Choose from 812 Fun Things to Do in Piedmont & Liguria
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Stade de France
France’s national stadium, the Stade de France was originally built for the 1998 FIFA World Cup in the suburban commune of Saint-Denis north of Paris. Today, both the France national football team and French rugby union team are at home in what is the fifth-largest stadium in Europe with a seating capacity of 81,338.
Many world-class events have been held here, including the FIFA World Cup, which drew thousands in 1998, the Race of Champions auto race, the World Championships in Athletics, the UEFA Champions League finals and the Rugby World Cup. With all of this, the Stade de France is the only stadium in the world to have hosted both a Football World Cup final and a Rugby World Cup final. In addition, the site often serves as a venue for major music concerts, having welcomed acts such as the Rolling Stones, Tina Turner, U2, Céline Dion, AC/DC, Beyoncé, Paul McCartney and Madonna, to name a few.
Practical Info
Guided tours in English of the Stadium are available several times a day almost every day, except when major events are scheduled. Tours cost €15 per adult, €12 per student and €10 per child aged 5-18.
Address: 93216 Saint-Denis, Paris, Île-de-France 93216, France
Admission: Tours: €15
From $ 17
St Lucia Rainforest
Many visitors to Saint Lucia see nothing more than the coast, and only the Caribbean coast at that. But the rugged hinterland can offer more than just an exotic green background in your beach holiday snaps. Stretches of untouched rainforest are the green heart of St. Lucia, teeming with vegetation and local species such as the colorful St. Lucia Parrot.
Much of the mountainous, largely unpopulated interior comes under the auspices of the Forestry Department, who control the various trails. Popular routes include the Edmund Forest Reserve, from which you emerge in the shadow of Mount Gimie, the island’s tallest peak, and the more demanding Des Cartiers trail, which takes you right off the beaten track in the island’s east.
Practical Info
Many areas in the interior are protected and you will need express permission from the Forestry Department to enter them. In some cases you will be assigned a guide.
Address: St Lucia
Hours: Open daily 8am - 4pm
Admission: Trail Permits: EC$25
From $ 65
Sri Mariamman Temple
Located in the middle of Singapore’s Chinatown sits the country’s oldest and most popular Hindu temples. Built in 1827, the Sri Mariamman Temple resembles the colorful Dravidian style of the temples of South India, and many of the temple’s worshippers are South Indian immigrants and their families.
The ornamental entrance tower of the temple, covered in colorful sculptures of deities and mythological beings, has become one of Singapore’s most recognizable landmarks. Within, you’ll find a main shrine area dedicated to the goddess Mariamman, a member of the Hindu pantheon known as a healer. Freestanding shrines surrounding the main prayer hall display statues of many secondary deities.
Admission to the temple is free, but if you plan to take photographs, you may be asked to provide a small “donation,” though this isn’t always enforced. If you visit the temple in late fall, you might get lucky and catch the annual fire walking ceremony, one of many festivals and events hosted by the temple throughout the year.
The ornamental entrance tower of the temple, covered in colorful sculptures of deities and mythological beings, has become one of Singapore’s most recognizable landmarks. Within, you’ll find a main shrine area dedicated to the goddess Mariamman, a member of the Hindu pantheon known as a healer. Freestanding shrines surrounding the main prayer hall display statues of many secondary deities.
Admission to the temple is free, but if you plan to take photographs, you may be asked to provide a small “donation,” though this isn’t always enforced. If you visit the temple in late fall, you might get lucky and catch the annual fire walking ceremony, one of many festivals and events hosted by the temple throughout the year.
Address: 244 S Bridge Rd, 058793, Singapore
Hours: Mon-Sun 7am-12pm, 6pm-9pm
From $ 17
St Peter's Church (Sankt Petri Kyrka)
The oldest building in Malmo, St. Peter’s Church dates back to 1319. Built in a Gothic style with red and brown bricks, it was largely based on St. Mary’s Church in Lubeck, Germany. A 105-meter high tower was added in the 15th century, together with several chapels and the baptismal font. The simple white interior walls are embellished by an ornate altar and elaborate fixtures. The Tradesman’s Chapel is notable for its mural paintings from around 1520, which are some of the best preserved in Scandinavia; the rest of the church’s murals have been destroyed. Also worth checking out is the floor in the oldest part of the church, which is made of broke gravestones.
