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Locust Grove Estate

Built in 1850 by architect Alexander Jackson Davis, this iconic home in upstate New York was once the residence for artist Samuel F.B. Morse, and alter served as the primary home of William and Martha Young. Today, the home, the grounds and the entire estate are preserved as a museum that showcases the life of the Mid-Atlantic’s wealthy elite. In 1979, Locust Grove opened to the public and today, travelers can explore the well-preserved rooms filled with historic artifacts and family heirlooms.

Visitors can step back in time on a guided tour of the home and grounds—which is the only way to access the inside of the mansion—for a look at life nearly a hundred years ago. Temporary exhibitions of contemporary American artists are also on display at Locust Grove. And visitors will find that while there’s much to explore inside the mansion’s halls, the 180-acre grounds surrounding the home are equally worth checking out.

Practical Info

Locust Grove is located at 2683 South Road in Poughkeepsie, New York and is open from 10 to 5 pm daily. Guided tours change with the season and the cost of entry is $11 for adults and $6 for children between the ages of 6 and 18. The grounds are accessible using public transportation from New York City on the Hudson Valley Metro North Line. Locust Grove is a two-mile taxi ride from the train station.

2683 South Road, Poughkeepsie, USA

Open from 10-5pm daily

11 for adults and $6 for children between the ages of 6 and 18

From $ 73

Loch Ness

As huge as Loch Ness is, its vast size is not the reason for its global fame, nor is it the magnificent surrounding scenery. The real reason visitors flock to this Scottish body of water is to spot the elusive Loch Ness Monster. Rumors about Nessie have flown since an Irish monk first caught sight of something unusual swimming around the lake’s inky waters back in the seventh century. Today. travelers still cruise around the loch in hopes of catching sight of the mysterious aquatic monster.

The Basics

Loch Ness is most often visited during day trips from Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Aberdeen that incorporate other Highlands attractions such as Urquhart Castle, Stirling Castle, Caledonian Canal, Glencoe, Rannoch Moor, Cairngorms National Park, and even Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain. Shorter half-day trips, which typically include boat tours on the lake, typically depart from Inverness, while cruise-ship passengers can take shore excursions from Invergordon. Motorized boat trips are the most common way for visitors to scour Nessie’s lair, though it’s also possible to paddle a canoe or kayak out on the loch, or even take a self-guided cycling trip.

Things to Know Before You Go

For background on the Nessie phenomenon, visit the Loch Ness Centre & Exhibition at Drumnadrochit.
Wear warm clothes, including a waterproof outer layer, as it can get cold out on the water.
Day trips from Edinburgh and Glasgow generally last around 12 hours.
The Loch Ness Centre is wheelchair accessible, however most boat trips are not.
Bring along a camera so you can document any unusual lake activity!

How to Get There

Loch Ness stretches between Inverness and Fort Augustus, and is one of many such lakes located along the Great Glen. Tours from Inverness, Edinburgh, and Glasgow typically include round-trip transportation to cruise departure points such as Clansman Harbour, Dochgarroch, and Tomnahurich Bridge.

When to Get There

Boat trips around Loch Ness run year-round, though they are weather-dependent. During summer, the main A82 thoroughfare between Fort William and Inverness sees a lot of traffic and sightseeing cruises often sell out, so be sure to buy tickets in advance.

How to Maximize Your Chance of a Monster Sighting

For the best chances of glimpsing the fabled Loch Ness Monster, choose a boat that is fitted with special onboard sonar systems to ensure Nessie doesn’t swim by unnoticed. If you are worried the sound of a motor may disturb Nessie, opt for a canoe or kayak tour instead. And if you’d rather stay away from the water altogether, the high lakeside perch where the ruins of Urquhart Castle lie makes for a great viewing spot, with uninterrupted lake panoramas.

Scotland

From $ 18

Lladró Museum

Perhaps you may be familiar with Lladró and its porcelain figurines. The fragile pieces typically depict people, and especially women, who are often pensive or frozen in artistic motion. The internationally famous works of art originate from the Valencian suburb of Tavernes Blanques, and have been handmade there since the business got started by the Lladró family in 1953.

