Choose from 812 Fun Things to Do in Riviera Maya & The Yucatan
ShowingFilter 221-240 of 812 listings.
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.
Address: River Valley Road, Singapore
Admission: Admission required for museums
From $ 24
Geylang Serai Market
Recently rebuilt to reflect the architecture of the old Malay kampong houses, Geylang Serai Market has been at the heart of Singapore's Malay community since the mid-1960s. With its distinctive three-tiered entrance, the market is a bustling hub of activity from sunrise to sunset. It features a wet market selling an array of fresh produce and other products on the ground floor, and a hugely popular hawker food center with plenty of Malay and Indian specialities on its first floor.
The wet market offers a variety of fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry, seafood, and spices, and is a good place to pick up decorative fabrics too. However, it’s the food court upstairs that’s the main attraction for most visitors. This huge space is filled with vendors serving up classic Asian dishes such as nasi padang (rice with various ingredients), ayam balado (spicy fried chicken), sayur lodeh (vegetable curry), and pisang goreng (banana fritters).
Geylang Serai Market offers a clean and vibrant place for the whole family to experience dishes from the local Malay community and beyond. Devoted foodies can enjoy it as part of a heritage food tour that also includes visiting the foodie destinations of Joo Chiat and Katong, while culture vultures might like to combine it with a neighborhood walk around Geylang, Chinatown, and Little India.
Practical Info
An average meal at Geylang Serai Market costs around $3-$10. It is open throughout the week as well as at the weekends, and the closest metro station is Paya Lebar.
Did You Know? The food court at Geylang Serai Market has a seating capacity off 955.
Address: 1 Geylang Serai, 402001, Singapore
Hours: 8am-10pm
From $ 113
Frenchman's Pass
A narrow passage between coral cliffs above Aruba’s Spanish Lagoon, Frenchman’s Pass is like many of the island’s attractions in that it’s a historical point of interest that also boasts stunning scenery. However, this pleasant sight for history buffs nature lovers, and ghost hunters alike, is mainly seen by visitors driving through it.
The Basics
Legend has it that Caribbean pirates trying to overtake Aruba were confronted at this narrow, wooded passageway. It is believed there was a bloody battle with many indigenous lives lost; so, some people claim the ghosts of the fallen rise and cry from the pass at night. Some tours of the island drive through Frenchman's Pass via 4WD vehicles on the way to Baby Beach. You can also travel through to the Bushiribana gold mill ruins.
Things to Know Before You Go
- There is no signage indicating where Frenchman's Pass begins, so you may not realize you were on it until you've been through it.
- Some claim that visitors lose their radio signal while driving through, which adds to the passageway’s haunted history.
- This is also home to hundreds of parakeets and egrets, making it an ideal stop for nature lovers.
How to Get There
Frenchman’s Pass is located just north of the Spanish Lagoon on the western side of Aruba and south of Oranjestad. You can reach Frenchman’s Pass by heading north on Sabana Basora. From the cruise ship terminal, it’s about 20 minutes’ drive to the pass; take Lloyd G. Smith Boulevard to Route 1.
When to Get There
Aruba is pleasant and warm year-round, and it’s outside the hurricane belt, so visitors don’t usually have to worry about storms. Aruba is also a popular weekend destination, so the airport is more crowded Friday through Sunday.
Ayo and Casibari Rock Formations
Another local legend says that the Ayo and Casibari Rock Formations, Aruba’s popular natural attractions, were used by the indigenous Arawak people to hear incoming thunderstorms that were approaching the island. The rock formations are free to visit and offer great views of the Caribbean.
Address: Sabana Basora, Oranjestad, Aruba
From $ 115
George Town
Charming George Town is the Caymans Islands’ capital, situated on Grand Cayman in the British West Indies. As well as being a major offshore banking hub, George Town is a popular port for cruise ships, thanks to its laid-back and colorful Caribbean vibe—and the some of the Cayman Islands’ most glorious beaches.
The Basics
Resorts line stunning Seven Mile Beach, attracting families, honeymooners, and, especially, divers. The year-round warm water and great visibility combine with exciting wreck dives to create one of the top diving locations on the planet. Divers from around the world come here to dive the famous Stingray City site.