The church is still in active use and a project is currently underway to add a new organ by 2018 that would be the largest church organ in Scandinavia.
Practical Info
St. Peter’s Church, also called Sankt Petri Church, stands behind Malmo’s City Hall in the Old Town. It is a short walk from the train station; simply cross the Petribron bridge and head south on Goran Olsgatan. The church will soon be on your left.
Address: Göran Olsgatan 4, Malmo, Sweden
Hours: Daily, 10am-6pm
From $ 19
St. Lucia Aerial Tram
Imagine yourself able to soar above one of the planet's most majestic rainforests, experiencing what almost seems like a firsthand movie-reel of nature's exotic beauty. Well, in the Caribbean's beautiful St. Lucia, you can, with its Sky Canopy and Air Tram.
This once in a lifetime joyride allows you to experience St. Lucia from an aerial view as high as 120 feet (37 meters) above ground, and includes a narration on its plush fauna, waterfalls, tree orchids, ferns, and amazing animal-life.
The spectacular open-air tour, which rides through the forest treetops for two and a half hours, is not only a visually stimulating experience, but with the help of a handy professional naturalist, is an educational one as well.
The aerial tram is a comfortable experience that allows up to eight people per tram, perfect for bringing along the entire family. You can also feel free to enjoy drinks in the tram's bar, including one that is complimentary.
This once in a lifetime joyride allows you to experience St. Lucia from an aerial view as high as 120 feet (37 meters) above ground, and includes a narration on its plush fauna, waterfalls, tree orchids, ferns, and amazing animal-life.
The spectacular open-air tour, which rides through the forest treetops for two and a half hours, is not only a visually stimulating experience, but with the help of a handy professional naturalist, is an educational one as well.
The aerial tram is a comfortable experience that allows up to eight people per tram, perfect for bringing along the entire family. You can also feel free to enjoy drinks in the tram's bar, including one that is complimentary.
Practical Info
Although prices tend to differ depending on the season (which you can
book in advance online), the aerial tram could be considered to be a
bit pricey, particularly if you are planning on bringing along more
than just yourself, and prices do not change very drastically, so be
weary. However, if you can spare it, you will not be disappointed.
Address: St Lucia
Hours: Open daily
Admission: Pricing differs by season
From $ 80
St Andrew's Cathedral
A national monument and the city’s largest cathedral, the St. Andrew’s Cathedral that now stands in civic district of Singapore, has a long history and is actually the latest (and oldest) iteration of the structure. Sir Stamford Raffles chose the site for the church in 1823 and the foundation stone was laid in 1934. Funded by Scottish merchants, the church was given the name of the patron saint of Scotland and is the oldest Anglican house of worship in Singapore. After the original church was struck by lightning—twice—it was deemed unsafe and closed in 1852. The church was rebuilt and consecrated in 1862. During World War II, the church was utilized as an emergency hospital during air raids; it was deemed a national monument in 1973.
It’s easy to spot St. Andrew’s in the midst of the sleek glass buildings that dominate the business district of Singapore. Pristinely white, the exterior of the building gleams in the hot Singapore sun; the interior is blessedly cool and the various historic plaques and beautiful stained glass windows will attract your attention. Grab a pamphlet from the entryway for a self-guided tour, or join one of the free guided tours that take place twice daily.
Practical Info
You can reach St. Andrew’s by bus or by taking the MRT to the City Hall Station. The Cathedral is open to visitors daily from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Complimentary guided tours, conducted by Cathedral staff, are given daily on Mondays through Saturdays from 10:30 am–12 p.m. and 2:30-4 p.m. (tours are not available on Wednesday mornings and Saturday afternoons).
