Antica.
When to Get There
Ostia Antica can get hot midday in summer. From June to October, visit in the early morning or late afternoon to beat the heat. No matter when you go, keep in mind that the site is outside—dress accordingly.
Visiting Ostia Beach
Modern Ostia, near the Ostia Antica site, is a popular resort town that’s perfect for a beach break. Visit the archaeological ruins in the cool morning hours, then relax on one of the town's beaches in the afternoon.
Address: Viale dei Romagnoli 717, Ostia Antica 00119, Italy
Hours: Open Tues - Sun 8:30am - 4:30pm and from 6pm-7pm
Admission: Adults: € 8
From $ 60
Ancient Mycenae
Squeezed between two hills on the arid plains of the northeastern Peloponnese, fortified Mycenae was the major settlement in the powerful Mycenaean civilization that held political and cultural sway over the Eastern Mediterranean from the 15th to the 12th century BC. The Bronze Age city is regarded as the home of the legendary Agamemnon and is UNESCO World Heritage-listed for its profound cultural influence upon later Greek civilizations.
Covering around 32 hectares and at its peak with a population of around 30,000, the ruins at Mycenae were excavated in 1874 by Heinrich Schliemann, who also worked at Troy. Highlights include the Lion Gate, the main entrance into the citadel carved with figures of mythical lions; the Treasury of Atreus – also known as the Tomb of Agamemnon; the scant remains of the Royal Palace; and the Cyclopean Walls, whose massive stone blocks are all that remain of the original fortifications. The true showstoppers, however, are the grave circles, believed to be the burial sites of Mycenaean royalty thanks to the numerous precious gold, silver, bronze and ivory artifacts excavated around the tombs, including a gold funerary mask Schliemann believed to be the mask of Agamemnon. Many antiquities discovered at Mycenae are now on show at the National Archaeological Museum in Athens but the smart, white museum next to the citadel still has three halls stuffed with pottery, burial urns, clay figurines, fragments of fresco and a replica of the death mask of Agamemnon. A model of the ancient site can be found just outside the museum.
Practical Info
Mykines. Open daily 8am–7.30pm. Admission adults €3, seniors, students and under 18 €1.50. At 90 km (56.25 miles) south of Athens, it is best accessed by car or bus from Athens in around 90 minutes.
Address: Mykines, Peloponnese 21200, Greece
Hours: Daily 8am–7:30pm
Admission: Adults €3: Seniors, students and under 18: €1.50
From $ 98
Angkor Wat
Rising from the jungle as the star of the UNESCO-listed Angkor Archaeological Park, the Angkor Wat temple complex is a 12th-century engineering marvel that tops many adventure travelers’ bucket lists and justifies a trip to Southeast Asia all on its own. Every surface is covered in intricate carvings and details that don’t disappoint—nymphs dance on columns in shadowy hallways, serpent-topped balustrades line the moat, and huge, chiseled bas-reliefs wrap the outer walls, depicting Khmer Empire battles. The site’s colossal size reflects its ambition, intended as a microcosm of the universe. Nonetheless, it’s difficult to get lost here, with the complex arranged on three tiers.
The Basics
Angkor Wat tours typically run from Siem Reap, with a number of options available. Both small-group and private tours take visitors around the complex—choose a full-day tour to travel with a knowledgeable Angkor Wat tour guide; an epic helicopter tour to see the ruins from above; or a bike tour to make your way to the site from Siem Reap on two wheels. Tours that visit at sunrise or sunset are especially popular for the photo opportunities, while a stop at the nearby Angkor National Museum allows visitors to better appreciate the significance of the structure and its symbolic decorations.
All visitors to Angkor Wat enter through the west-facing main entrance and onto a raised cruciform sandstone terrace. Once inside, the instantly recognizable five inner and four outer towers of the raised central temple serve as orientation points for exploration of the various hallways, chambers, and crumbling inner layers. If not visiting as part of a tour, 1-, 3-, and 7-day passes for the archaeological park are sold at the entrance.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Angkor Wat is Cambodia’s most popular attraction, which makes for large crowds. Book your tour in advance to save time.
- Angkor Wat is a sacred site for Khmer people, and visitors should dress modestly. To visit the top tier, you must have your upper arms and thighs covered.
- At any given time, a limited number of visitors are allowed to ascend to the top tier for views of the surrounding landscape.
- A lawn in the outer ring has two free-standing roofless libraries that serve as peaceful places to escape the inevitable crowds.
How to Get There
Angkor Wat is located four miles (six kilometers) north of Siem Reap in the Siem Reap Province. Travelers can arrive by tuk-tuk or choose a guided Angkor tour with roundtrip transportation from the city.
When to Get There
Peak season at Angkor Wat is between November and February, when cool, dry weather makes for a pleasant visit. Huge crowds gather in the early morning to capture photos of the sun rising over the temple and its reflection in the site’s long pools. To beat the crowds, visit other temples first and save Angkor Wat for midday or try sunset instead. The site is typically open from 5:30am to 6pm.
Exploring the Angkor Temples
The ancient temples of the Angkor Archaeological Park can take days to explore, but day tour highlights include the masterpiece Angkor Wat; Ta Prohm, where banyan tree roots encroach on crumbling structures; the South Gate of Angkor Thom; the Bayon Temple, where ancient smiling stone faces sit atop high towers; and the high wall at the Terrace of the Leper King. Visitors with more time can also see further-away sites like the pink stone temple of Banteay Srei, dating to the 10th century, or take a boat ride on Tonle Sap lake.
Address: Siem Reap, Cambodia
Hours: Daily 5am-6pm
Admission: USD $37
From $ 13