Plenty of city tours and shore excursions combine sights in George Town and around Grand Cayman. Highlights include the Grand Cayman Turtle Farm, where you’ll see turtles of all sizes; the tiny post office in the town of Hell, surrounded by otherworldly rock formations; and the local rum distillery, where you can taste spirits as well as one of the most famous local products, rum cake. Boat tours and submarine tours explore the coral gardens, the barrier reef, the Kittiwake shipwreck, and other offshore locations. Fishing charters are also readily available.
Know Before You Go
- George Town and Seven Mile Beach are idyllic for beachgoers and water sports enthusiasts.
- Food and drink are particularly pricey on Grand Cayman, so plan your budget accordingly.
- Grand Cayman is a hot spot for divers and snorkelers, so book any diving and snorkeling tours well in advance of your trip.
How to Get There
George Town is on Grand Cayman’s southwest coast. The island’s international airport is two miles (three kilometers) from town.
When to Get There
Grand Cayman is warm year-round, which means eternal beach weather. Summer is the rainiest season, and hurricane season lasts from June through November. Some experts recommend visiting between March and June, when hotel rates and flight prices tend to drop. Grand Cayman shore excursions are very popular, so brace for major George Town crowds Tuesday through Friday, when cruise ships typically dock here.
Visiting Stingray City
A series of shallow sandbars in the North Sound tend to harbor southern stingrays—and lots of tourists who want to see them. Stingray City is a top island attraction, and swimming, snorkeling, and diving among the rays are all popular activities. The creatures are docile and harmless while feasting on squid provided by the tour guides. Most scuba diving and snorkeling tours bound for Stingray City depart from Rum Point, on the north Grand Cayman shore.
Address: Harbor Street, George Town KY1, Cayman Islands
Admission: Free
From $ 29
Freshwater Lake
Among the myriad natural and geological wonders you’ll find in Dominica’s Morne Trois Pitons National Park is Freshwater Lake, also known as Warmae Letang. This water-filled volcanic crater sits at around 2,500 feet above sea level, and it’s surrounded by moss, ferns and lush vegetation of Dominca’s interior rainforest, making it great place to spot the elusive Carib hummingbird. As the island’s largest lake, it’s the headwaters of the Roseau River, and a hydroelectric dam at the riverhead provides power to the island. In recent years the lake has become a popular eco-tourism destination with boating and kayaking trips available on the lake itself, and an easy hiking trail that circumnavigates the lake, which takes an hour or two to complete. From Freshwater Lake you can also continue hiking another mile to explore nearby Boeri Lake, which is the island’s deepest.
Practical Info
The gateway to Morne Trois Pitons National Park and Freshwater Lake is the town of Laudat, which sits just outside the park boundary as is a short drive inland from the capital Roseau. A 2.5-mile road connects Laudat to Freshwater Lake, and it’s open to cars and hikers.
Address: Morne Trois Pitons National Park, Laudat, Dominica
From $ 120
Gardel Plaza
Carlos Gardel was a famous tango musician whose music and voice thrilled lovers of tango all over the world. In 1935, while touring Colombia, he was involved in a tragic airplane accident in Medellin that took his life. That event sparked the love of tango in Medellin, and to this day that love is kept alive.
One of the places it lives on is at the same airport where Gardel lost his life, the Enrique Olaya Herrera Airport. A plaza and sculpture were erected in 2003 to remember Gardel, his life and his works. The statue, made by artist Salvador Arango from the state of Antioquia, shows the elegantly dressed Gardel singing and playing the guitar while a couple dances tango behind him.
Tango events take place at this site during the year, and visitors come from around the world to appreciate the art of this beloved singer and musician.
Practical Info
The Olaya Herrera Airport is located at Carrera 52 # 14 A-82, Medellin. The best way to get to the airport is by taxi.