Address: 11 St Andrew's Rd, 178959, Singapore
From $ 29
Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque
Muscat’s most magnificent religious building and the only mosque in Oman to open its doors to tourists, the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is one of the city’s most popular attractions. Built in the Ghubrah suburb back in 2001, the landmark building is an impressive feat of contemporary Islamic architecture and one of the largest mosques in the Gulf, with the 40,000-square-meter grounds able to accommodate an incredible 20,000 worshippers at one time.
Set within a vast walled compound, overlooked by 5 towering minarets, the Grand Mosque encompasses two prayer halls encircled by a courtyard, gardens and a series of water features. Incorporating elements of Omani, Persian and Egyptian design, the complex is sculpted entirely from pristine white Indian sandstone and includes a Ladies’ Prayer Hall, library and meeting rooms. The crowning glory of the mosque is the lavish central prayer hall, a gleaming mass of white and grey marble adorned with elaborate tile work and featuring a 14-meter tall Swarovski crystal chandelier and the second largest carpet in the world – a 70-meter-long, hand-woven Iranian rug. Beneath the dramatic 50-meter high gold, latticed dome, there is space for up to 6,600 prayer mats.
While the mosque welcomes visitors, non-Muslims may only enter the main prayer hall during designated times and both men and women entering the mosque are required to follow the dress code – arms, legs and hair (women only) must be covered.
Address: Muscat, Oman
From $ 32
St George's Cruise Port
On the far northeastern tip of Bermuda, St George's cruise port is located in what was once the island's capital. In fact, the town of St George is claimed to be the oldest continuously inhabited English settlement in the New World, and the entire town and its fortifications are preserved as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The quaint town of whitewashed houses, palm trees, and lovely bays provides a marvelously laid-back welcome to Bermuda and its white-sand beaches, colonial history, and marine life.
How to Get to St George's
How to Get to St George's
Ships dock on Ordinance Island, a few steps from shore in the middle of St George's Harbour, which is linked to the mainland by a bridge. St George's main hub is King’s Square, minutes from where you’ll dock, and you can pick up maps and walking-tour details from the visitor center here.
One Day in Bermuda
Beaches are Bermuda’s main draw, and the white sands of Achilles Bay are less than a mile from the cruise dock. Also near St George's is Tobacco Bay for a day of snorkeling and sunbathing.
Of course, British colonial architecture is Bermuda’s other claim to fame, and there’s plenty to explore if you’re interested in history. St George's is set around a lovely harbor, with whitewashed St Peter’s Church, Georgian-era houses, period street lighting, intriguing alleyways, a National Trust museum, and colonial reminders like the replica ducking stool in King's Square. Hamilton is 15 miles (24 km) away, connected to St George's by bus and ferry services. From there, you can jump on another ferry to explore the Royal Naval Dockyard.
Port Information
Cruise liners sailing to Bermuda include Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Holland America, and Princess. English is spoken and the local currency is the Bermuda dollar. US dollars are also accepted, but leave your British cash at home. St George's does offer ATMs and banks.
One Day in Bermuda
Beaches are Bermuda’s main draw, and the white sands of Achilles Bay are less than a mile from the cruise dock. Also near St George's is Tobacco Bay for a day of snorkeling and sunbathing.
Of course, British colonial architecture is Bermuda’s other claim to fame, and there’s plenty to explore if you’re interested in history. St George's is set around a lovely harbor, with whitewashed St Peter’s Church, Georgian-era houses, period street lighting, intriguing alleyways, a National Trust museum, and colonial reminders like the replica ducking stool in King's Square. Hamilton is 15 miles (24 km) away, connected to St George's by bus and ferry services. From there, you can jump on another ferry to explore the Royal Naval Dockyard.
Port Information
Cruise liners sailing to Bermuda include Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Holland America, and Princess. English is spoken and the local currency is the Bermuda dollar. US dollars are also accepted, but leave your British cash at home. St George's does offer ATMs and banks.
Address: St George's, Bermuda
From $ 85
Stingray City Cayman Islands
With vibrant coral reefs, crystalline waters, and some of the largest southern rays in the Caribbean, it’s no wonder that Stingray City is one of the most visited attractions in the Cayman Islands. Dive into the warm Caribbean waters of the North Sound to swim and snorkel in an area known for its wild stingrays and learn more about the magnificent creatures and their conservation.
