Choose from 812 Fun Things to Do in Riviera Maya & The Yucatan
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Rheinfels Castle
The busy riverside promenade of St. Goar is lorded over by the sprawling ruins of Burg Rheinfels, once the mightiest fortress on the Rhine and a must-see. Built in 1245 by the local counts of Katzenelnbogen as a base for their toll-collecting operation, it withstood attack from 28,000 of Louis XIV's French troops in 1692, just one of the many attacks made on it. Eventually it was Napoleon and his French Revolutionary army who destroyed the place in 1797 with the help of explosives.
The castle's size and labyrinthine layout is astonishing. Not just children love exploring the gigantic vault cellar, subterranean tunnels and mine galleries, while keeping an eye and ear out for ghosts. In the only complete room of the castle there is a museum.
Practical Info
St. Goar is in the Upper Middle Rhine Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage area. It is a lovely river area worth exploring on foot, bicycle, by boat or road, dotted with castles and picturesque views. It is about 38 miles (62 km) northeast of Frankfurt-Hahn airport.
Address: St. Goar, Germany
Hours: Open daily Apr - Oct, 9am - 6pm. Nov - Mar open weekends only (weather permitting) 11am - 5pm
Admission: Adults: € 4, Children (6-14yrs): € 2
From $ 38
Queen Juliana Bridge
The Queen Juliana Bridge crosses St. Anna Bay in the Curacao capital of Willemstad. The original structure collapsed in 1967, killing four people, and has since been replaced with the current bridge, which opened on Queen’s Day in 1974. The bridge is a minimalist structure that spans 500 meters in length and stands at over 55 meters at its highest point. It’s the tallest bridge in the Caribbean.
As you cross this four-lane structure, unparalleled views from its apex stretch across Punda, Otrobanda, and the Schottegat, making it one of the most scenic viewpoints on the island. If a ship passes through while you cross the bridge, all the better. Many visitors to Curacao also claim that the views are particularly impressive – if not better – at night.
Practical Info
The Queen Juliana Bridge crosses over St. Anna Bay in Willemstad. Due to weather and structural concerns, the bridge is only open to road traffic so pedestrians and cyclists are unable to cross it.
Address: Willemstad, Curacao
From $ 25
Queen's Park Savannah
Queen's Park Savannah, or “the Savannah" as Trinidadians call it, is the largest green space in the capital city, Port-of-Spain. The 296-acre park is almost 200 years old, making it one of the oldest and largest parks in the Caribbean. And Queen’s Park Savannah holds special significance on Trinidad because it’s the centerpoint for the island’s massive Carnival celebration. The Grand Stand at the southern end of the park and an adjacent temporary North Stand form the Big Yard where the Parade of Bands is broadcast and the Carnival King and Queen competitions are held. The park is also home to various sporting fields, gardens, concerts, and along the park’s edge, you’ll find the Magnificent Seven, a row of eccentric Victorian mansions, including Whitehall, Queen’s Royal College and Stollmeyer's Castle.
Practical Info
Queen's Park Savannah sits just a few blocks north of downtown Port of Spain. It’s easily walkable and a great place to takes a stroll to enjoy the tropical climate amid the lush gardens and shady trees. Along the western edge, you can find refreshments from street vendors selling coconuts and local favorites like roasted corn, oysters and bake and shark.
Address: Queen's Park E, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago
Hours: Daily
From $ 39
Restaurante La Rueca
In Medellin, the magic and sensuality of tango comes alive on the weekends at restaurants like La Rueca that combine a mixture of tango and Argentinean grill.
Located in El Poblado, one of the nicest neighborhoods of Medellin, every weekend La Rueca transports visitors to the streets of Argentina to enjoy the best tango show in the city. The live tango shows are performed by the best professional tango musicians, singers and dancers in the city.
Specializing in Argentine barbecue, some of the specialties are chinchulines (chitterlings) and churrasco. They also have grilled chicken and seafood and a wine cellar. In addition to the indoor dining area, the restaurant also has a lounge and balconies to enjoy the mild temperature of a Medellin evening.