While their beauty alone might be enough to satisfy your curiosity, you can also learn more about their history at the Lladró Museum. There, you can explore many facets of the brand’s past as you view a chronological display of noteworthy pieces that are no longer being made. A portion of the museum also consists of a private collection of paintings that is considered one of the most notable in Spain. The pieces span different artistic eras, and are the work of a variety of artists, ranging from El Greco to Zurburán and Valencia-native Sorolla.

Probably the highlight of a trip to the Lladró Museum, however, is a visit to the factory, where you can gain new appreciation for the intricate handiwork that goes into each figurine. Observing the artisans work on real projects — whether creating molds, painting faces, or piecing everything together — will bring new meaning and value to the impressive finished product.

Practical Info

The Lladró Museum is located about 15 minutes away from Valencia’s city center. It is open Monday through Saturday, although hours are reduced during the month of August. Though entrance is free, it’s important to note that your visit must be booked in advance.

C/ Poeta Querol, 9, Valencia 46002, Spain

Mon-Fri 9:30am-5pm, Sat 9:30am-1pm

From $ 458

Llandaff

At first glance, Llandaff looks like any other Welsh village, with its gabled brick houses, cluster of shops and traditional pubs, but visit after dark and the tranquil suburb transforms into an eerie medieval township, where ancient ghosts and Celtic spirits lurk around every corner.

Llandaff has long been famous for its Cathedral, one of Britain’s oldest Christian sites, which dates back to as early as the 6th century, but more recently the village has become notorious as the setting for Cardiff’s award-winning ghost walks. Infamous as one of Wales’ most haunted locations, brave visitors touring Llandaff can discover the legends of the mysterious White Lady who haunts the nearby woods, a faceless ghost that stalks locals and ominous sightings in the cathedral cemetery. Tours are held at night by torchlight, so prepare to be scared.

Practical Info

The Llandaff village is located around 4 km northwest of downtown Cardiff.

Llandaff, Wales

From $ 36

Lodi Gardens

Spread out over 90 acres (36 hectares), Lodi Gardens is a gorgeous and lush park full of meandering pathways, beautiful greenery, and four Lodi dynasty tombs. Many locals and visitors alike find refuge here from the dust and noise of Delhi, and you’re likely to come across picnickers, joggers, and elderly Delhiites on morning walks.

The Basics

Lodi Gardens (also spelled Lodhi Gardens) is one of the best maintained parks in Delhi, with lots of benches and plenty of green space for spreading out picnic blankets. For many visitors, the biggest draw is the park’s four beautifully maintained domed tombs, including the mausoleums of Mohammed Shah (which dates to 1444) and Sikander Lodi, and the 15th-century Bara Gumbad tomb. The gardens are also popular with runners, as the grounds are laced with meandering trails.

While the Archaeological Society of India has provided signboards with details about the tombs, the park is best explored with a guide. Many Delhi sightseeing and heritage tours visit the park, walking tours offer in-depth details about the gardens’ history, and yoga and meditation tours give an energetic boost to your morning.

Things to Know Before You Go

Lodi Gardens is ideal for picnickers, joggers, and anyone seeking a green oasis within the crowded city.
Bring comfortable footwear for exploring the tombs, as the stairs leading up to them can be uneven.
There are usually plenty of vendors selling chips, ice cream, and bottled water in the park. Other services include well-maintained public toilets.
Lodi Gardens is accessible to wheelchair users and strollers, though some tombs are not due to stairs.

How to Get There

The gardens’ main entrance is on Lodhi Road, about a 15-minute walk from Khan Market, and a 5- to 10-minute walk east of Sri Aurobindo Marg and Safdarjung’s Tomb (which is often visited on tours in conjunction with the garden). The nearest metro station is Jorbagh, a 12-minute walk away, which connects to Central Delhi’s Rajiv Chowk (Connaught Place) on the Yellow Line. Parking is limited here, so it’s best to ride public transport, take a taxi, or visit with a tour.

When to Get There

Like all outdoor attractions in New Delhi, it’s best to visit Lodi Gardens during winter and avoid the hottest months of the year (May and June). It can get muggy and muddy here during the rainy season (July and August). If you come to jog, come at sunrise or sunset when the temperatures are more manageable; just note that you’ll likely be sharing the paths with plenty of local runners.

The Birds of Lodi Gardens

Lodi Gardens is home to a huge variety of avian species. A signboard at the park’s southern entrance details the birds you might see, including green parakeets, woodpeckers, swifts, common hawks, pigeons, and bulbuls. If you're lucky, you may also spot species such as the white-breasted kingfisher or even the Indian grey hornbill, named for their strikingly bulbous beaks.

