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Things to Do in Noosa & Sunshine Coast

Choose from 5,104 Fun Things to Do in Noosa & Sunshine Coast

Fort Christian

A historic fortress built in the history-rich St Thomas town of Charlotte Amalie, this Danish-built fortress has been a cultural highlight here since 1672 and so acts as one of the finest treasure troves of ancient artifacts in the small Caribbean island’s long history.

Fort Christian serves as a beautiful example of Dutch-Caribbean architecture, built in the Gothic-Revival style. It once successfully repelled foreign invaders from a bygone era, but today, the fortress stands as a monument to colonialism and exhibits the history of the Caribbean from the Stone Age to the present, while also offering a fine display of Dutch antiques.

Practical Info

Fort Christian is located between Veterans Drive and Emancipation Garden in the St. Thomas town of Charlotte Amalie. The fortress is currently undergoing reconstruction, but is open Monday – Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.

Charlotte Amalie, St Thomas, US Virgin Islands

From $ 40

Fontana dell'Acqua Paola

This monumental fountain sits at the top of Rome’s Janiculum Hill, one of the tallest in the city. Dating from 1612, the ornate terminus of the Acqua Paola aqueduct brought water to Vatican City and Trastevere for the first time. Today, you can admire both the fountain and the view, one of the best in Rome.

The Basics

The ornate Fontana dell'Acqua Paola—known in Rome as Il Fontanone, or “the big fountain”—is located on the hilltop above Trastevere and is a highlight of many walking or Segway tours of this charming historic neighborhood. Trastevere pizza-tasting tours also often stop at the Fontana dell'Acqua Paola, as do tours of attractions featured in the film "The Great Beauty."

The fountain was commissioned by Pope Paul V to be the first major fountain on the Trastevere side of the Tiber river. Much of the marble used by architect Giovanni Fontana to build the fountain was pilfered from the Roman Temple of Minerva in the Forum of Nerva, and four of the six granite columns on the fountain's facade are from the original St. Peter’s Basilica. The design inspired that of the Trevi Fountain more than a century later.

Things to Know Before You Go

The view from Fontana dell'Acqua Paola stretches across the historic center of Rome to the Roman Forum, so be sure to bring your camera.
Walking and Segway tours of Trastevere offer little shade; comfortable shoes, a hat, and sunscreen are recommended.
Remember that it is illegal to bathe in Rome's historic fountains.
The fountain and scenic terrace are accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.

How to Get There

The Fontana dell'Acqua Paola is located on Via Garibaldi on Janiculum Hill (Gianicolo) above the Trastevere neighborhood. Since it can be confusing to wind your way through the back streets of Trastevere to the fountain, it’s best to visit with a group or private tour.

When to Get There

Rome is the most popular tourist destination in Italy, which means that its sights can be very crowded in high season. It's best to visit the city in the spring and fall to take advantage of milder temperatures and fewer tourists. If visiting the fountain in summer, time your tour for early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting for photos.

Pope Paolo V

Pope Paul V was a member of the Borghese family and you can see the Borghese symbols of the dragon and eagle worked into the marble decorations on the Fontana dell'Acqua Paola.

Via Garibaldi, Rome, Puglia, Italy

From $ 15

Forchtenstein Castle

A landmark castle in the Rosaliengebirge foothills of Burgenland, Forchtenstein has its origins in the Middle Ages although today it has an impressive Baroque façade. Its keep and tower date from the 13th century, when it was a constructed as a defence castle. In 1622 Emperor Ferdinand II awarded Forchtenstein to the powerful aristocratic Esterházy family, and they were responsible for extending it into today’s vast fortress, adding new wings and a chapel as well as decorating the interior with ornate patterns, coats of arms and scenes from mythology, plus colorful frescoes adorning the walls of the courtyard.