The Basics
Visiting Stingray City is only possible by guided tour and all groups are accompanied by trained professionals to ensure both the safety of participants and the preservation of the natural environment. Tours to Stingray City are often combined with other island attractions such as the Coral Garden and Starfish Beach, or activities like snorkeling, catamaran cruises, glass-bottom boat tours, and jet skiing. Most tours include hotel pickup and round-trip transport.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Pack your swimsuit, towel, sunscreen (shade is limited), and an underwater camera—snorkeling equipment is provided and photos will be available to purchase.
- Guests can choose to swim, snorkel, scuba dive, or take a glass-bottomed boat tour.
- All interaction with the stingrays takes place under supervision of trained professionals who first safely demonstrate how best to avoid the stingrays’ sharp, coated tail barbs and safely pet their sandpapery skin.
- Tours take place in shallow waters and life jackets are available for non-swimmers.
- Visitors should avoid using tanning oils, which is toxic to the rays.
How to Get to Stingray City
Stingray City is located on a natural offshore sandbar between Morgan Harbor and Rum Point in the North Sound area of Grand Cayman. Most tours include hotel pickup or transfers from accommodations in the George Town and Seven Mile Beach areas, followed by a 20-minute boat cruise out to the sandbar.
When to Get There
With area waters at 70°F (21°C) nearly year round, Stingray City is open daily and tours take place several times daily. To avoid the crowds, opt for an early morning time slot before the cruise ships dock or a late afternoon tour after the larger tour groups have left.
Swimming with Stingrays
The fenceless swimming areas at Stingray City allow wild stingrays to come and go as they please, but the rays are accustomed to human presence and often arrive in large numbers when they hear boats arrive. Tour participants may have the opportunity to feed, touch, and interact with the wild stingrays under supervision, but instruction will be provided to ensure you stay safe and do not disturb the rays’ natural habitat or offer inappropriate foods.
Address: North Sound, Rum Point, Cayman Islands
Admission: Varies
From $ 40
St Germain des Pr es
As is common in Europe, the St Germain des Prés neighborhood is named after its church, in this case the sixth-century Benedictine Église de St-Germain-des-Prés, named after St Germain, in honor of the Bishop of Paris. We have this church to thank for the student-led vibe of the area; they donated the land from the church to the Seine and to the University of Paris, thus creating the Latin Quarter that we know and love today.
The main street in the neighborhood, in the sixth arrondissement, is the Haussmann-designed Boulevard St Germain. It has chic stores and plenty of cafes for people watching. In fact, the romance of whiling away the hours at a cafe was practically born in St Germain des Prés, at historic Les Deux Magots and Café de Flore.
The main street in the neighborhood, in the sixth arrondissement, is the Haussmann-designed Boulevard St Germain. It has chic stores and plenty of cafes for people watching. In fact, the romance of whiling away the hours at a cafe was practically born in St Germain des Prés, at historic Les Deux Magots and Café de Flore.
Practical Info
The M4 has a St Germain des Prés stop, which takes you to the southern end of the neighborhood; head north, and the neighborhood ends at the left bank of the Seine.
Address: 3 Place St-Germain des Prés, Paris 75006, France
From $ 14
St Etienne du Mont
In a city filled with beautiful churches and cathedrals the likes of Notre Dame and Sainte-Chapelle, St Etienne du Mont remains one of the prettiest ecclesiastical buildings in Paris. Built between 1492 and 1655, the Gothic and Renaissance-style church in the city’s Latin Quarter houses the lone rood screen remaining in Paris, dating back to 1535.
Ste Genevieve, the patron of the city, was interred in the church’s southeastern corner before French revolutionaries destroyed her remains. Today, her ornate tomb includes a reliquary housing all that was left, a sole finger bone. Jean Racine and Blaise Pascal, two of the city’s most famous intellectuals, are also buried within the church.