Address: Carrera 52 # 14 A-82, Medellin, Colombia
From $ 59
French National Library (Bibliotheque Nationale de France)
The French National Library (Bibliotheque Nationale de France) is a major research and conservation library that dates back to the Middle Ages. The library’s collections contain 14 million books and printed documents, and nearly 150,000 documents are added to the collections every year. The library is comprised of four main buildings: Site François-Mitterrand, the center for digital projects and collections; Site Richelieu-Louvois, which houses the departments of manuscripts, prints, cartography, music, theater, coins and medals; Site de L’Arsenal, containing the library of the French arsenal (more than a million books are in this building alone); and the Bibliothèque – Musée de l’Opéra, with collections related to the National Opera of Paris and the Comic Opera Theater.
The library hosts numerous cultural events throughout the year including exhibitions, lectures, symposiums, and concerts. Guided tours of each of the buildings offer a glimpse into the library’s history and the building’s architecture (the François-Mitterrand Library), the museum of coins and medals (Richelieu Library), and the old military arsenal (Arsenal Library).
Practical Info
Bring a valid ID for access to the library’s reading rooms and exhibitions. Large bags and suitcases are not allowed in the library. The library’s virtual, rotating, and permanent exhibitions range in price from 7 – 14 Euros. Permanent exhibitions include: Globes of Louis XIV; Discovering the Bibliotheque Nationale de France’s Garden; the Museum of Coins, Medals, and Antiques. Rotating exhibitions have included Anselm Kiefer and the Alchemy of Books; Prints from Goya to Redon; and French Prints in the Age of Louis XIV.
Address: Quai François Mauriac, Paris 75013, France
Hours: Varies, almost always open Monday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Admission: Pricing for exhibits varies from 7 – 14 Euros
From $ 68
Fragonard Perfume Museum (Mus ee du Parfum Fragonard)
Since the 17th century, Paris has been at the forefront of the fragrance industry. Some of the best noses in perfume have built their careers amid the cobbled streets and fashionable boutiques that make the City of Light famous. No place showcases France's rich history and bright future of perfume quite like the Fragonard Museum.
Located inside a beautifully restored Napoleon-era mansion, Fragonard allows travelers an opportunity to learn more about the thriving fragrance industry that helped put Paris on the map. Visitors can learn how expert perfumers transformed flowers, moss, leaves, potent herbs and strong spices into memorable scents that have made their mark around the world.
The perfume organ, which looks similar to a cathedral organ, is a popular exhibit at the Frangonard. Travelers can comb through rows of ingredients and examine tools of the trade, like scales, glass frames and other items used by perfumers to create unique fragrances.
Practical Info
The museum is located at 9 rue Scribe, near the Opera station of the Paris Metro. It is open from 9am until 6pm. Monday through Saturday, and from 9am until 5pm on Sundays and holidays. Admission is free and guided tours are available.
Address: 9 rue Scribe, Paris, Ile-de-France, France
Hours: Mon-Sat 9am-6pm; Sunday until 5pm
From $ 8
Gare du Nord
Gare du Nord is one of the six major train stations in Paris, with service to London, Brussels, Amsterdam and other destinations north of the French capital. Strictly speaking, Gare du Nord is the busiest railway station in Europe and the busiest in the world outside Japan with over 700,000 passengers every day for a grand yearly total of 190 million.
Because of the role it plays in Paris’ daily transports, Gare du Nord was featured in many movies, including Ocean’s Twelve, the Bourne Identity and The Da Vinci Code.
The train station itself was built in the 1860s and comprises 36 platforms, including a separate terminal for the Eurostar trains which require security and customs checks. The U-shaped terminal is made out of cast iron and stone, including the statues that decorate the main entrance – each representing destinations outside of France.
Practical Info
Gare du Nord is located on Rue de Maubeuge in Paris’ 10th arrondissement. It is possible to get there by car via Boulevard de Magenta (there is an underground parking on Rue de Compiègne), and by metro, with service on lines 4, 5, and RER B and D. The station concourse is open every day from 4:30am to 1:00am.
