Choose from 5,104 Fun Things to Do in St John's
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Drottningholm Palace
The private residence of Sweden’s royal family, Drottningholm Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the country’s best-preserved 17th-century castles. Over the years successive royal residents have renovated the palace, which is inspired by French and Dutch styles and features lush rococo interiors and multiple baroque gardens.
The Basics
Today you can explore much of Drottningholm’s interior and stroll through its extensive gardens, including the French formal garden and English Park. It’s also possible to explore the Court Theatre, the Castle Church, and the ornate Chinese Pavilion. The royal family resides in the southern wing of palace, but the rest of the complex is open to the public for tours and independent exploration.
Some Stockholm city tours include a visit to Drottningholm Palace, and options are available for both private and group tours. It’s also possible to visit the palace on a boat trip from Stockholm, or visit independently with a Stockholm Pass.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Drottningholm Palace is a must-see for history and culture lovers.
- Visitor facilities include a visitor center, gift shop, and onsite restaurant.
- The palace is accessible to wheelchairs, but strollers are not permitted.
- Photography and filming are allowed, but be careful not to use flash.
How to Get There
Drottningholm Palace is located roughly seven miles (11 kilometers) west of Stockholm via Route 275. Travelers can also take the subway (T-bana) to Brommaplan, then change to the bus for Drottningholm. Bus and boat tours from Stockholm are a convenient option and allow you to avoid the hassle of navigation and parking.
When to Get There
Palace hours vary by season, but the grounds tend to be most crowded in summer when Sweden’s weather is typically sunny and warm. During this season, arrive early or visit on a weekday to avoid crowds.
Drottningholm for Kids
Families with kids can enjoy child-focused events held at the royal palace throughout the year. Children aged seven and under get free admission to the palace and can partake in activities such as a scavenger hunt for specific animals and plants featured in the palace’s interior rococo decorations.
Address: Drottningholms Slott, Drottningholm 17802, Sweden
Admission: Varies
From $ 26
Dora Observatory
Located at the top of Mt Dora on the South Korean side of the 38th parallel, the Dora Observatory sits as close to North Korea as one can get from the south. Looking out over the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), the observatory is close to the huge Third Tunnel, which was originally created by the North Koreans with the intention to use it as a secret pathway to invade South Korea if war ever broke out again.
Because the area is restricted, the Dora Observatory can only be visited via the DMZ Peace and Security Tourist Program. Once at the observatory, binoculars can be rented, but photography is restricted and banned beyond a certain point.
Practical Info
The Dora Observatory is open from 10am until 5pm Tuesday to Sunday. All visitors must show photographic identification at the checkpoint just beyond the Unification Bridge.
Address: 310 Je3(sam) ttanggul-ro, Jangdan-myeon, Paju-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
Hours: Tue-Sun 10am-5pm, Closed Mon
Admission: 500 won; prices vary
From $ 40
Doria Pamphili Gallery
The Doria Pamphili Gallery, located in Rome, Italy, is one of the largest and most magnificent palaces in the center of the city. It is home to the Doria Pamphili (sometimes spelled Pamphilj) family, and some members of the family still live in one section of the palace. The original building dates back to the 15th century, though it has been renovated several times. A visit to the gallery provides a glimpse into aristocratic life in Rome. Many private rooms are now open, including a ballroom, a chapel, and living quarters, all decorated with elaborate paintings and sculptures.
The art gallery itself contains approximately 400 pieces from the 15th to 18th centuries. Some of the more famous pieces include a portrait of pope Innocent X by Velázquez and two busts of the same pope, created by Bernini. The Gallery of Mirrors is one of the most lavish rooms in the palace and includes frescoes depicting the Labors of Hercules.
Practical Info
The Doria Pamphili Gallery is located at Via del Corso 305.
Address: Via del Corso 305, Rome, Italy
Hours: Open every day from 9.00 a.m. to 7.00 p.m. (last entry 6.00 p.m.)
Closed: 25th December, 1st January, Easter.
Admission: Adults: €11
From $ 29
Downing Street
Few London addresses are as famous as 10 Downing Street, a Grade I listed Georgian townhouse and the official residence and office of the British Prime Minister since 1735. Centuries of government meetings, important decisions and more than a few scandals have taken place behind the property’s iconic black door (which can be opened only from the inside and even the Prime Minister is not given a key) and former residents have included everyone from Winston Churchill to Margaret Thatcher to Tony Blair.