Having survived unscathed through the Turkish invasions of the 16th to 18th centuries, the castle became the repository for the precious Esterházy trove of family heirlooms. Three permanent exhibitions are held there, and treasures on display include the largest collection of medieval weapons in Europe, Austria’s biggest horde of ancestral portraits and a curiosity cabinet full of Baroque artifacts ranging from priceless silver furniture to carved ivory, sleighs used by the Esterházy offspring and automata. Other Esterházy properties nearby at Eisenstadt and Lackenbach can also be toured, together with an auditorium constructed in a quarry at St Margarethen.

Practical Info

Melinda-Esterházy-Platz 1, Forchtenstein. Open Mar–Oct daily 10am–6pm. Admission to castle and weapons collection, Treasury and Gallery of Chambers each: adults €9; seniors, students and younger than 18 €7; family €19. Entry is free with the Vienna Pass. Accessed by car via the A2/A3 to Eisenstadt then continue on the S31 to Forchtenstein. Otherwise take the bus from Vienna Südtirolerplatz to Forchtenstein.

Melinda-Esterházy-Platz 1, Forchtenstein, Burgenland, Austria A-7212, Austria

Open daily Mar–Oct 10am–6pm

Adults: €9; Seniors, Students and Children: €7; Family: €19

From $ 13

Fort Beekenburg

Unlike Curacao’s more popular colonial-era fortresses, like Rif Fort and Waterfort, Fort Beekenburg is largely abandoned. For many years it was inaccessible, sitting on private property owned by an oil company. But today it’s accessible, and free, to visitors any time. The fort was built in the early 1700s on the south end of the island, where it successfully repelled numerous invaders trying to land in Caracas Bay. Visitors can explore on their own throughout the fort, including the top of the tower, which still holds a handful of cannons and offers great views. But be prepared for a workout, as there are a number of stairs and ladders to climb along the way.

Practical Info

Fort Beekenburg is free and open to visit any time. It’s only about 15-minutes’ drive from the capital of Willemstad, making for an easy, short adventure. Head out in the morning, and you can take a brisk hike, explore colonial-era ruins, and photograph the panoramic views, while still making it back to town for lunch.

Curacao

From $ 65

Fontvieille Park and Princess Grace Memorial Rose Garden

Fontvieille Park leads from the Circus and Heliport to the Columbus Hotel and opens out onto the Princess Grace Memorial Rose Garden. The Fontvieille District is constructed on land reclaimed from the sea in the 1970s, built to combat the chronic land shortage in the densely populated principality. Designed by Italian architect, Manfredi Nicoletti, the district is located in the Western part of Monaco and features a port and heliport.

Fontvieille Park offers a charming green space in the district, with many small lakes and ponds bordered by verdant palms and olive trees, ducks and swans swimming in the crystal water.

Walk along the Sculpture Path over four hectares to discover 100 contemporary and local monumental art works, by artists like Arman, Blake, Botero, Calder, César and more. Look out for “The Washerwoman,” (Renoir - Guino 1917) in one of the the beautiful pools of the Fontvielle Gardens, just by the circus tent and the unfurling angel wings of “The Messenger” by Blake.

The nearby Princess Grace Rose Garden is an oasis of calm and serenity where the scent of some 4,000 roses perfumes the air. Visit a pantheon of exotic birds and animals in the Zoological Gardens, ride the merry go round or experience the dazzling panorama of the Cote d’Azur on a helicopter ride.

13 Avenue des Papalins, 98000, Monaco

Sunrise until sunset every day.

From $ 27

Folger Shakespeare Library

Set in Capitol Hill in a unique building that blends Streamline Moderne and Greco Deco, this independent research library contains the world’s largest collection of William Shakespeare’s printed works. Endowed by Shakespeare memorabilia collector Henry Clay Folger (a former chairman of the Standard Oil Company and a member of the Folger Coffee family), the library was opened 316 years to the day after the Bard’s death, on April 23, 1932.

In addition to its permanent collections and rotating art exhibits, the Library houses the three-tiered, Elizabethan-style Folger Theater, which each season stages three of Shakespeare’s plays, as well as literary readings and lectures.