Address: 112 Rue de Maubeuge, Paris, Ile-de-France 75010, France
Hours: Daily from 4:30am to 1:00am
From $ 10
Gare St Lazare
There are few railway stations more photo-worthy than Gare St Lazare—Paris’ busiest train station. Its iconic architecture, sky-high halls and old-world charm have inspired the likes of impressionist painters Edouard Manet and Calude Monet. With 27 platforms servicing more than 100 million passengers a year, this transport hub will likely be a part of any traveler’s visit to the City of Lights. And while the station’s easy eticket system, pay toilets and well-kept grounds are a delight for travelers, visitors should also plan to spend some time taking in the people, the architecture and the energy that inspired an entire generation of artists.
Practical Info
Gare St Lazare is located in the 8th arrondissement near one of the city’s most popular shopping districts. Approximately 1,600 trains depart the station daily.
Address: Paris, France
From $ 87
Gdansk Old Town
One of the largest historical centers in Europe, Gdansk’s Old Town will take you back to the Middle Ages. Due to significant damage during World War II, many buildings are reconstructions of their historic counterparts, but a good number of original structures do remain. Almost one third of the streets in the Old Town have had the same names for more than 500 years.
The Old Town doesn’t have a main square; instead, activity centers around the long pedestrian street known as Dlugi Targ, or Long Market. Standing in the middle of Dlugi Targ is the impressive Neptune Fountain, built in 1633. One highlight of any tour around the Old Town include the 14th century Gothic style city hall, which today is home to the Historical Museum of Gdansk. Another must-see is the House of Uphagen, an 18th century town house that offers a glimpse into how the wealthy burghers of that era lived. Also of note are the 12th century Green Gate, the Dlugie Ogrody (Long Gardens), the colorful and cobbled Mariacka Street, St. Mary’s Church and Targ Weglowy (Coal Square).
Practical Info
The Gdansk Old Town is easily walkable and joining a walking tour can be a great way to see the historic center. Flying into Gdansk Lech Walesa Airport, visitors can get to the center of the city by train or bus. Trains from elsewhere in Poland arrive at the main train station, just east of the city center. The main bus station is just behind the train station.
Address: Gdansk, Poland
From $ 93
France Miniature
Visitors who feel that France is simply too big and its sites too many to cover in one vacation are in for some good news. And that news comes in the form of a 12-acre, France-shaped park known as France Miniature. Long a favorite of school groups and families, a trip here will prove truly unforgettable.
Every major site in France is represented to scale, including bodies of water representing the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts, and the attention to detail and historical context is impressive. There is also a full playground and adventure park with rides and plenty of interactive fun for kids of all ages and adults. For foreign visitors, it's a quirky, fun thing to do that will also give an excellent overview of the country.
Practical Info
France Miniature is located in Elancourt, west of Versailles. It can be reached by train from Paris via the Transilien line U, stop Verrière. From there a local bus stops at the park. If traveling by car, there is a parking fee of €3. Full price adult tickets are €21 in the high season (July and August), and €20 in low season. There are discounts for children under 14 and groups.
Address: Boulevard André Malraux, Élancourt 78990, France
Admission: Varies
From $ 25
Gabriel García Márquez Cultural Center
Located in the historic neighborhood of La Candelaria in downtown Bogotá, the Gabriel García Márquez Cultural Center is a modern addition to the area, having opened its doors in 2008. The center naturally pays homage to Colombia's most famous author from which it takes its name, but in fact hosts a whole range of cultural events that is not limited to purely literature. The complex features an auditorium, a temporary exhibitions space, an expansive bookstore, a restaurant, and a Juan Valdez cafe.
In order to get a good sense of Bogota’s history and culture, many choose to visit the Gabriel García Márquez Cultural Center as part of a La Candelaria and Monserrate walking tour, which also incorporates the attractions of the Plaza de Bolívar and Chorro de Quevedo, as well as including a trip to the summit of Mount Monserrate for sweeping views across the city.
Practical Info
The Gabriel García Márquez Cultural Center is located in the historic area of La Candelaria in downtown Bogotá. Depending on your location, the easiest way to reach it is on foot.
Did You Know? Gabriel García Márquez was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1982, making him only the fourth Latin American in history to do so.