Other items of note include the oldest pipe organ case in Paris (carved in 1631 by Jehan Buron), a baroque pulpit from 1651 and a series of stained glass windows dating from the early sixteenth century through the first part of the seventeenth century.
Practical Info
St Etienne du Mont is closed on Mondays. While visitors are welcome to attend services, they’re asked not to wander the church during times of worship.
Address: Place Sainte-Geneviève, Paris, France
Hours: Closed Mondays
From $ 29
St John's Parish Church
One of Barbados’s oldest church sites, the St. John’s Parish Church has experienced a tumultuous history, having been damaged by fires and hurricanes and rebuilt multiple times since it was originally established in 1645. The current incarnation was completed in 1836, while the chancel was added some years later. It was constructed in the Gothic style, and its dramatic location offers spectacular views of the rugged, windswept eastern shore of Barbados. Notable attractions include the grave of Ferdinand Paleologus, a descendant of the Emperor Constantine, and a sculpture by British sculptor Richard Westmacott near the front doors, and one of only two sundials on the island.
Practical Info
St John's Parish Church sits among the plantation lands on the rugged eastern side of Barbados. It’s a 25 minute drive from Bridegtown, and visitors can stop by anytime to explore the church and enjoy the view.
Address: Parris Hill, St. John Parish, Barbados
From $ 85
Sulphur Springs
Billed as “the Caribbean’s only drive-in volcano,” Sulphur Springs Park is one of the most active geothermal sites in the Lesser Antilles. Guided tours through the caldera of the dormant Soufriere Volcano take about 30 minutes and allow visitors to explore the stark, lunar landscape pockmarked by steam vents and pools of boiling mud and water, where the air is tinged by the acrid scent of sulphur from the venting fumaroles. Downstream from the boiling pools, a pair of bathing pools has water that has cooled to a comfortable 38.7 degrees C (101.6 F). The Black Water Pool—famed for its reputed health properties—is so rich with dissolved minerals that the waters are tinged black, while the Pool of Love has clear, warm water where visitors can soak in the natural hot tub surrounded by rainforest.
Practical Info
Sulphur Springs Park is a 5 minute bus ride or 30 minute walk from the town center of Soufriere, which sits along the southwest coast, about 40 km (25 miles) from Castries. A guided tour of the springs and soak in the baths costs $11 per person ($5 per child). Sulpher Spring Park is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., except for the first Friday in September.
Address: Sulphur Spring Park, Soufriere, St Lucia
Admission: Adults: $11; Children: $5
From $ 50
Stob Pyramids
Stob Pyramids are a unique series of sandstone rock formations located in the foothills of the Rila mountain range southwest of Sofia. Stretching over 7.5 hectares, these pyramids — some dumpy, some spiky — cluster together up the hillsides and have been eroded over the centuries by wind and snow. Reaching up to around 39.5 ft (12 m) with bases of up to 131 ft (40 m), they come in multiple shades of brown and are more numerous on the southern slopes of the slopes than the north.
First stop for information and directions to the naturally formed pyramids is the visitor center in the ancient village of Stob. A way-marked ecotrail departs into the countryside from nearby St Procopius Church and winds up through lush meadows to the pyramids in around an hour; continue following the trail uphill for fantastic views looking down over their serrated peaks. As winter brings snow, rain and mud to this rural corner of Bulgaria, plan to visit Stob Pyramids in summer.
The Rila Mountains make a spectacular day trip from Sofia for their wild landscapes, hiking around the Seven Rila Lakes and the chance to visit Rila Monastery, founded in 927 by a hermit monk.
Practical Info
Stob is open Mar–Oct daily 8:30am–6:30pm; Nov–Feb Mon–Fri 8:30am–5pm. Admission 2 lev.
Stob is 60 miles (96 km) southwest of Sofia and is best reached by car along the E-79 in around an hour. The Stob Pyramids are located 4.2 miles (7 km) northeast of the village; there’s a car park at the beginning of the ecotrail.