Practical Info
La Rueca is located at Calle 10A # 36–54, El Poblado, Medellin. It is open Monday through Saturday starting at noon. On Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, the restaurant stays open until 1am.
Address: Calle 10A # 36 – 54, El Poblado, Medellin, Colombia
From $ 59
Quinta Do Gradil
Backed by the rolling foothills of the Serra de Montejunto in the Estremadura/Lisboa wine-producing region, the history of the Quinta do Gradil wine estate dates right back to 1492, when it was mentioned in royal documents. By the 18th century it was thriving in the hands of the Marquis of Pombal, who led the rebuilding of Lisbon after the devastating earthquake of 1755 and who also established the Douro as the first official wine-growing region in the world. Today the estate is owned by the wealthy wine-expert Luís Vieira, who produces six top-quality white, rosé and red wines. Sitting among 220 hectares, half of which are planted with the vines of 12 grape varieties – including Syrah, Sauvignon Blanc and Viognier – the park also includes peach and pear orchards as well as pine and eucalyptus forest; at its heart sits a low-slung, butter-colored 18th-century palace surrounded by modern-day cellars, storage and tasting rooms. Scattered across the grounds are an historic chapel, an aqueduct, mill and granary; as well as tours, tastings, the chance to buy wines and a acclaimed restaurant overlooking the neat ranks of vines, the Quinta do Gradil also offers horseback riding and bird watching.
Practical Info
Estrada Nacional 115 Vilar. Open daily 9am–1pm, 2pm–6pm.
80 km (50 miles) north of Lisbon, best accessed by car along the A8.
Address: Estrada Nacional 115 Vilar, Cadaval, Lisboa 2550-073, Portugal
Hours: Daily 9am–1pm, 2pm–6pm
Admission: By guided tour
From $ 266
Pulau Ubin (Ubin Island)
Pulau Ubin is a small island located to the north east of Singapore and is one of the last undeveloped areas of the country. Legend says that the island was formed when three animals—an elephant, frog and pig—challenged each other to a race; the losers would be turned to stone. As none of the animals could finish the race, the elephant and pig were turned to stone and became Pulau Ubin and the frog became Pulau Sekadu (Frog Island). Whether the legend is true or not is up for debate, but the truth is that the island is made of granite, a fact that thrilled the English when they were settling the area.
Nowadays, the island is an oasis of green with old wooden homes and jetties and abandoned plantations and quarries illustrating the traditional kampong village, a side of Singapore that is mostly absent on the mainland. Many Singaporeans visit the island during the summer months for recreation—there are plenty of hiking and biking paths—and tourists have taken note and followed suit. One of the most popular aspects of the island is Chek Jawa, a former coral reef that allows visitors to get an up-close glimpse at a variety of marine wildlife. There are several restaurants that specialize in seafood and have amazing views, so don’t worry about going hungry during your day of exploring.
Practical Info
To get to Pulau Ubin from the main island of Singapore, it’s just a 10- or 15-minute bumboat ride from the Changi Point Ferry Terminal. The bumboats run from about 6 a.m. to about 8 p.m. and each boat can fit 12 people. The fare is $2.50 Singapore dollars (SGD) each way, $2 SGD for a bicycle. The boat operators will wait until the boat is full before departing, but if you want to get there more quickly, you can rent out the whole boat for $30 SGD.
Address: Pulau Ubin, Singapore
From $ 64
Reactor No 4
On April 26 1986, Reactor No 4 of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine exploded, releasing tons of extremely harmful radioactive chemicals into the air. The explosion contaminated dozens of European countries, and elevated radiation levels were also recorded as far away as Canada and the United States.
The town closest to the explosion was Pripyat, situated just a few kilometers away. The residents were forced to evacuate (a little too late) and over the years it has been suggested that thousands of deaths were caused as a result of the explosion. Many more have been left with illnesses brought on by the radioactive chemicals.
The long-term 30-kilometer exclusion zone is still in place today, and Reactor No 4 can only be accessed as part of a short-term organized tour. Most tours include knowledgeable guides and a visit to the ‘ghost town’ of Pripyat, with its abandoned buildings and eerily decaying amusement park.