Address: Calle 11, No 560, Bogota, Colombia
Hours: Various
From $ 43
Galerie Vivienne
Located in the 2nd Arrondissement, the Galerie Vivienne is one of the most iconic covered passages in Paris. Built in 1823 in a neoclassical Pompeian style, the 176-meter long passage features an elegant canopy, mosaic tile floors, paintings and sculptures depicting trade-related scenes and a rotunda with images of goddesses and nymphs. The arcade was originally home to a variety of shops, including tailors, cobblers, wine shops, confectioners and bookstores and enjoyed a great deal of success due to its prime location near the Vanel de Serrant Hotel. While many of its most prestigious shops eventually moved elsewhere, the passage was reborn in the 1960s.
Today, it offers a sophisticated and cozy shopping experience, with shops ranging from clothing boutiques to grocery shops to the old Jousseaume bookstore, one of only two original stores remaining. The other, the Legrand Filles and Fils delicatessen, existed before the gallery was even built.
Practical Info
The Gallerie Vivienne is located behind the Bibliotheque Richelieu and near the Palais Royal. It can be reached from the Bourse Metro station and has entrances off the rue des Petits-Champs, rue de law Banque and rue Vivienne.
Address: 4 Rue des Petits Champs/5-7 Rue de la Banque/6 Rue Vivienne, Paris, France
Hours: Daily 8:30am-8:30pm
From $ 180
Futuroscope
Futuroscope is a technological theme park based upon multimedia, cinematographic and audio-visual techniques using 3D and 4D technologies. It is the third most popular theme park in France, with 1.46 million visitors in 2013, and the only one of its kind in Europe.
Most of the park’s attractions are focused on interactive and immersive experiences, including several IMAX cinemas and domes, along with dynamic movie theatres, planetariums, rides, amusement arcades, an observation tower, an interactive course and a photography exhibition; a total of 25 unique and inventive attractions that will appeal to both grown-ups and children alike. Scientific discoveries, fairy-tale inspired stories, creative scenarios and exhilarating rides are all part of the Futuroscope experience.
The theme park also offers accommodation and meals for visitors wishing to stay overnight; it features eight full-service restaurants and ten fast-food establishments, as well as 13 hotels.
Practical Info
Futuroscope is open from February to December from 10AM; schedule changes regularly and visitors are advised to confirm the opening hours and days before going. Entry without accommodation or meals costs €42 per adult, but there are several special rates available for families. Futuroscope is located 10 kilometers (six miles) north of city of Poitiers in central-eastern France, in the Chasseneuil-du-Poitou commune. It is accessible via exit 28 on the A10 motorway in just over three hours from Paris and an hour and a half from La Rochelle. The theme park is also serviced by a TGV station with regular trains leaving from Paris.
Address: Chasseneuil-du-Poitou, France
Hours: Varies
Admission: €42
From $ 46
Freddie Mercury Memorial
Standing nearly 10 feet tall on the lovely lakeside promenade in Montreux – the home of the second-largest jazz festival in the world – and gazing over to the foothills of the Alps in the distance, the Freddie Mercury Memorial has become a place of pilgrimage for die-hard Queen fans. Larger than life, made of bronze and always adorned with garlands and flowers, his statue was created by Czech sculptor Irena Sedlecka and placed in this spot in 1996, as a celebration of the iconic pop star who made Montreux his home and whose band recorded seven albums at Mountain Studios, which they eventually bought.
Freddie died of AIDs in 1991, and on the Montreux waterfront he is now remembered in a typically flamboyant stance, arms outstretched and head flung back, emulating his pose on the cover of the last Queen album, Made in Heaven. The statue looks particularly dramatic in the evening hours, as the setting sun creates a colorful backdrop. A memorial day dedicated to Freddie is held annually in Montreux on the first weekend in September.
Practical Info
Located at Place du Marché, the memorial is free to visit and best accessed on foot.
Address: Place du Marché, Montreux 1820, Switzerland
From $ 163
Gibb's Hill Lighthouse
Bermuda boasts two lighthouses, but the one at Gibb’s Hill is the most notable, the first of only a few in the world to be made from cast iron.