Practical Information

Free, hour-long tours of the Library are offered without need for reservations on Monday-Friday, 11 a.m. or 3 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.; and Sunday at 1 p.m. Elizabethan Garden tours are offered April –October, on the first and third Saturdays of the month at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. Reading Room tours, including the Library’s rare volumes and art, on Saturdays from 12-1 p.m.; advance reservations are required.

201 East Capitol St SE, Washington DC 20003, USA

Public: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm Mon-Sat, 12:00 pm-5:00 pm Sun.

From $ 20

Foro Italico

The Foro Italico is one of the largest architectural complexes built under Mussolini, and home to two stadiums that host Rome’s soccer teams, international sports tournaments, and concerts. An excellent example of Italian Fascist architecture, the Foro Italico is an interesting stop for architecture aficionados.

The Basics

Originally called the Foro Mussolini, this sprawling sports complex was built to draw the 1944 Olympic games to Italy's capital city (the games were instead canceled due to World War II). The largest building on the site is the Olympic Stadium (Stadio Olimpico), rebuilt in 1990 to seat more than 70,000 people. The nearby Stadio dei Marmi, designed to resemble an ancient Greek stadium, is ringed by 60 marble statues of athletes and can hold 20,000 spectators.

The main draws for visitors to the Foro Italico today are Lazio and Roma soccer (football) games, the Italian Open tennis tournament, rugby matches, swimming competitions, music events, and architecture tours. As the complex is outside the center of Rome, the best way to visit is on a guided tour of Rome’s Fascist architecture that includes transportation to the Foro Italico and back into central Rome. The complex is a stop on many Palermo Segway, walking, and biking tours.

Things to Know Before You Go

The Foro Italico is an outdoor complex, so wear a hat and sunscreen.
When large sporting events or concerts are scheduled, only ticket holders can enter the complex.
This is an especially fascinating site for architecture and 20th-century history buffs.
The complex is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.

How to Get There

The Foro Italico Sports Complex is located on Viale del Foro Italico outside the city center. Take metro line A from Piazza del Popolo to Flaminio, and then the tram 2.

When to Get There

The complex is outdoors, so tour on a day with clear skies and mild temperatures. During the summer, the best times to visit are in the early morning or late afternoon. Check the event schedule, as visitors who do not have tickets cannot pass the security checkpoints into the complex when large sporting events or concerts are scheduled.

Italy's Fascist Architecture

There are a number of architectural reminders of Italy's Fascist past in the capital city. The most important are clustered in the EUR neighborhood, home to the "Square Colosseum," but perhaps the most controversial is the Obelisco del Foro Italico, a large obelisk at the entrance to the Foro Italico that was erected to honor Mussolini in 1932.

Viale del Foro Italico, Rome, Lazio 00135, Italy

Varies by building & whether there’s an event going on

Varies

From $ 93

Fort Aguada

Fort Aguada, the largest and best preserved of Goa’s Portuguese bastions, was constructed between 1609 and 1612 to protect Old Goa from Dutch enemies attacking via the Mandovi River. Set on a hill overlooking Aguada Bay and the Arabian Sea, the fort housed a freshwater spring that provided water to passing ships and gave the fort its name.

What remains of the sprawling fort remains largely intact, thanks in part to the fact that it was never taken by force during the four century rule of the Portuguese in Goa. Visitors can walk through the grounds to see the stone architecture, including the still-standing lighthouse. Thanks to its panoramic views, the fort is one of the most popular spots in the region to watch a sunset.

Practical Info

Fort Aguada is reachable via a 2.5-mile (4-kilometer), somewhat steep path starting and Sinquerim Beach. It’s also possible to take a taxi.

Calangute Candolim Sinquerim Rd, Bardez, Goa, India 403515, India

From $ 35

Fontainhas

Situated on the banks of Ourem Creek in Panaji, Goa's capital city, the charming neighborhood of Fountainhas is dotted with charming old homes dating back to the mid 19th century. Fontainhas occupies land that was reclaimed in the 18th century and gets its name from the natural springs situated at the edge of the area.