Practical Info
Organized one- and two-day trips to the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant and nearby Pripyat can be arranged from Kiev.
Address: Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant, Chernobyl, Ukraine
Admission: Varying, depending on tour
From $ 88
Puente de Occidente
Surrounded by the green mountains and the bright blue skies of Antioquia, the 984-foot (300-meter) Puente de Occidente, or the Bridge of the West, spans a vast river that once divided the region and tells a story of ingenuity, creativity and the strength of the human spirit.
The Cauca River divides the area and impedes access to other parts of the country, long isolating the inhabitants of the area. In the late 1800s, the need for a bridge was obvious, and the suspension bridge that was built over the river is considered one of the most important civil engineering projects in America at the time it was built.
Colombian José María Villa studied engineering in the United States and later participated in the construction of the Brooklyn Bridge. In the early 1880s, he returned to Colombia and decided to take on the task of building a series of bridges. One of those was the Bridge of the West. Construction started in 1887 and lasted five years.
The problems Villa faced and the creative ways he solved them show the extraordinary vision of the engineer. With limited technical resources and many challenges due to the mountainous terrain, he came up with a design that overcame all the difficulties.
Colombia lists the bridge on its UNESCO World Heritage tentative list due to the value of Villa’s design, which was one of the most advanced projects in Latin America at the time, combining sound construction with a particular beauty. Originally one of the longest suspension bridges in South America, it played a key role in the development of the region and the country.
Practical Info
The Bridge of the West connects the towns of Olaya and Santa Fe de Antioquia, east and west of the Cauca River, respectively.
Address: Medellin, Colombia
From $ 80
Quinta de Bolíva
Simon Bolivar is an absolute legend in much of Latin America. Considered “The Liberator” for much of the continent, he fought tirelessly for numerous nations to gain their independence—and lived here, in Quinta de Bolivar, between his political conquests. Set in Bogota’s eastern hills, Quinta de Bolivar is a humble home that’s rung by spectacular gardens, and riddled with history on South America’s most notorious and popular son. When visiting the small, but fascinating house, hear the tales of how Simon Bolivar would relax and rest between battles, and five flags now fly in the garden that mark the modern, Latin American countries where Bolivar brought independence. Aside from the history of Bolivar himself, the house is a look at Bogota life in the 18th and 19th century, with antique furniture, clothing, and weaponry displayed throughout the home. Though the building is nowhere as near grandiose as the story of Bolivar himself, it’s a laidback, calming, and fascinating look at Bolivar’s moments of peace. To maximize what you can learn at the site, visit as part of a guided historical tour of greater Bogota, or as part of a private Bogota tour that’s catered around its best sites.
Practical Info
Only a few of the displays are in English, and you can either hire an English speaking guide or rent an English headset.
Address: Calle 21 No. 4A30 Este, Bogota, Colombia
Hours: 9am-5pm Tuesday-Friday, 10am-4pm Saturday-Sunday.
Admission: $1, free on Sundays
From $ 39
Reduit Beach
The inviting stretch of sugar-soft sand along Rodney Bay is one of the largest and most popular beaches in St Lucia. Visitors looking for sunbathing, swimming and watersports can spend a day here and enjoy the convenience and amenities of the nearby town, including changing rooms and parking.
Reduit Beach’s golden shores offer commanding views across the bay to the verdant peaks of Pigeon Island National Park. Visit the watersports center at the Royal by Rex Resort to rent lounge chairs and snorkel equipment, or sign up for windsurfing and waterskiing lessons in the protected bay. The beachfront restaurant Spinnakers is the perfect spot to grab cocktails and a grilled fish lunch. And don’t think you have to go home when the sun goes down. Reduit Beach’s lively shore is equally popular at night. The west-facing beach boasts one of St. Lucia’s best sunset views, and the bars and nightclubs of Rodney Bay Village offer music and dancing until the early morning hours.