Standing 108m (354ft) above sea level on one of Bermuda’s highest hills, the sparkling white lighthouse was first lit in 1846, and was automated in 1964. Shipwrecks in these parts were legendary, and in just 10 years before the lighthouse was built almost 40 ships came to grief. The lighthouse helped make Bermuda’s waters much safer, its light visible for miles out to sea.
On a visit to the lighthouse you can ascend the 185 spiral steps to the top for stunning views out to sea and over the island. If you visit between February and May, you might even spot a passing whale!
The steps aren’t too steep, and there are resting places and exhibits along the way.
Next door, in the colonial-style former signal station, there’s a gift shop and the swanky Dining Room restaurant serving lunch and dinner.
Standing 108m (354ft) above sea level on one of Bermuda’s highest hills, the sparkling white lighthouse was first lit in 1846, and was automated in 1964. Shipwrecks in these parts were legendary, and in just 10 years before the lighthouse was built almost 40 ships came to grief. The lighthouse helped make Bermuda’s waters much safer, its light visible for miles out to sea.
On a visit to the lighthouse you can ascend the 185 spiral steps to the top for stunning views out to sea and over the island. If you visit between February and May, you might even spot a passing whale!
The steps aren’t too steep, and there are resting places and exhibits along the way.
Next door, in the colonial-style former signal station, there’s a gift shop and the swanky Dining Room restaurant serving lunch and dinner.
Practical Info
Gibb’s Hill Lighthouse overlooks Sinky Bay Beach, on the southwest coast. It’s in Southampton Parish.
Address: At Anne's Road, Southampton, Bermuda
Hours: Open 9am - 5pm
Admission: Adults: $2.50
From $ 55
Galeries Lafayette
First opened in 1895 by Theophile Bader, Galeries Lafayette is a department store in Paris that houses luxury fashion brands including Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Christian Dior. In addition to a stained glass dome ceiling and rooftop terrace with views of the Eiffel Tower, Galeries Lafayette features weekly fashion shows on Friday afternoons.
The Basics
Galeries Lafayette is split into three buildings: La Coupole, which houses women’s couture and accessories; L’Homme, the men’s branch; and La Maison & Le Gourmet, a 4-story dining court. The Galeries often hosts specialty tours and classes, including wine tastings, baking seminars, and makeup masterclasses.
Themed walking tours of the area—including art, architecture, history, and Christmas tours— often stop in to the Coupole building for views of the stained glass dome, and typically include a visit to the adjacent Opera House. While walking tours are often limited to small groups, private tours of the Galeries afford visitors with the full attention of a guide and a more in-depth look at the area’s history.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Galeries Lafayette is a must for fashion lovers and architecture buffs.
- A cafeteria with plenty of food options is located on the seventh floor.
- Bathrooms are located in the basement and on floors four, five, and six.
- Wi-Fi is available free of charge.
How to Get There
Located in the 9th Arrondissement just steps from St. Lazare train station and Palais Garnier Opera House, Galeries Lafayette is easily accessible using the city’s comprehensive public transit system. The nearest Metro stops are Chausee d’Antin La Fayette on lines 7 and 9 and Havre-Caumartin on lines 3 and 9.
When to Get There
Since the cafeteria is often busiest around lunchtime on weekends, go in the late morning on a weekday for a quieter experience. Tickets for weekly fashion shows held on Friday afternoons are available to the public for purchase on a first-come, first-served basis. Additionally, the Galeries Christmas decorations are a top destination during the holiday season.
Rooftop Views
Head to the seventh floor of the Coupole building for some of the best panoramic views in Paris. The rooftop’s cafeteria and seating area are touted by visitors and locals as one of the 7th Arrondissement’s hidden gems. Don’t forget your camera: Views include the Eiffel Tower, Opera House, and a sea of classic Parisian rooftops.