The Basics

This charming area attracts travelers with its old-fashioned Portuguese-style architecture: beautiful old houses painted in pastel hues of yellow, green, blue, and pink with large balconies and red tiled roofs. It’s a fun place to wander and take photos, whether independently or as part of a group. Some heritage tours involve walks through the area, and many visitors end up stopping by the 1818 Chapel of St. Sebastian, a highlight of the neighborhood.

Things to Know Before You Go

Wear comfortable shoes and sun protection, as this area is best explored on foot.
Fontainhas is a must-visit for history buffs and anyone with an interest in old architecture.
Don’t forget your camera; this is one of the most photogenic spots in the city.

How to Get There

Fontainhas is located just across the Rio de Ourem from the more modern commercial hub of Panaji, and it takes about 15 minutes to get there by foot from the Panjim Bus Stand. If you're visiting Panaji from North Goa, you'll need at least a half hour to get there by car from Calangute or about 45 minutes to an hour from Anjuna and Vagator.

When to Get There

Because Fontaihas is an outdoor destination, it’s wise to visit either early in the morning, when temperatures are at their most manageable and the light is still good for photography, or in the evening, when the area begins to cool down and locals come out to walk around. If you visit in February, don’t miss the Fontainhas Festival, a week-long event celebrating art and culture in the neighborhood.

The Chapel of Saint Sebastian

Most visitors make a point of stopping at the Chapel of St Sebastian, situated at the southern end of the area on a small square where locals traditionally celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Livrament. Inside the chapel is a crucifix that used to hang inside of the Palace of the Inquisition in Old Goa, one featuring an eerie image of Christ with his eyes open.

Panaji, Goa, India, India

From $ 18

Ford's Theatre

A National Historic Site, Ford’s Theatre is most known as the location where President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated in 1865. It’s one of Washington DC’s most significant attractions, with a focus on history from the 1800s. Today, Ford’s Theatre still hosts productions as well as a small museum dedicated to Lincoln.

The Basics

Visitors to Ford’s Theatre can see live performances, tour the theater interior, and head to the museum to step back in time and learn about the site’s history, including the assassination of President Lincoln. The museum covers the effect this moment had on American history and features artifacts such as the pistol used by assassin John Wilkes Booth. The site also includes the Aftermath Exhibits, which highlight the events that took place after Lincoln’s death, and the Petersen House, a boarding house across the street from the theater where the former president was pronounced dead. Ford’s Theatre is a typical stop on many hop-on hop-off sightseeing tours and American history tours of Washington DC.

Things to Know Before You Go

Ford’s Theatre is a must-visit site for American history buffs.
Tickets to the Ford’s Historic Site include access to the museum, the theater interior, the Petersen House, and the Aftermath Exhibits.
Most visitors spend about two hours exploring the site.
Visitors should reserve tickets in advance to guarantee entry; same-day tickets are limited.
Ford’s Theatre is wheelchair accessible and offers audio-described and signed-interpreted performances.

How to Get There

Ford’s Theatre is located at 511 10th St. NW in Washington DC, just a few minutes’ walk from the Metro Center station on the red line.

When to Get There

The historic site is open from 9am to 4:30pm daily with varying schedules for different areas. Ford’s Theatre is busiest between March and July; it’s advised that visitors purchase tickets in advance during this time. Travelers should arrive 10 minutes before their scheduled entry time.

Live Theater at Ford’s

Just as the theater scene was thriving at Ford’s back in the 1800s, today the theater offers live performances for visitors looking to honor Lincoln’s love of the performing arts. Since reopening in 1968, Ford’s has hosted many dramas, classic plays, and musical productions including Into the Woods, A Christmas Carol, and The Guard.

511 10th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004, USA

From $ 14

Fort Charles

Originally built as Fort Cromwell in the mid-1650s, Fort Charles was one of the few structures that survived the 1692 earthquake that sent much of Port Royal into the sea. Reconstructed after the earthquake, it continued to be used as a British fort and a headquarters for the British Navy. Even Admiral Horatio Nelson did time as a lieutenant here during 1779. Today it houses the Fort Charles Maritime Museum, which includes a reproduction of Nelson's quarters, among other artifacts and exhibits. On the grounds is a former artillery storehouse now called the Giddy House because it was twisted sideways by another earthquake in 1907.