Practical Info
Reduit Beach sits near the north end of the island, along the waterfront of Rodney Bay Village, which has a selection of shopping, restaurants and hotels. The beach is 40 miles (65 km) from Hewanorra International Airport, and 6 miles (10 km) from the cruise terminal in the capital, Castries. Crowds are largest during the weekends, when locals and tourists alike frequent the beach.
Address: Reduit Beach, St Lucia
From $ 19
Queen Emma Bridge
The Queen Emma Bridge is a floating pontoon bridge that connects the waterfronts of Willemstad’s historic neighborhoods Punda and Otrobanda. Nicknamed the “Swinging Old Lady,” the Queen Emma Bridge is hinged with two diesel-driven propellers so that it can swing parallel to the shore to allow boat traffic in and out of St. Anna Bay. Built in 1888, the pedestrian-only bridge is a unique and popular attraction on Curacao, with upwards of 15,000 people walking across it every day. On both the Punda and Otrobanda sides of the bridge, you can find cafés and restaurants lining the waterfront, and the bridge area is a popular and picturesque gathering spot at night when the bridge is lit up with twinkling lights.
Practical Info
While the opening and closing of the bridge only takes a few minutes to allow boats to pass through, there are ferries are on hand that provide free passage across the bay while the bridge is open.
Address: Koningin Emmabrug, Willemstad, Curacao
From $ 25
Quartier Latin
Paris’ Quartier Latin is a popular, historical area of the Left Bank. Home to the main Sorbonne campus, this dynamic, student-filled neighborhood was once frequented by Ernest Hemingway, Jean-Paul Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir, and other revolutionaries. Today it’s distinguished for its buzzing cafés, lively restaurants, and must-see landmarks.
The Basics
One of the oldest districts in Paris and home to ancient Roman ruins, the Quartier Latin has long fostered a reputation for creativity, intellectual daring, and radical politics. Its name comes from the fact that students here once spoke in Latin; founded in the 13th century, the storied Sorbonne University is still the beating heart of the neighborhood.
The area, which stretches across parts of the fifth and sixth arrondissements, is also home to a heavy concentration of destination-worthy attractions. Visitors frequent the Musée de Cluny (which is dedicated to medieval art and holds the world-famous Lady and the Unicorn tapestries), snap photos of the Panthéon, and stroll the Jardin du Luxembourg. As for culture, no Quartier Latin visit is complete without browsing the shelves at the storied Shakespeare & Company bookstore, strolling past the bouquinistes (booksellers) along the banks of the Seine, or taking in a live jazz performance. Numerous walking tours, bike tours, hop-on hop-off bus itineraries, and Seine river cruises provide other ways to soak up the area’s one-of-a-kind ambiance.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Quartier Latin is a must for all first-time visitors to Paris, especially literary buffs.
- The area is known for its beautiful churches; Saint-Séverin and Saint-Étienne-du-Mont are both worth a visit.
- See another side of Quartier Latin life when you venture to the Grand Mosquée de Paris. Its café serves delicious fresh mint tea.
- Numerous cafés, restaurants, bars, and clubs abound for all your dining and nightlife needs.
How to Get There
There is some debate over the exact boundaries of the neighborhood. Roughly, the Quartier Latin is bounded by Boulevard Saint-Michel to the west, Boulevard du Port-Royal and Boulevard Saint-Marcel to the south and east, and the Seine to the north. The area is served by numerous Métro lines and buses; Saint-Michel station is a good starting point.
When to Get There
No matter the time of year, the Quartier Latin is teeming with a buzzing mix of students, locals, and visitors. As with the rest of Paris, it is at its quietest in August. The area is still host to impassioned demonstrations and protests; keep up-to-date with the news if you wish to avoid large crowds. May Day (May 1st) is a particularly popular time for such events.
Best Neighborhood Eats
Ignore the quarter’s chain eateries and tourist traps. For a delicious, casual meal and an authentically Parisian experience, head to Rue Mouffetard. Its open-air street market is home to cheese vendors, bakers, fruit sellers, and other purveyors of marvelously tempting treats.