Khan Market, New Delhi, DL, India

From $ 14

Lobkowicz Palace

Lobkowicz Palace, built in the mid-16th century for Czech nobleman Jaroslav of Pernštejn, is the only privately owned building in the sprawling Prague Castle complex. The aristocratic Lobkowicz family took over the palace through a dynastic marriage in 1603, eventually lost it under the communist rule of the Czech Republic following World War II, and regained control only recently, in 2002.

The Basics

A masterpiece of Baroque architecture, Lobkowicz Palace, which stands next to the Royal Palace, houses the Lobkowicz family’s private art collection, the largest in the Czech Republic and one of the finest in the city. The highlights, which are displayed in 22 ornate apartments, include works by Pieter Brueghel the Elder, Cranach, Velázquez, Canaletto, and Rubens. The collection also includes one of Central Europe’s finest libraries of rare books and a musical archive that includes scores by Mozart, Beethoven, and Gluck. Suits of medieval armor compete for attention with remarkable 16th-century lutes and early 18th-century silver trumpets, as well as a superb cache of 17th-century porcelain and decorative arts.

Your options for visiting Lobkowicz Palace run the gamut from audio tours that provide an overview of the site’s history to private guided tours that offer the flexibility to customize the focus on whatever you’re most interested in seeing.

Things to Know Before You Go

Lobkowicz Palace is a must-visit for lovers of architecture and history.
The balcony of the Lobkowicz Palace Cafe offers great views of the Prague skyline.
There’s an entrance fee to visit the museum.
The palace has a gift shop where you can buy Lobkowicz Roudnice wines from the family’s winery.

How to Get There

Lobkowicz Palace is located next to the Institute of Noblewomen in the Rosenberg Palace. There are several tram stops nearby, including Kralovsky letohradek, Prazsky hrad, and Pohorelec, as well as the Malostranska and Hradcanska Metro stations.

When to Get There

Lobkowicz Palace is open every day from morning through early evening. Summer brings very large numbers of tourists to Prague; in spring, the weather is pleasant and things are generally less crowded.

Midday Classic Concerts

The palace is known for its classical concerts, held every day at 1pm beneath the ornate 17th-century painted fresco in the elegant Baroque Concert Hall. The hall only holds 100 people, so book in advance. You can buy a combination ticket for the museum and concert, or book a tour that includes both.

Jiřská 3, Prague, Czech Republic

From $ 14

Llanganuco Lakes (Lagunas Llanganuco)

Never in your life have you witnessed such an intoxicating shade of turquoise. Here at the mesmerizing Llanganuco Lakes in Huascaran National Park, twin dollops of turquoise water shine brilliantly against the snowcapped spine of Peru’s Cordillera Blanca. The first lake, Chinancocha, has rowboat rentals for enjoying a view of the mountains from out on the water, and the second lake, Orconcocha, has a loop trail that offers spectacular views of the lake and surrounding peaks. The tallest mountain in Peru, Huascaran, is visible from Llanganuco Lakes, which themselves are 12,631 ft (3,850m) where the air can feel thin when hiking. Even if you’re simply just standing by the water, there’s a sense of enchantment and mountain slope magic surrounding these lakes and this valley, where rugged cliffs rise in all directions as they seem to explode from the lakeshore. On tours that depart from Yungay or Huaraz, visitors will also make stops in villages and towns while en route to the lakes.

Insider's Tip: Try to visit early in the day to get the best colors in photos.

Practical Info

Since the Llanganuco Lakes are at such high altitude, be sure to bring jackets and winter clothes—even when visiting in summer. Be aware of the dangers of trekking at altitude and know the signs of altitude sickness, and by going with a guide you can experience much of the beauty you might otherwise miss.

Llanganuco Lakes, Huascaran National Park, Peru

From $ 70

Llandudno

Llandudno is the largest seaside resort town in Wales. The town continues to embrace its Victorian and Edwardian elegance along with its modern day characteristics. There are two beaches, the North Shore and the West Shore, where you can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and other water activities. The Victorian Llandudno Pier, with its gorgeous sea views, is lined with retro stores, arcades, Punch and Judy stalls, shops selling traditional Welsh gifts, and ice cream shops.