Address: 40 Boulevard Haussmann, Paris, France
From $ 14
Gardens by the Bay
A surreal mixture of structures, light features, and living plants, the Gardens by the Bay redefine the strolling experience as a fanciful waterfront park. Throughout the site’s three garden settings—Bay Central Garden, Bay South Garden, and Bay East Garden—are dozens of abstract sculptures, plus the iconic Supertree Grove, featuring towering tree-like trunks that work as vertical gardens illuminated after dark. Save time for the famous Cloud Forest, home to an indoor waterfall, and the Flower Dome, a botanic garden housing exotic plant life from around the world.
The Basics
Gardens by the Bay admission tickets include access to the two cooled conservatories (the Cloud Forest and Flower Dome), plus the otherwise-free outdoor gardens, consisting of the Supertree Grove, the Sun Pavilion, the Heritage Gardens, the World of Plants, and Dragonfly and Kingfisher lakes. Visit on a Singapore city tour or a night sightseeing tour. For city views, head to the park’s fee-based OCBC Skyway, a circular walkway amid the Supertree canopy. City sightseeing tours often couple trips to the gardens with stops at other popular Singapore attractions such as Marina Bay Sands SkyPark, the Kranji War Memorial, and Bright Hill Temple.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The outdoor gardens and Sun Pavilion are free to enter, while the Cloud Forest and Flower Dome require fees.
- The site is wheelchair accessible, and wheelchair rentals are available for a fee.
- Smoking is not allowed in the park.
- Free Wi-Fi is available at the Supertree Grove, The Canopy, and The Meadow.
- Fee-based audio tours of the outdoor gardens are offered every 15 minutes Monday through Friday from 9am to 5:30pm.
- More than a dozen eateries dot the park; picnics are allowed in the outdoor gardens.
How to Get There
Gardens by the Bay faces Marina Bay near the Marine Reservoir, just inland from Singapore Strait. The Bayfront MRT Station (via the Circle or Downtown line trains) and the Tanjong Pagar MRT Station (via the East-West line) are both close to the attraction. A fee-based shuttle service runs between Bayfront MRT and the conservatories every 10 minutes from 9am to 9pm daily; the service is free for wheelchair users. Many tours visiting Gardens by the Bay include round-trip transport from Singapore hotels.
When to Get There
The gardens are open daily. The outdoor gardens, including The Canyon and the Supertree Grove, are open from 5am to 2am, while the Cloud Forest and Flower Dome conservatories are open from 9am to 9pm. To enjoy the best of the site, visit on a weekday morning when the conservatories and gardens are cooler and less crowded, and return in the evening for the Garden Rhapsody, a light and sound show within the Supertree Grove (two shows nightly at 7:45 and 8:45pm).
Visiting Gardens by the Bay with Kids
To keep things exciting for kids, head to the Far East Organization Children’s Garden, open Tuesday through Friday from 10am to 7pm. There you’ll find a huge tree house, a playground, educational programs, and a miniature water park with spritzing water features (changing facilities and showers are available). Strollers and lockers are offered for an additional charge.
Address: Singapore
From $ 17
Fort Scaur
Dating back to the 1860s, Fort Scaur is a historic piece of fortification that was built to protect the island and dockyard from attacks by America during a time of unrest between Great Britain and the United States. Fort Scaur is built high atop a hill in Somerset, which at one point was ideal for giving the guards a clear vantage point of approaching enemy ships, and today is a draw for visitors who can use Fort Scaur as a scenic lookout point to get some great photos of Bermuda. From Fort Scaur, there are excellent views of Ely’s Harbour and Great Sound. Fort Scaur was used during World War I and World War II, stationing both British and American troops. Those who love the history of maritime proceedings and war will enjoy touring the fort and learning what each section was for. Those more inclined to visit Fort Scaur due to its surrounding beauty will enjoy walking around the 22 acres of gardens surrounding the fort.
There are also picnic tables, ideal for taking a rest or enjoying a packed lunch.
Practical Info
Fort Scaur is located in Somerset and is an easy visit for travelers arriving to the island via King’s Wharf. There are also public buses that service Fort Scaur from Hamilton. Fort Scaur is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and has free admission.
Address: Somerset, Bermuda
Hours: Daily 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
From $ 80