Address: Paris, France
From $ 17
Quinta Vergara
Viña del Mar is nicknamed “Garden City,” and visitors to Quinta Vergara — a beautifully landscaped park — will understand why. Portuguese shipping tycoon Francisco Alvarez acquired a 19-century hacienda on the site of the park in 1840. His wife Dolores, an avid botanist, transformed the existing grounds into a botanical garden filled with exotic flora from around the globe.
The Venetian Gothic style Palacio Vergara, located at the heart of Quinta Vergara, was built in 1910 as the home of Dolores’s granddaughter who had married Jose Francisco Vergara, the founder of Viña del Mar. It was later converted into a fine art museum to display a collection of 17- to 19-century art until an earthquake caused extensive damage to the structure in 2010.
Each February, the otherwise peaceful park hosts a lineup of Latin pop acts during the Festival of Song.
Practical Info
Quinta Vergara is open daily and admission is free.
Address: Viña del Mar, Chile
Hours: Open daily
From $ 18
Punda
The eastern part of Willemstad’s downtown historic district is called Punda, which comes from the Dutch word for “point” because this part of the city sits at the end of a promontory at the mouth of St. Anna Bay. First settled in 1634, the area is a picturesque port area packed with pastel-colored colonial architectural. One of the main attractions here is Fort Amsterdam, built in 1635 as a garrison to protect the city, which is used today as the governor’s palace. Another historic site is the Mikve Israel-Emanuel synagogue, which was built in 1732, making it the oldest synagogue in the western hemisphere. Throughout Punda, you’ll find great shopping, art galleries and restaurants, and you can also take a walk across the Queen Emma Bridge, a floating pontoon bridge called the “Swinging Old Lady,” to explore the Otrabanda side of the historic downtown area.
Practical Info
Punda is easily walkable, and a great place to spend an afternoon shopping or people watching from a café. If you’re coming from another part of the island, you can find parking in a handful of lots within Punda.
Address: Willemstad, Curaçao, Curacao
From $ 49
Pueblito Paisa
Medellin, now sprawling with more than three million people as Colombia’s second city, is fast becoming an ultra-modern conurbation of rapid transit, experimental architecture, and rising seas of skyscrapers. So it’s comforting to know that you can take the city train to a well-preserved (well, mostly fabricated) monument to Medellin’s quaint colonial past.
The absolutely adorable Spanish pueblito (“little town”) of Paisa, founded in 1978, crowns 80m (262ft) Cerro Nutibara, a natural landmark named for legendary Cacique (Chief) Nuibara. It would worth climbing just for the views. Today it is home to a perfect central plaza, surrounded by colonial adobes rescued from an actual Spanish outpost since flooded by the Penol-Guatape Hydroelectric Project. The beautifully restored buildings, complete with flower-draped wooden balconies and ceramic tejas tiles, is centered on the single cutest Catholic chapel you’ve ever seen.
While originally designed to depict businesses you’d find in a typical rural community—pharmacy, tobacconist, barber—as well as a school and city hall, have been largely replaced with souvenir shops, and the place is populated by a surprising number of mimes and living statues, especially on weekends.
Be sure to visit the Parque de Esculturas, next door, displaying the artistic inclinations of modern Medellin and Latin America, an interesting contrast to the idealized vision of the city’s colonial past.
The absolutely adorable Spanish pueblito (“little town”) of Paisa, founded in 1978, crowns 80m (262ft) Cerro Nutibara, a natural landmark named for legendary Cacique (Chief) Nuibara. It would worth climbing just for the views. Today it is home to a perfect central plaza, surrounded by colonial adobes rescued from an actual Spanish outpost since flooded by the Penol-Guatape Hydroelectric Project. The beautifully restored buildings, complete with flower-draped wooden balconies and ceramic tejas tiles, is centered on the single cutest Catholic chapel you’ve ever seen.
While originally designed to depict businesses you’d find in a typical rural community—pharmacy, tobacconist, barber—as well as a school and city hall, have been largely replaced with souvenir shops, and the place is populated by a surprising number of mimes and living statues, especially on weekends.
Be sure to visit the Parque de Esculturas, next door, displaying the artistic inclinations of modern Medellin and Latin America, an interesting contrast to the idealized vision of the city’s colonial past.