The Great Orme, an impressive coastal landmark with nature reserve status, sits more than 650 feet above the sea. You can reach the summit on foot or by using the tramway. Visitors can also explore Conwy Castle, which was built for King Edward I at the end of the 13th century and is full of medieval history. If you're interested in more history, the Llandudno Museum delves into the heritage of the town and its evolution from an industrial town to a popular beach resort. There's also a zoo, a theater, a golf course, nature reserves, and plenty of hotels and restaurants.

Practical Info

Llandudno is located in northern Wales and is 84 miles from Manchester. The town can be reached from Manchester using routes M56 and A55, or by train.

Llandudno, Wales

From $ 16

Loma Larga Vineyards & Winery

Loma Larga Vineyards & Winery got its start when Don Manuel Joaquín Díaz Escudero Alvarez de Toledo — grandfather of the current owners — brought back strains of wine grapes from France and planted them at a wine estate in the middle of Santiago. Years later in 1999, the Díaz family planted the first vines on their property in Casablanca Valley.

Today, Loma Larga is famous for producing some of the best cool climate reds in Chile. It’s one of the few area wineries making more red than white and the first to grow Cabernet Franc, Syrah and Malbec grapes in Casablanca Valley.

Throughout the week, Loma Larga Vineyards & Winery opens to visitors who can tour the vineyards on horseback, learn about the history and production with a tour of the production facilities or participate in sommelier-led tastings. Visitors can pick up bottles of their favorites at the winery shop.

Practical Info

Loma Larga Vineyards & Winery is open seven days a week from 9:30am to 6pm.

Camino Lo Ovalle km. 2.8, Casablanca, Chile

Open seven days a week from 9:30am to 6pm

From $ 109

Little Water Cay (Iguana Island)

An interesting attraction of the Turks and Caicos are the rather large iguanas that are native to the little island archipelago. While they may seem to jar with your traditional notion of a Caribbean getaway, these green guys are actually native to the islands. To find them, head on over to Little Water Cay (known locally as Iguana Island) for some white sand and good old fashioned lizard-hunting.

Little Water Cay is just shy of 500 yards from Providenciales, so it’s easy to spot while looking for things to do on the island. You can take a tour boat or ferry over to the island, and the exercise enthusiast or outdoorsman of the group will enjoy a brisk kayak over to the shores of Little Water Cay - but be careful of the currents that run between the two islands (for this reason, a swim is not recommended).

Once here, there’s little to do aside from hoofing it around the island, lazing about on the white sand beaches, or exploring what is Little Water Cay’s best attraction – the Turks and Caicos Rock Iguana. Little Water Cay has two boardwalks installed that make loops around the north and south of the island. These are perfect opportunities to get out and see the iguanas in their natural settings without disturbing them – and not disturbing them is a good thing – the Turks and Caicos Rock Iguana is protected as it’s an endangered species; the introduction of cats and dogs to the islands all but wiped them out.

So do yourself a favor and see them while you can – the little green charmers are oddly appealing. Find them sunning on rocks and scurrying through the brush!

Little Water Cay (Iguana Island), North Caicos, Caicos Islands, Turks and Caicos

From $ 250

Loch Lomond

Straddling both the Scottish Highlands and the Lowlands, this island-studded loch boasts the largest surface area of any of Scotland’s lakes. It’s also one of its most famous, thanks in no small part to a well-known Scottish folk song that speaks of its “bonnie banks.” The lake’s mirror-clear waters reflect the crags and peaks that rear up around it, most notably the 3,195-foot (974-meter) Ben Lomond on its eastern shore, whose summit offers views of both Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park.

The Basics

Loch Lomond is commonly visited on day tours from Glasgow, Edinburgh, and the cruise port of Greenock, with many tours and day trips also stopping in nearby destinations such as Oban, Inveraray, Loch Ness, Loch Awe, Stirling Castle, and the William Wallace Monument. While you can drive, walk, or cycle around the loch’s shores, it’s most rewarding to go out on the water itself. Rent kayaks or canoes, or book tickets on a cruise from Tarbet to see the wild scenery of the north shores of the loch.

Things to Know Before You Go

Wheelchair- and stroller-friendly trails can be found along the shores of Loch Lomond.
In winter, the hills and mountains become icy and snowy, and should only be tackled by those with sufficient mountaineering experience.
Scotland is known for its notoriously changeable weather; bring layers and be prepared for sunshine one minute and rain the next.
Bring insect repellent to fend off midges (gnats).