Practical Info

Fort Charles in the main historical attraction in Port Royal, which sits at the end of a long, narrow peninsula stretching around Kingston Harbour, just west of the airport. To get there, take Norman Manley Hwy to the end of the peninsula.

End of Norman Manley Hwy., Port Royal, Jamaica

Open daily 9am-4:45pm

From $ 62

Fort Aguada and Lighthouse

Perched on top of a hill overlooking the Arabian Sea, Fort Aguada and its lighthouse once guarded the Portuguese colony against Dutch and Marathas invaders. Built in 1612, the fort is the best preserved and most impressive of any in Goa.

While the large moat and 79 cannons once served to protect India’s Portuguese colonies, Fort Aguada, named after the freshwater springs within its walls, also replenished water supplies of passing ships. The four-story Fort Aguada Lighthouse, built in 1864, is the oldest lighthouse of its kind anywhere in Asia.

The fort sits just over 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) south of Sinquerim Beach, and much of the walk is uphill. Unless you plan to take a taxi or bus, get an early start to tour the fort before the sun beating down on the bare stones makes things too hot for comfort. The fort has few shaded areas, so bring plenty of sunscreen and water with you.

Candolim, Goa, India

From $ 30

Flower Dome at Gardens by the Bay

When the seasons in Singapore are changing, travelers can still voyage into a constant springtime at the popular Flower Dome at Gardens by the Bay. Lush tropical foliage and colorful Mediterranean flowers and are in perpetual bloom. Visitors can explore desert plants from around the world, wander through the expansive Flower Field and get up close with baobabs, succulents and a variety of tree species from South Africa, Australia and the Americas.

Brilliantly colored blooms and changing floral displays, like the wintry wonderland and spring sensation are just part of what makes a trip to Flower Dome so enchanting. The impressive 1,000-year-old olive tree is homage to the highly-valued fruit of Spain and hands-on exhibits and galleries are perfect for the younger crowd.

Practical Info

The Flower Dome is located at 18 Marina Gardens Drive in Singapore. It is a short walk from the Helix Bridge and Art Science Museum, but travelers can also access the gardens via the Circle, Downtown or East-West bus and train lines. Outdoor gardens are open from 5 a.m. until 2 a.m. daily and the Cooled Conservatories and Skyway are open from 9 a.m. until 10 p.m. daily.

Singapore

Daily 9am-10pm

Adults $12, Seniors & Children $8

From $ 17

Fo Guang Shan Monastery

As one of the largest Buddhist temples in Taiwan, Fo Guang Shan Monastery is a must-see destination for first-time visitors. Home to a 100-meter (328-foot) statue of a golden Buddha, as well as 500 smaller versions of the religious deity, the complex promises epic photographs and scenic views of the nearby Gaoping River.

The Basics

The rural location of Fo Guang Shan Monastery and the unreliable nature of the public transport servicing the area means that many travelers opt to visit the monastery as part of a multi-day Taiwan tour. Typically, tours combine the Buddhist complex with visits to the dispersed Taroko Gorge, Sun Moon Lake, Kenting National Park, and the East Coast National Scenic Area. Plus, opting for a multi-day tour means that you’ll skip the hassle of arranging accommodations, transfers, and activities.

Things to Know Before You Go

If you’re visiting in summer, bring an umbrella and a hat as heat protection.
This is a must-see for travelers interested in Buddhist architecture and history.
There are coffee shops and vending machines at the complex.

How to Get There

Fo Guang Shan Monastery, located off of Xingtian Road, is accessible by bus from Kaohsiung Railway Station via the direct bus to Fo Guang Shan Monastery. The shrine is also accessible via train; from Jiuquatang, take a taxi or local bus.