For security reasons, access to Downing Street is limited to government officials only and visitors can do little more than peek through the police patrolled iron gates, but it’s still a popular inclusion on visitor’s itineraries, and there’s always the chance of spotting the Prime Minister himself. Those wanting to get a closer look can follow the video tour on the Downing Street website or, if you’re lucky, join one of the Open House London tours that take place over one weekend a year. Keep an eye on next door too - 11 Downing Street is the official residence of the Chancellor of the Exchequer and sees a steady stream of British politicians through its doors.
Practical Info
Downing Street is located in the City of Westminster in Central London and is not open to the public.
Address: Downing Street, London, England
From $ 23
Drosselgasse
The winemaking town of Rüdesheim am Rhein sits on the eastern banks of the Rhine and is the region’s second-largest visitor attraction after Cologne Cathedral. It owes its popularity to the little cobbled alleyway of Drosselgasse, which is a mecca of stores, bars and restaurants dedicated to all things German.
Although it’s only 490 feet (150 m) long, this mini-street runs between Oberstrasse and the banks of the Rhine, attracting tourists in their millions to enjoy its half-timbered wooden architecture, with balconies and galleries intricately carved and wreathed in garlands. Sadly, it isn't all original; although some buildings date back to the 15th century, most of the street was rebuilt after World War II. This does not ruin the spectacle and fun of it all, however.
Asbach Brandy and the strong Rudesheimer coffee that accompanies it are just two of the local treats to sample, and nearly all the cafés sell typical Rhineland gourmet specialties such as apple strudel and the cheesy pasta dish Kasespatzle. Wine bars serve up the region’s trademark young pinots and sharp rieslings; the wait staff at the bierkellers flourish long steins full of frothy ice-cold beers; and in summer traditional brass bands play oompah tunes until well after midnight.
Practical Info
Drosselgasse is bustling from around noon until past midnight in the summer. Its lively atmosphere can be enjoyed on a day trip from Frankfurt while also taking in the majestic Rhineland countryside.
Address: Drosselgasse 1, Rüdesheim am Rhein 65385, Germany
From $ 120
Dragon Bridge
At each entrance to Ljubljana’s dramatic Dragon Bridge, a pair of menacing green dragons stand watch, their stone-sculpted wings poised for flight and fire-breathing tongues darting out of their mouths. Erected in 1901, the striking quartet of dragons have become one of the city’s most memorable landmarks, but the statues are more than just aesthetic monuments. The mythical creatures are not only symbolic of the city’s founding (allegedly settled by Jason and the Argonauts after valiantly defeating a dragon) but local legend dictates that the dragons will swish their tails when the bridge is crossed by a virgin.
Crossing the Ljubljanica River just east of the equally impressive Triple Bridge, the Dragon Bridge is now one of the city’s most important bridges, connecting the modern city with the Old Town. Originally built and named for the Hapsburg Emperor, Franc Jozef, the more fitting nickname of the ‘Dragon bridge’ soon stuck, but the inscription of the side of the bridge still reads his dedication. The masterpiece of Dalmatian architect Jurij Zaninovic, the bridge is a much-celebrated example of the city’s Art Nouveau architecture, constructed from reinforced concrete and decorated with elaborate balustrades and original 20th-century street lamps.
Address: Connecting Kopitarjeva ulica and Resljeva cesta, Ljubljana, Slovenia
From $ 25
Doune Castle
Five miles west of the town of Dunblane, Doune Castle is one of the best-preserved medieval buildings in Scotland. The setting for the movie Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Doune Castle offers fans of the comedy an audio guide narrated by Monty Python member Terry Jones. The castle has also been used for filming in Game of Thrones and Outlander.
With its 100-foot-high gatehouse walls, Doune Castle is a rather austere, high-walled kind of a place that was originally built for the First Duke of Albany over seven centuries ago. As you wander, imagine the past guests who walked its echoing stairwells, like Mary Queen of Scots and Bonnie Prince Charlie — he used to imprison government troops here.
Practical Info
Sitting 16 km northwest of Stirling off the A84, Doune Castle is run by Historic Scotland. It’s open daily from April to September from 9:30am to 5:30pm. In October, it’s open daily until 4pm, and between November and March, its hours are 9:30am to 4pm. Entry costs £5.50.