How to Get There

With its southern tip just 25 miles (40 kilometers) northwest of Glasgow, Loch Lomond is an easily accessible wilderness. The main access points are Balloch on the south shore and Luss on the west shore. From Glasgow Queen Street, ScotRail runs a direct, 50-minute train service to Balloch and another route to Arrochar and Tarbet, about a 15-minute walk from Tarbet. Driving to Balloch takes just 35 minutes from Glasgow and about 90 minutes from Edinburgh. Tour typically include round-trip transport from Glasgow and Edinburgh.

When to Get There

Loch Lomond has year-round appeal. Spring is wildflower season, autumn brings fantastic fall foliage, and winter promises snow-dusted mountain vistas. Despite seeing the most visitors, summer is probably the best option weather-wise. The vast size of the lake and the national park means the area rarely feels crowded.

Island-Hopping in Loch Lomond

Loch Lomond features more than 30 islands. Among the largest of them is Inchmurrin, home to the ruins of the 14th-century Lennox Castle. North of Inchmurrin is Inchcailloch, an easily accessible island with a 13th-century church and several attractive woodland walking trails.

Highway A82, Luss G83 8PA, Scotland

Open daily

From $ 47

Little Museum of Dublin

Set in a Georgian townhouse, the Little Museum of Dublin looks at 20th-century life in the Irish capital. Featuring an eclectic collection of items—many of which were donated by Dubliners themselves—the exhibits cover everything from the 1916 Easter Rising to JFK’s 1963 visit to Dublin to the meteoric rise of Dublin rock band U2.

The Basics

Admission to the museum is by guided tour, with tours starting on the hour, every hour. Guides lead visitors around three floors of exhibitions, explaining the significance of the artifact on show. Free entry to the museum is included with some Dublin sightseeing passes and as part of some hop-on hop-off city bus tours.

Other tours, including one focusing on the role of women in Dublin’s history and a walking tour of nearby St. Stephen’s Green, are also organized by the museum. Only museum members, who pay a yearly fee, can wander the museum independently.

Things to Know Before You Go

The Little Museum of Dublin is a must for anyone who wants a deeper understanding of the city.
A café is situated in the basement of the museum.
The museum has cloakroom facilities where you can leave umbrellas, strollers, coats, and bags.
The museum is not wheelchair-accessible.

How to Get There

The Little Museum of Dublin is situated on the north side of St. Stephen’s Green in Dublin city center, just a 2-minute stroll from the south end of Grafton Street. Both St. Stephen’s Green and Dawson Street Luas tram stops are less than five minutes away on foot.

When to Get There

The Little Museum of Dublin is busiest on weekends from June to August. Though the museum is popular, restrictions on tour numbers combat crowding. If you plan on visiting in summer, book ahead to ensure you get a spot.

Highlights of the Little Museum

The Little Museum of Dublin recounts key chapters from the city’s 20th-century history. Among the standout exhibits is the personal collection of Alfie Byrne, the most popular Lord Mayor of Dublin. The U2: Made in Dublin exhibition chronicles the story of the band over four decades and includes everything from photographs and signed albums to rare recordings and a Trabant car, while the Editor’s Room exhibit focuses on the Irish Times, one of Ireland’s leading newspapers.

15 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin, Ireland

Varies

From $ 23

Ljubljana Old Town

Between Ljubljana’s medieval hilltop castle and the Ljubljanica River lie the narrow cobblestone streets and charming pastel-colored buildings of Old Town. The neighborhood’s impressive architecture, picturesque bridges, riverfront walkways, and heaps of cafés and bars with terrace seating help make Ljubljana a true jewel of Central Europe.

The Basics

Despite the fact that Ljubljana is Slovenia’s largest and capital city, Old Town is very walkable, as car traffic is restricted in the city center. Join a walking tour of Ljubljana to ensure you see all the popular sights such as St. Nicholas Cathedral, Central Market, and Dragon Bridge while also learning about the city’s history and architecture.

To get a bird’s-eye view of Ljubljana, ride the funicular from the town center to the top of Castle Hill where you can explore Ljubljana Castle and climb its watchtower for sweeping panoramas of the city. Most city walking tours include a funicular ride to the castle.