Address: Stob, Blagoevrad 2638, Bulgaria
Hours: Open daily Mar–Oct 8:30am–6:30pm; Nov–Feb Mon–Fri 8:30am–5pm
Admission: 2 lev
From $ 64
St George's
St George’s is a city in Bermuda that is a UNESCO World Heritage site thanks to its colonial buildings that have changed very little in the past 100 years. St George’s was the part of Bermuda originally discovered by Britain after a ship sailing for Jamestown, Virginia was caught in a storm and washed ashore onto what is now St George’s in 1609. The ship eventually continued to the island but not before leaving behind a few members of the crew to stake claim to the island.
The main charm of St George’s comes from ambling through the streets of the old town and feeling like you’ve been transported back to another era. St George’s also has some top sites to see, including St Peter’s Church, the oldest Anglican church in the Western Hemisphere; Fort St Catherine, which at one time helped defend Bermuda from intruders and today houses a history museum; King’s Square, which still has stocks, pillory and a whipping post that was used to punish criminals hundreds of years ago; and Town Hall, a must-see for those interested in the law and government.
Practical Info
St George’s is located on a harbor in the upper east corner of Bermuda. It can be visited via ferry from Hamilton or the Dockyard, or via land by crossing Castle Harbour via the Causeway and St George’s Harbor along Mullet Bay Road.
Address: St. George's, Bermuda
From $ 75
St. Lucia Cruise Port
The pristine beaches, lush rain forests, and volcanic topography of St. Lucia make it one of the Caribbean’s most popular islands. It’s also a top destination for cruise passengers, welcoming over 300 cruise ships each year.
The Basics
St. Lucia’s small size makes it easy to explore on a half- or full-day shore excursion, either by boat or minivan. Popular destinations include Soufrière, Pigeon Island, and Rodney Bay, and many tours include a photo stop at the twin volcanic spires of the Pitons, a visit to a banana plantation, or a mud bath at the Sulphur Springs.
Adventurous visitors might consider a Segway or ATV tour, ziplining or riding an aerial tram through the rain forest, hiking the Tet Paul Nature Trail, or chartering a private speedboat to explore the island’s beaches.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Shore excursions typically include port pickup and drop-off.
- Be aware that island buses will wait until they are full before departing, so this may not be the best mode of transportation if you’re short on time.
- Be sure to pack your swimsuit, towel, and sun protection—most tours offer a chance for swimming or snorkeling.
How to Get to Castries from the Port of St. Lucia
Most cruise ships dock in Castries on the island’s northwest coast, either at La Place Carenage, right in the center of town, or at Pointe Seraphine, just across the harbor. From Pointe Seraphine, it’s about a 20-minute walk or a short water-taxi ride into town. Taxis and car rentals are also available at both cruise terminals.
Port Information
The official language of St. Lucia is English, but many locals also speak Patois. In addition to the Eastern Caribbean dollar—the island’s official currency—most businesses accept American dollars and credit cards.
Address: Castries, St. Lucia, St Lucia
From $ 19
St Croix
St. Croix keeps its distance from the other two U.S. Virgin Islands, with a distinct identity and thriving industry which leaves it less reliant on tourism. Nonetheless there is more than enough to interest beach bums, history buffs and even gourmands.
There are numerous excellent beaches here, ranging from busy tourist magnets to secluded south coast spots where it’s just you and the palm trees. The whole coastline is famed for its diving opportunities, dotted with wrecks and wreathed by reefs.
Christiansted, the largest community, is a charming town with vivid traces of the Danish colonial adventure. Both there and the west coast town of Frederiksted offer some of the best dining in the Virgin Islands. Saint Croix’s local flavors include excellent mangos, goat stew and the ubiquitous Cruzan Rum.
Practical Info
St. Croix’s airport connects mainly to other Caribbean destinations, as well as direct flights to Miami, Atlanta and Charlotte. Ferries from Christiansted travel to St. John and St. Thomas.
Address: US Virgin Islands
Admission: Free
From $ 27
Starfish Point
Take a drive to the northeastern tip of the bay on Grand Cayman to find an idyllic spot where a spit of sand stretches into the blue Caribbean, with shallow water all around that is a popular gathering place for pillow cushion sea stars. These plump starfish look like stuffed animals, though they are very much alive and grazing along the seafloor.