Address: Castle Hill, Doune, Perthshire, United Kingdom, Scotland
Hours: April to September 9:30am to 5:30pm. In October, open daily until 4pm. November to March 9:30am to 4pm.
Admission: £5.50
From $ 47
Downtown Beirut
Chic, sexy and ultra-modern, downtown Beirut can once again be considered the “pearl of the Middle East”. A booming coastal metropolis in the midst of an economic revival, a city once divided by 15 years of civil war is now home to high end stores, trendy restaurants, and a modern population living among thousands of years of history.
Travelers to Beirut can relish in the simple pleasure of sipping a thick coffee at an outdoor café or people watching along the Corniche, a three-mile coastal promenade where bullet holes still riddle the well-manicured palm trees. Visitors can similarly amble along the newly constructed Zaitunay Bay esplanade where private yachts moored offshore bear witness to Beirut’s surging wealth.
Though Beirut has no shortage of easy transport, travelers can take pleasure in strolling in the pedestrian mall around Nejmeh Square and gawk at the masterfully planned architecture. Nearby, in Martyr’s Square, many of the country’s largest political gatherings have taken place and the grounds are still a hotspot for raucous political expression.
Beirut is much more than picturesque squares and glittering promenades. It’s also a regional center of culture and commerce. At the ultra-popular Souk el Barghout, shoppers can search for everything from designer shoes to traditional caftans. Meanwhile, across town, history buffs will get lost in the sprawling National Museum and the numerous cultural artifacts residing within.
For the 1.5 million people who call Beirut home, however, gambling on horse races at the Hippodrome and dancing all night at thumping nightclubs are elements of a daily Beirut life steeped in pleasure and enjoyment. For thousands of years Beirut has been an alluring fusion of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean lifestyle, and as Lebanon progresses into an increasingly modern future, Beirut will be the capital city leading the Lebanese charge forward.
Travelers to Beirut can relish in the simple pleasure of sipping a thick coffee at an outdoor café or people watching along the Corniche, a three-mile coastal promenade where bullet holes still riddle the well-manicured palm trees. Visitors can similarly amble along the newly constructed Zaitunay Bay esplanade where private yachts moored offshore bear witness to Beirut’s surging wealth.
Though Beirut has no shortage of easy transport, travelers can take pleasure in strolling in the pedestrian mall around Nejmeh Square and gawk at the masterfully planned architecture. Nearby, in Martyr’s Square, many of the country’s largest political gatherings have taken place and the grounds are still a hotspot for raucous political expression.
Beirut is much more than picturesque squares and glittering promenades. It’s also a regional center of culture and commerce. At the ultra-popular Souk el Barghout, shoppers can search for everything from designer shoes to traditional caftans. Meanwhile, across town, history buffs will get lost in the sprawling National Museum and the numerous cultural artifacts residing within.
For the 1.5 million people who call Beirut home, however, gambling on horse races at the Hippodrome and dancing all night at thumping nightclubs are elements of a daily Beirut life steeped in pleasure and enjoyment. For thousands of years Beirut has been an alluring fusion of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean lifestyle, and as Lebanon progresses into an increasingly modern future, Beirut will be the capital city leading the Lebanese charge forward.
Address: Lebanon
From $ 40
Donji Grad (Lower Town)
Croatia’s capital city, Zagreb, is divided into two parts, Donji Grad (Lower Town) and Gornji Grad (Upper Town). The modern center of Zagreb, Donji Grad is home to several museums, gardens, and historic buildings. Among the highlights is Lenuci’s Horseshoe, a series of seven interconnected parks that encircle the district’s top sights.
The Basics
The best way to explore Donji Grad is on foot. Take a guided walking tour to see the district’s highlights and learn about Zagreb’s rich history from a local guide. Zagreb is also bike friendly, so book a guided bike tour to see more of the city than you could in a day on foot. Most sightseeing tours of Zagreb include a visit to both Donji Grad and Gornji Grad.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for lots of walking.
- Enjoy free Wi-Fi at Ban Jelačić Square and cafés across Donji Grad.
- The Zagreb tram is the easiest and most convenient way to get around the city.
- Don’t miss the Dolac Market, Zagreb’s most popular farmers market, open daily.