Things to Know Before You Go

Old Town is a must-see for all first-time visitors to Ljubljana.
Wear good walking shoes; Old Town streets are cobblestone and can be uneven.
If traveling with children, the interactive Museum of Puppetry at the Ljubljana Castle is worth a visit.
Old Town is accessible for wheelchair users and strollers, especially due to it being vehicle-free, though the streets can be bumpy and rutted in some areas.

How to Get There

There are several ways to reach Old Town from Ljubljana. Buses run hourly from the Ljubljana Airport; the journey takes about an hour. Private shuttles, taxis, and car rentals are options as well. Old Town is a pedestrian-only area, so finding parking nearby can be difficult.

When to Get There

Ljubljana’s Old Town can be visited year-round. Summer, with street festivals galore and reliable weather, is the most popular season. To avoid the crowds, visit in May or September, when the weather is still pleasantly warm and prices are generally lower. For a few weeks in late March through early April, the blooming cherry blossoms make Ljubljana particularly lovely.

Cycling in Ljubljana

With designated cycling lanes and many car-free streets, Ljubljana is an incredibly bike-friendly city. Take a guided cycling tour of Ljubljana and bike alongside the Ljubljanica River embankment, tour Old Town’s hidden narrow streets, and cycle past historic sites and architectural wonders scattered throughout the city.

Ljubljana, Slovenia

From $ 25

Little Petra (Siq al-Barid)

A northern satellite of Petra, Little Petra centers on a narrow canyon known as Siq al-Barid. With its water cisterns, carved houses, and rock-cut stairs, it has more of a lived-in feel than Petra proper. Its signature site, the Painted House, is home to one of the only surviving Nabatean painted interiors, which features jaw-dropping frescoes.

The Basics

Although it’s physically separate from the site of Petra itself, Little Petra can be accessed on the same ticket: the two-day or two-day Petra entrance tickets are both a great value. Little Petra has much less signage than big Petra, so you’ll probably want to hire a guide or join a Little Petra tour.

Some multi-day Jordan tours visit both Little Petra and Petra proper, and some Petra day tours also include a stop at Little Petra. Some Little Petra tours focus exclusively on the Nabatean ruins around Siq al-Barid, while others also take in the neolithic village of Al-Beidha and geological features.

Things to Know Before You Go

Archaeologists believe Little Petra was built to house traders passing through on the Silk Road.
While less spectacular than Petra proper, Little Petra is considerably less crowded.
The ancient water cisterns outside Siq al-Barid are still functioning: local Bedouin sometimes bring their livestock into Little Petra to drink water.

How to Get There

You can reach Little Petra by taxi or by driving from either Petra or Wadi Musa, the jumpoff town for Petra; it’s around 6 miles (9 kilometers) from the visitor center. A fascinating walk leads to Little Petra through the mountains from the Monastery (Al Deir). The 4-mile (6-kilometer) hike takes about 2.5 hours, and you’ll need a guide.

When to Get There

Little Petra is less crowded than big Petra, but it does attract group tours, most of which visit in the afternoons. Aim to arrive in the morning, as close as possible to 6am, to get the best experience. Peak seasons for Petra tours and Little Petra tours—as well as Jordan tourism generally—are spring and fall: roughly mid-March to mid-May and mid-September to mid-November.

The Painted House at Little Petra

Hidden under the soot and grime of Bedouin cooking fires for centuries, the 2,000-year-old frescoes at Little Petra’s Painted House were discovered in the late aughts and carefully restored. Created by Nabateans in the Greek style, they focus on the worship of Dionysus, god of wine; the birds, insects, vines, and cherubs are startlingly realistic.

Wadi Musa, Jordon, Jordan

Varies

From $ 75

Ljubljana Castle

Perched on top of Castle Hill overlooking Slovenia’s capital city, the mighty medieval Ljubljana Castle dates back to the 11th century. This well-preserved fortress is visible from most everywhere in town and is a must-see for unbeatable views of the city. Tour the castle’s Museum of Slovene History for a fascinating introduction to Slovenia’s past.