Address: Top of Cerro Nutibara, Medellin, Colombia
Hours: Open all day
From $ 20
Raffles Landing Site
A 20-foot (6-meter) white marble statue of Sir Stamford Raffles, backed by the skyscrapers of modern Singapore, marks the spot where the British statesman was believed to have landed in 1819 in the area today known as Boat Quay. The founder of Singapore would go on to sign a treaty establishing the sovereign city-state.
The Basics
The Raffles Landing Site, located on the banks of the Singapore River, ranks among the country’s most historically significant attractions; it’s included in just about every Singapore highlights tour, along with other popular points of interest like the Marina Bay Sands, Orchard Road, Chinatown, Clarke Quay, and Little India. History aside, the statue sits an open outdoor space that provides a great view of the buildings across the river, as well as an opportunity to take a quiet walk and relax along the waterfront.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The landing site is a must-see for history buffs and first-time visitors to Singapore.
- Don’t forget to bring sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat, as the area offers little in the way of shade.
- City tours that stop at the landing site last anywhere from three hours to a full day.
How to Get There
The easiest way to reach Raffles Landing Site is to take the metro to Raffles Place station and leave through Exit H.
When to Get There
The Raffles Landing Site is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Since the site lacks much in the way of shade or shelter, it’s best to visit in the morning or late afternoon when it’s not too hot.
Where to See the Original Statue
The current statue at the Raffles Landing Site is actually a copy; it was erected in 1969 to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Singapore’s founding. The original bronze statue, sculpted by Thomas Woolner, is now on display outside the Victoria Concert Hall at Empress Place.
Address: Singapore
From $ 83
Reims
With its UNESCO World Heritage–listed monuments, lively student quarter, and a history dating back to 80 BC, Reims is among the most interesting cities in northern France. Today it’s best known for its booming Champagne industry and serves as the unofficial capital of the famous Champagne region.
The Basics
At around two hours from Paris, many visitors opt to explore Reims on a day tour from the capital. Reims’ top attractions—including its massive Gothic cathedral, art and military museums, and historical market—are not to be missed before heading out into Champagne country. In fact, many visitors typically combine a city tour of Reims with Champagne tasting at one or more of the region’s wineries.
Reims is also a strategic starting point for Champagne tours, home to prestigious Champagne houses like Taittinger, Mumm, Veuve-Clicquot, and Pommery. Other popular inclusions on a full-day tour include the Champagne town of Épernay, home to the Moët & Chandon vineyards and cellars, and the village of Hautvillers, the former home of Champagne maverick Dom Pérignon. For a more personalized Champagne-tasting experience, opt for a small-group or private tour.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Reims is a must for lovers of incredibly charming French towns, history, and Champagne.
- The historic center of Reims is easy to get around on foot, but there is also an extensive tram system.
- Reims is renowned for its nightlife; most bars, live music venues, and nightclubs are found around Place Drouet-d’Erlon.
How to Get There
Reims is located in northeastern France, not far from the borders of Germany, Belgium, and Luxembourg. From Paris, it’s about a 2-hour drive or a 45-minute journey by high-speed train—the Reims-bound TGV departs from the Gare de l’Est.
When to Get There
The most popular time to visit Reims is during the summer months of July and August, when it’s recommended to book accommodations and tours well in advance. Other atmospheric times to visit are during the springtime Joan of Arc Festival (Les Fêtes Johanniques) and over the holiday season, when a Christmas village and festive markets set up in the city center.
A Walking Tour of Reims
Begin your Reims walking tour at Place Royale, with its imposing statue of Louis XV. From here it’s a short stroll to the city’s trio of UNESCO-listed monuments: the Abbey of Saint-Rémi (Basilique St-Rémi), the Palace of Tau (Palais du Tau), and the magnificent Cathedral of Notre Dame, whose construction began in 1211 and which once served as a royal coronation site. Be sure to admire the equestrian statue of Joan of Arc on Place Cardinal-Luçon before continuing along Boulevard Lundy, lined with grand 19th- and 20th-century mansions, including the Hôtel de Brimont. Loop around to admire the beautiful Town Hall and pay a visit to the Musée des Beaux Arts, then finish your walking tour at Place Drouet-d’Erlon, where many cafés and restaurants make a perfect spot for lunch.