- Donji Grad is known for its vibrant coffee culture, so make time to enjoy a cup on one of the many café terraces.
How to Get There
Located in the center of Zagreb, Donji Grad can be reached on foot or by car, bus, bike, or tram, or by funicular from Gornji Grad. Trams are by far the easiest and most efficient way to travel around Zagreb. Most tram lines lead to the city center, making it easy to arrive in Donji Grad from nearly anywhere in Zagreb.
When to Get There
If you’re looking for warmer temperatures, April through September are the best months to visit. Rain is common in early spring, and Zagreb gets its fair share of snow and sub-zero temps during the winter months. Several music, theater, and film festivals rock downtown Zagreb during the summer months, making it a particularly lively time to visit. Winter is also a festive time, with numerous holiday festivities and Advent-themed tours.
Walking Lenuci’s Horseshoe
Brainchild of 19th-century urban planner Milan Lenuci, Lenuci’s Horseshoe is a U-shaped network of seven landscaped park squares in central Donji Grad. Walking Lenuci’s Horseshoe is one of the best ways to explore lower Zagreb. Along the route you’ll pass lovely landscaped parks, several museums and monuments, and important landmarks such as the Croatian National Theater and the Academy of Dramatic Art.
Address: Donji Grad, Zagreb, Croatia
From $ 24
Drombeg Stone Circle
Known to locals as the Druid's Altar, the Drombeg Stone Circle is one of the most impressive prehistoric monuments in Ireland, boasting an idyllic setting, amid rolling farmlands. Dating back to as early as 1100 BC but still in use up to the 5th century AD, the megalithic site consists of seventeen standing stones, measuring up to two meters high. Thought to have been used as a burial or sacrifice site, excavations uncovered a fire pit and the remains of cremated bones buried at the center of the circle.
Forty meters west of the stones lie the ruins of two Iron Age huts, and a ‘fulacht fiadh’, a traditional outdoor kitchen, which includes a hearth on which stones were heated, and a trough, into which the hot stones were dropped to boil the water.
Insider’s Tip: The most atmospheric time to visit the ruins is during the winter solstice, when the setting sun lines up with the recumbent stone at the head of the circle.
Practical Info
Drombeg Stone Circle is located on Ireland’s southwest coast around 70km southwest of Cork. There is no admission fee.
Address: Drombeg, West Cork, Cork, Ireland
From $ 45
Dongdaemun Market and Gate
Once the easternmost of four main gates to the capital city, Seoul, the Dongdaemun Gate functions today as a tourist attraction and an iconic beacon for shoppers seeking the wares available at the nearby market and shopping complexes.
There have been imposing structures serving as gates on the site as far back as 1396. The current structure was built by King Gojong in 1869. The gate and connecting city wall weren't built for ornamental purposes only, as the lowland site of the main palace wasn't easy to defend from invaders. This is not to say that the structure is anything less than handsome. Despite the varying hues of stone used during numerous renovations over the years, the gate's facade is imposing. Joseon Period Japsang statues of animals adorn the eaves in an attempt to ward off evil spirits. Whether they are effective or not is questionable, but their aesthetic value is considerable. Guided tours of the structure and surrounding area come highly recommended.
The aforementioned market and shopping complexes are booming destinations popular with both Koreans and tourists. Situated along the famous Cheonggyecheon Stream and the Hwanghakgyo Bridge, the market is home to stalls offering standard wares, kitschy souvenirs, traditional Korean goods, folk items, and a wide array of traditional Korean and fusion cuisine. Cross the main street to the Dongdaemun shopping complexes to go shopping for clothing, accessories, and shoes until the wee hours of the night.
A stimulating mix of old and new, the Dongdaemun Gate and accompanying market are definitely worth a late afternoon or early evening, whether you live in and around Seoul or are just passing through.
There have been imposing structures serving as gates on the site as far back as 1396. The current structure was built by King Gojong in 1869. The gate and connecting city wall weren't built for ornamental purposes only, as the lowland site of the main palace wasn't easy to defend from invaders. This is not to say that the structure is anything less than handsome. Despite the varying hues of stone used during numerous renovations over the years, the gate's facade is imposing. Joseon Period Japsang statues of animals adorn the eaves in an attempt to ward off evil spirits. Whether they are effective or not is questionable, but their aesthetic value is considerable. Guided tours of the structure and surrounding area come highly recommended.