The Basics

Visiting the castle grounds is free—wander the trails in the castle park and view the slopeside vineyard—but an admission ticket is required to climb the watchtower, enter the chapel, or view any of the exhibits in the history museum or the whimsical Museum of Puppetry. Not for the faint of heart, climbing the castle watchtower is a must—ascend a wrought-iron spiral staircase comprising 100 steps to enjoy 360-degree panoramas of Slovenia’s capital. Throughout the summer, the castle hosts medieval reenactments and live theater and music events.

Tour the castle attractions on your own or join a guided walking city tour to learn more about Ljubljana’s most noteworthy history.

Things to Know Before You Go

Ljubljana Castle is a must for medieval history buffs and all first-time visitors to the city.
If traveling with small children, be sure to visit the Museum of Puppetry.
The castle courtyard is free to visit, but it is worth the price of admission to climb the watchtower.
Most of the castle and its exhibits are accessible to wheelchairs, but the watchtower is not.

How to Get There

There are several ways to reach Ljubljana Castle from Old Town, with the easiest being a funicular ride from the city center. Many guided tours include the funicular railway ride. There’s also Ljubljana’s urban tourist train, which stops at all the main tourist sights, and several walking pathways that ascend Castle Hill. Special access is available for the physically disabled.

When to Get There

Ljubljana Castle is open year-round, with extended operating hours during the summer. The castle is a very popular attraction, so visit early in the morning or late in the evening if you want to avoid crowds. The castle tower and grounds offer incredible sunset views of Ljubljana.

Ljubljana Castle Events

Not only is the Ljubljana Castle a key historic landmark in town, but it is also a center for cultural events and festivals. During the summer months, the castle courtyard hosts numerous live music and theater events, as well as an outdoor film series shown under the stars.

Grajska planota 1, Ljubljana, Slovenia

Varies

From $ 9

Lomnicky Peak

Once called “Grandpa” by locals, Lomnicky Peak is one of the highest and most visited peaks in Slovakia’s Tatras Mountains. With a summit of more than 2,600 meters high, visitors can see as far as the Polish lowlands and more than one-fifth of the area of Slovakia on a clear day. The peak is best reached by a cable car that was the most modern in Europe at the time it opened in 1940. Visitors take one car up to Skalnate pleso, followed by another car up to the peak, rising 1,700 meters. Mountaineers can hire a mountain guide to take them up to the peak as well, but it is prohibited to try to climb the peak without a guide. While visitors previously simply took the cable car up and back down again right away, they now have the option to spend the night on the mountain, at the highest situated apartment in Central Europe.

Practical Info

The cable car is open daily in June from 8:50 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; in July and August from 8:50 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; in September from 8:50 a.m. to 3:50 p.m.; and in October from 8:50 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. It is closed the rest of the year. Roundtrip tickets cost 24 Euro and can be purchased up to seven days in advance.

Tatra National Park, Slovakia

Vary by season

Cable Car: 24 Euro roundtrip

From $ 1,147

Lochranza Castle

Lochranza Castle is a medieval castle on the Isle of Arran in southwestern Scotland. It sits on a narrow strip of land that juts out into Loch Ranza, and even though it is in ruins, it is still a fascinating castle to visit. Originally the castle was an old hall house built in the 1200s, but in the late 1500s it was incorporated into a newer tower house. The older castle had its main entrance one level up from the ground level. It was accessed by wooden stairs that could be removed if the castle was under attack. When the castle was rebuilt, the entrance was moved to the ground level.

Lochranza Castle was most likely owned by the MacSween family at one time, though ownership changed around the time of its reconstruction. When the tower house was built, the tower stood five stories tall. Today it is possible to access the ground level at the north and south ends of the castle as well as parts of the upper level.

Practical Info

Lochranza Castle is located on the Isle of Arran about 62 miles from Glasgow.

Isle of Arran, Scotland

From $ 362

Little India (Jalan Masjid India)

One of two South Asian enclaves in Kuala Lumpur—the other, also known as Little India, is in Brickfields—Little India sits conveniently near Chinatown, making the pair an easy destination for food tours. Set around Jalan Masjid India (Indian Mosque Street), this bustling district offers rewards from markets and sari stores to eateries.

The Basics

You don’t need a tour to soak up the atmosphere in downtown Kuala Lumpur and, needless to say, there’s no entrance fee to Little India. It’s often a quick photo stop on Kuala Lumpur orientation tours.