Address: Reims, France, France
From $ 23
Promenade Plant ee
Promenade Plantée’s well-manicured gardens, flowering shrubs and romantic views make it one of the most popular destinations for budget conscious travelers visiting the City of Lights. Athletic visitors jog along the 2.9-mile scenic pathway as the sun rises, and dozens of couples in love gather to watch in the evening as the sunsets over Paris streets.
The greenway winds through Viaduc des Arts, where interested travelers can explore high-end shops and exquisite galleries, or comb through handmade arts and crafts booths before relaxing into the urban oasis of Promenade Plantée’s incredible gardens.
Practical Info
Promenade Plantée follows the old Vincennes railway line. It is located in the 12th arrondissement of Paris and begins east of Opera Bastille and ends at boulevard Peripherique.
Address: Quinze-Vingts, Paris 75012, France
From $ 110
Raffles Hotel
Founded in 1887 as a 10-room bungalow on the shores of the Singapore River, the resplendent Raffles Hotel has grown to icon status throughout the Far East, attracting celebrity guests from Charlie Chaplin to Queen Elizabeth II. In 1915 another legend was born when hotel bartender Ngiam Tong Boon introduced guests—and subsequently the world—to the Singapore Sling cocktail. A multiphased restoration program is returning the Raffles to its original 19th-century glory.
The Basics
The Raffles Hotel Singapore’s landmark status makes it a must-visit for any Singapore visitor, guests and nonguests alike. Join a walking tour through Singapore’s colonial days: Sip afternoon tea in the Tiffin Room, order a classic Singapore Sling in the Long Bar, or simply marvel at the spectacular colonial architecture, then visit other points of interest like the Raffles Landing Site and buzzy Clarke Quay.
Things to Know Before You Go
- A stop at the Raffles Hotel is a must for history buffs, architecture fans, and first-time visitors to Singapore.
- Visit the hotel on your own or as part of a historic sightseeing tour.
- Be sure to check the dress code for the experience you’re planning. The hotel’s bars and restaurants range from casual to somewhat formal.
How to Get There
The Raffles Hotel is located just a couple minutes from Singapore’s famous Orchard Road shopping street, 20 minutes from Changi International Airport. It’s easy to reach by rapid transit: take the metro to the Raffles Place MRT stop.
When to Get There
What type of experience you’re looking to have will determine the best time to visit the hotel. Many travelers come for a Singapore Sling at the historic Long Bar or Billiard Room, both open throughout the day and into the night. Another popular option is an afternoon visit for high tea.
The Man Behind the Name
Like many buildings, roads, and monuments in Singapore, the Raffles Hotel gets its name from Sir Stamford Raffles, the British statesman who founded modern Singapore in February 1819. Interestingly Raffles also founded the London Zoo—one of the world’s oldest—as well as Singapore’s first botanical garden on Fort Canning Hill. Mt. Sophia was named after Sophia Hull, Raffles’ second wife.
Address: 1 Beach Road, 189673, Singapore
Admission: Free
From $ 29
Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park
The Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park was opened by Her Majesty the Queen in 1994. Since its opening, the park’s central woodland trail has been joined by a lake and wetlands, tropical flower gardens and an iguana habitat.
The Heritage Garden is pretty enough to live in, with a pink traditional cottage, fruit trees and sand garden.
The park’s highlight remains the woodland trail, a 20 minute stroll from wetlands to cactus and mahogany woodlands. Orchids and butterflies can also be spotted in the park.
Practical Info
The Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park is towards the eastern end of the island, near the Marshland Natural Habitat. It’s a 40 minute taxi ride from George Town.
Address: Frank Sound Road, Breakers KY1, Cayman Islands
Hours: Open daily. Oct - Mar: 9am - 5:30pm; Apr - Sept: 9am - 6:30pm. Closed Christmas Day and Good Friday
Admission: Adults: CI$8, Children (12yrs & under): Free with parent
From $ 23