When to Get There

In summer, it’s best to arrive at the monastery in the late afternoon to avoid the midday heat. Plus, arriving later means that you’ll get to catch the sunset and see more than 14,800 lanterns begin to illuminate.

The Fo Guang Shan Movement

Travelers assume that all Buddhist monuments have stood for hundreds of years, and many are surprised to discover that the Fo Guang Shan Monastery is only 50 years old. The Chinese-Buddhist movement, which counts as its headquarters the monastery, is founded in humanistic teachings and has garnered followers throughout the world.

No.153, Xingtian Rd., Kaohsiung 84049, Taiwan

From $ 582

Flower Market Road

The flower market is probably the most colorful and definitely the best smelling of the many Mongkok area markets. The vibrant stretch of road houses over 100 specialty shops and flower wholesalers. Here you'll find everything from delicate orchids to hearty cacti as well as scores of flowers, bonsai trees and exotic plants.

It's easy to walk through the market, buy a local bouquet at a reasonable price and take colorful photographs. The best time to visit is the week before the Lunar New Year when the market is extra active with locals buying elaborate good fortune arrangements. You can also combine this with a visit to the adjacent Yuen Po Street Bird Market and Garden.

Flower Market Rd, Prince Edward, Hong Kong, China

Most shops open from 7am - 7pm.

From $ 59

Fontanelle Cemetery (Cimitero delle Fontanelle)

Despite the name, Fontanelle Cemetery in Naples isn’t a traditional cemetery. It’s a place of many thousands of burials, but it’s actually an ossuary built into a natural cave in the soft rock underneath the Capodimonte Hill in the early 16th century. It served as a burial ground until the late 1960s.

The bones interred at Fontanelle were painstakingly catalogued and re-organized in the early 1870s, after flooding and mass burials had made the cemetery more of a jumbled mess. A cult devoted to the skulls in the cemetery sprang up, and a church was built at the entrance. Today, visitors can still see the church - Maria Santissima del Carmine - as well as the cataloging work done in the 19th century.

Prior to 2010, Fontanelle was only open to the public on a few days every year. Now, it’s open year-round. Visitors are free to walk through the site without a guide, though joining a tour that includes Fontanelle Cemetery as one of its stops is beneficial to help make sense of the history of the place. Tours that include off-the-beaten-path parts of Naples sometimes include Fontanelle Cemetery.

Practical Info

Note that if you do decide to visit on your own without a tour, some people may try to sell you tickets outside the entrance. Entry to the cemetery is free, so don’t pay for a ticket.

Via Fontanelle 80, Naples 80136, Italy

10am-5pm daily

From $ 42

Fontaine-de-Vaucluse

Famous for sitting on the underground source of the emerald-green River Sorgue, Fontaine-de-Vaucluse is a photogenic village squeezed into a lush, narrow valley backed by soaring 230-meter (755-foot) cliffs.

A mystery surrounds the village as no-one has yet been able to discover the underground spring that leads into the Sorgue; what is known is that the river is fed via a multitude of underground channels that are calm in summer, allowing a natural pool to form above ground for swimming. However, the pool quickly floods after heavy rainfall in autumn and again following the spring snow melt from the mountains of the Luberon. At these times the underground spring becomes much more powerful and water is thrown up from the subterranean depths at such a speed that rapids form on the river.

Thanks to its remote location, many of the buildings in Fontaine-de-Vaucluse are little changed since medieval times and today it is one of the most popular visitor spots in northern Provence, its cobbled streets lined with souvenir stalls, bars and terraced restaurants. In addition to its natural beauty, a ruined castle perches above the village, which also has a couple of interesting small museums and a printmaker still powered by ancient water wheel.

Practical Info

Fontaine-de-Vaucluse is 25 km (15.5 miles) east of Avignon and is best reached by car; take some change to pay for parking (around €4 per day). Visitor information is found at Résidence Jean Garcin, open daily from 9:30am to 12:30pm and from 1:30 to 5:30pm.