However, if discovering Kuala Lumpur’s diverse cuisine is on your to-do list—and it should be—then a food tour that explores the Indian food on offer either here or in Brickfields is a must. You’ll cover more ground than you would independently, head straight to the good stuff, and taste more than you’d be able to taste outside the food-tour context.

Things to Know Before You Go

No visit to Kuala Lumpur is complete without discovering the city’s delicious Indian food.
From saris to spices, Little India is retail therapy writ large—bring cash.
The Little India in Brickfields is larger than the Little India on Jalan Masjid India, but Jalan Masjid India is more central. Whether to visit one or both is up to you.
Chettinad cooking, from the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu, is big in this Little India, both in street eateries and more formal restaurants.

How to Get There

Jalan Masjid India is conveniently placed in the heart of town, within easy walking distance of Chinatown and the Central Market. If you’re coming from elsewhere in Kuala Lumpur, hop on a Light Rail Transit (LRT) train to Masjid Jamek. The station connects lines 3, 4, and 5 (Ampang, Sri Petaling, and Kelana Jaya, respectively).

When to Get There

Little India can be visited at any time of day but is particularly charming early in the evening when the night market on Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman is in full flow. To enjoy the best breads, particularly the area’s signature roti canai, come in the morning, as these are primarily breakfast snacks.

Kuala Lumpur’s Multicultural Food

It was Chinese miners who founded the city of Kuala Lumpur, during a tin boom in the 19th century. Ever since its inception, under British colonial forces, the city has been a mixture of South Asian, Chinese, and Malay influences. Besides classically Indian food, look out for Malay Indian fusions known as “Mamak” when touring LIttle India.

Jalan Masjid India, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Free

From $ 8

Lochnagar Crater

Often nicknamed the Glory Crater, the 80-meter wide and 30-meter deep Lochnagar Crater was created by a mine detonation executed by the 179th Tunneling Company Royal Engineers on the first day of the now-infamous Battle of the Somme at precisely 7:28 a.m. The mine itself consisted of 27 tons of explosives and was planted by Welsh miners in a secret tunnel between the English/French and German fronts in La Boisselle. The men had to work in a discreet yet highly effective manner, using bayonets with spliced handles for silence and working barefoot on a floor covered with sandbags. Spoil was passed hand-by-hand in sandbags and stored along the side of the tunnel. It would eventually be used to tamp the charge during the detonation. The men excavated the passageway at a rate of about 46 centimeters per day, eventually reaching 1,017 feet (310 meters) long, 2.5 feet (0.75 meters) wide and 4.5 feet (1.4 meters) high—unbeknownst to the German troops.

The crater has been preserved as a memorial ever since the end of the war, with a special service held at 7:28 a.m. on the first of every July, kick-starting the yearly Battle of the Somme commemorations. Visitors should know that Lochnagar Crater is the only remaining war-era crater that is open to the public and that the crater was named after Lochnagar Street, the trench from which the gallery was originally driven.

Practical Info

Lochnagar Crater is located 158 kilometers north of Paris just past Amiens. It can be reached via route A1 and D938 in less than two hours. There are no entrance fees.

D20, Route de la Grande Mine, Ovillers-la-Boisselle 80300, France

From $ 150

Little Market Square (Maly Rynek)

Tucked away behind the flying buttresses of St Mary’s Basilica, the Maly Rynek is the baby brother of Krakow’s landmark Rynek Główny, just as beautiful but without the constant crowds. The oblong square is lined with townhouses painted in muted greens, yellows and reds, some with Baroque embellishments dating from the 17th century. The brick-red apse of the Church of St Barbara backs on to the piazza; with its origins in the early 14th century, it was Krakow’s Jesuit church for centuries and its interior has a mix of Gothic and Baroque architecture, several rare icons and an mournful sculpture depicting Christ in the Garden at Gethsemane.

In the Middle Ages a meat market took place in the Maly Rynek, and these days a thrumming weekend market offers up plenty of street entertainment and has all manner of stalls offering hand-painted eggs, amber jewelry and dolls in national costume as well as traditional sweets and the ever-present pierogis; in August the square plays host to the Pierogi Festival, when thousands flock to sample different takes on Poland’s favorite dish.

Practical Info

Maly Rynek, Krakow. Accessible 24/7 for no charge. Best reached on foot in the largely pedestrianized Old Town.

Maly Rynek, Krakow, Małopolska, Poland 31-041, Poland

From $ 85