Bring your snorkel gear to find the starfish on the bottom, you can even touch them, but resist the urge to lift them out of the water. They are living marine creatures who need to be in the water to survive, and bringing them into the air can cause stress or damage to the animals if they’re kept out long enough. Aside from the starfish hunting, this area is a great place to swim and sunbathe away from the crowds on the beaches closer to town.
Practical Info
To get to Starfish Point, follow signs or directions to Rum Point on the north side of the island, then take a left on Water Cay Road, and follow it to the end of the finger-like kai.
Address: Starfish Point, Cayman Islands
From $ 59
St. Goar
One of many highlights along the UNESCO-listed Middle Rhine Valley, the small town of St. Goar (Sankt Goar) sits on the banks of the Rhine river. Along with its picturesque medieval buildings, St. Goar is most famous for its 13th-century Rheinfels Castle (Burg Rheinfels) and the landmark Loreley Rock, which stands opposite.
The Basics
The most popular way to discover St. Goar is as part of a Rhine river cruise. KD Rhine Passes are available from Mainz, Cologne, Koblenz, and Bonn, and offer hop-on hop-off boats in both directions, all stopping at St. Goar. It’s also possible to visit the town on a full-day round-trip cruise from Koblenz, including magnificent views of the Loreley Rock and Rheinfels Castle from the water. In St. Goar, pay a visit to the Rheinfels Castle, stroll around the atmospheric old town, and then enjoy a traditional lunch at one of the riverside pubs.
Things to Know Before You Go
- St. Goar’s small size makes it easy to get around the town on foot.
- KD Rhine Passes offer unlimited boat access for 24 hours.
- St. Goar’s Tourist Information Office is located on Heerstraße, a short walk from the port.
How to Get There
St. Goar is located in the Middle Rhine Valley between Oberwesel and Kamp-Bornhofen, and the most scenic way to arrive is by boat. From Koblenz, it’s about a 3.5-hour boat ride to reach St. Goar, but regular trains also run from Frankfurt, Mainz, and Koblenz. The closest international airport is in Frankfurt.
When to Get There
Summer is peak season in St. Goar and the small town can be overwhelmed by day-trippers throughout July and August. Opting to stay the night is the best way to experience the town without the crowds. For the most spectacular views, visit during the annual Rhine in Flames festival in September, when the town hosts a dazzling fireworks and lights display.
The UNESCO-Listed Rhine Valley
While the Rhine Valley runs all the way to Cologne, the Upper Middle Rhine Valley between Koblenz and Bingen is arguably the most beautiful stretch and is protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Highlights include the winemaking town of Rüdesheim, the historic Abbey of St. Hildegard of Bingen, Loreley Rock, and Ehrenbreitstein Fortress in Koblenz, or you could just sit back admire the views—think vine-covered mountains, hilltop castles, and riverside medieval towns.
Address: St Goar, Germany
Admission: Free
From $ 38
St Thomas Church
The striking Cathedral of Notre-Dame might be Strasbourg’s most famous religious building, but the comparatively modest St Thomas Church still stands out as one of the city’s most unique designs. Combining its 12th-century Romanesque façade with Gothic touches added in the 16th century, the protestant church appears more like a castle than a church and boasts five naves and a single tower.
Inside the church, notable highlights include a 10-meter-tall fresco of Saint Michael; an 18th-century Silbermann organ, famously played by Mozart; and an impressive collection of 18th and 19th-century tombs, including the elaborate Marshal of Saxony mausoleum, the work of legendary sculptor J.B. Pigalle.
Practical Info
The St Thomas Church is located on the Grande Île in central Strasbourg, a short walk from the Covered Bridges and La Petite France. The church is open March through December from 10 a.m. to 5p.m. In March and February it closed except during religious celebrations. Entrance is free.
Address: 11 Rue Martin Luther, Strasbourg, France
Hours: The church is open March through December from 10 a.m. to 5p.m. In March and February it closed except during religious celebrations.
From $ 260