Fontaine-de-Vaucluse, France

From $ 45

Flow House Bangkok

The Flow House urban beach club concept involves packaging a slice of California surfer culture and serving it up to travelers as a one-stop destination for dining, shopping and, of course, surfing. Flow House opened its Bangkok location in 2012, with a FlowRider at its heart. The FlowRider projects a thin sheet of water over a hill-shaped surface to mimic the shape of a perfect ocean wave, allowing surfers to practice without having to rely on Mother Nature.

At Flow House Bangkok, Flowboarding is the sport of choice — an amalgamation of skateboarding, surfing, bodyboarding and snowboarding. Experienced boarders can practice new maneuvers while kids and newbies can learn a new skill. No matter your level, Flow House staff are always on standby to help out. Travelers can participate through session riding, lessons, competitions and special events, even the cautious traveler can enjoy the action while eating, drinking and hanging out.

Besides the FlowRider, Flow House Bangkok facilities include a kid’s pool, viewing deck, sun loungers, surf shop and Flow Bar, where you can purchase snacks, beers, cocktails and sodas.

Practical Info

Flow House Bangkok is located in A-Square near the intersection of Sukhumvhit and Rama 4.

120/1 Sukhumvit 26, Bangkok, Thailand

Open Mon - Fri: 10 am to midnight, Sat - Sun: 8 am to midnight

750 baht per hour

From $ 19

FoMu (Musee de la Photographie)

Found in a former waterside warehouse in the on‐trend area of Zuid south of Antwerp city center, FoMu first opened in 1986 but moved to its current home in 2004. Its clean, white lines are perfect for presenting a series of temporary photographic exhibitions sourced from its own collections, which are among the most important in Europe. Treasures in the collection include images by Henri Cartier‐Bresson and Man Ray, while recent shows have included the hard‐hitting pictures of photographic journalists Broomberg & Chanarin, who examine racial tensions and colonialism in their work. Daily movie screenings curated by Cinema Zuid are held on the premises as well as workshops and lectures.

Practical Info

Waalsekaai 47. Opening hours Tues-Sun 10am-6pm. Admission costs adults €8, seniors and students €4 and those under 26 €3. It is free for children under 18. Best accessed on bus No. 30 to Waterpoort; free car parking on Gedempte Zuiderdokken.

Waalsekaai 47, Antwerp, Flanders 2000, Belgium

Tue–Sun 10am–6pm

Adults: €8; Seniors & Students: €4; Under 26: €3; Under 18: free

From $ 15

Fort Canning Park

Fort Canning Park spans 18 hectares of forested greenspace in the midst of Singapore’s business district—more than just towering Kapok and Madras Thorn trees, trails and a popular community event space, though, it is also a historical landmark. The park’s iconic raised hill once provided a desirable vantage for 14th‐ century fortresses of Malay kings and may have served as an important trading hub. Ongoing archaeological excavations continue to unravel stories of its past.

During WWII, Battle Box, an underground bunker and command center within the present‐day park, was the site of Singapore’s decision to surrender to the Japanese. Today the bunker with Japanese Morse code on its walls welcomes tourists as a museum detailing events of the Battle of Singapore. Also on the park’s grounds are impressive gothic gates; a spice garden with cloves and nutmeg—remnants from the city’s first botanical garden; the new Fort Canning Arts Center, the first Asian offshoot of popular Paris museum Pinacothèque de Paris, featuring rotating exhibits and standard collections of classical works by artists, such as Monet and Rembrandt, rarely seen in Southeast Asia; the former British Command Far East Headquarters, now the five‐star Hotel Fort Canning; and a sculpture garden.

Practical Info

The park does not keep regular hours, but some of the attractions like the Battle Box Museum (9 a.m. til 4:30 p.m.) and the art museum (10 a.m. til 7:30 p.m. or 8:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays) do—admission also required. The park is on the MRT and a short walk from both the Clarke Quay and Dhoby Ghaut stops. Regular outdoor shows and festivals run from early spring through summer and include Shakespeare in the Park, Ballet Under the Stars and Films at the Fort.

River Valley Road, Singapore

Admission required for museums

From $ 24