The aforementioned market and shopping complexes are booming destinations popular with both Koreans and tourists. Situated along the famous Cheonggyecheon Stream and the Hwanghakgyo Bridge, the market is home to stalls offering standard wares, kitschy souvenirs, traditional Korean goods, folk items, and a wide array of traditional Korean and fusion cuisine. Cross the main street to the Dongdaemun shopping complexes to go shopping for clothing, accessories, and shoes until the wee hours of the night.
A stimulating mix of old and new, the Dongdaemun Gate and accompanying market are definitely worth a late afternoon or early evening, whether you live in and around Seoul or are just passing through.
Address: Seoul, South Korea
From $ 47
Drake's Seat
For one of the best views on St. Thomas, make the drive to the mountaintop perch at Drake’s Seat. Here you can keep lookout over Magens Bay and the British Virgin Islands, just as Sir Francis Drake was said to do from this very spot in order to catch pirates, privateers and invading naval ships approaching from the north via Drake’s Passage, also bearing his name. Today, this lookout point sports a stone platform with a bench atop it, and it’s a popular top for tour groups. The crowds mostly disperse by evening however, making Drake’s Seat an ideal spot to take in the sunset.
Practical Info
Drake’s Seat is just a 5-minute drive from the capital and cruise port of Charlotte Amalie, and it’s also a regular stop on most island tours. Visitors coming on their own can avoid the largest crowds by coming early or late in the day.
Address: Rte. 40, Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas 00802, US Virgin Islands
From $ 50
Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve
The first national park in the United Arab Emirates, the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve offers visitors a stunning landscape of sand dunes and desert fauna. Once a huge camel farm, the land it occupies was bought by Sheik Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in 1993, who, inspired by the national parks of South Africa, decided that Dubai needed its own reserve. The reserve is a must-visit for adventure travelers and outdoor enthusiasts, with its rolling dunes setting the scene for thrill-seekers to experience fat-bike riding, off-roading, camel trekking, sandboarding, and falcon demonstrations.
The Basics
The Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve offers one of the the UAE’s best opportunities for viewing native wildlife and experiencing the adventure possibilities of the inland desert. Options are plentiful, including morning dune drives, hot air balloon flights over the Arabian desert, private desert safaris, and outdoor dinners in a Bedouin-inspired camp. To visit, you must book a guided tour with round-trip transportation from an approved operator—both half-day and full-day tours are available.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Guided tours from Dubai last anywhere from two to seven hours, depending on the option chosen.
- Remember to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat, as the reserve offers very little shade.
- Drink plenty of water—it’s easy to get dehydrated in this arid environment.
- Wear comfortable clothes and shoes, particularly if you’re participating in adventure activities.
How to Get There
The Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve is situated about 37 miles (60 kilometers) outside of Dubai, a journey of about 45 minutes by road.
When to Get There
For the best weather—temperatures around 80°F (27°C)—visit the Dubai Desert (or anywhere in the United Arab Emirates for that matter) between November and March. Occasional rain showers occur from January to March, but they rarely last for long. Those who opt for a summer visit should expect highs well over 80°F (38°C).
Flora and Fauna of the Desert Reserve
While it may not look like it at first glance, the desert is teeming with life. Among the many critters that call the dunes home are the sand cat, Gordon’s wildcat, Arabian red fox, sand fox, gazelle, Arabian hare, hedgehog, and the pygmy shrew. Even the plants are colorful and diverse, with several species of trees, flowering shrubs, herbs, and grasses. The true success story of the national park is that of the Arabian oryx, a species of antelope. Before the park was established in 2003, the Arabian oryx was close to extinction. Today, well over 100 live here.
Address: E-66, Murqqab, United Arab Emirates
Admission: Varies
From $ 79
Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo
Within the Dubai Mall, the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo is no stranger to superlatives, including the world’s largest collection of sand sharks and one of the world’s largest acrylic panel viewing platforms. Numerous marine habitats, including an underwater tunnel, house 33,000 marine animals, from crocodiles to tropical fish.
The Basics
The Dubai Aquarium, home to the world’s largest suspended aquarium, also ranks among Dubai’s most popular family attractions. You can choose between two admission packages: the Researcher Experience, which includes a guided behind-the-scenes tour of the Underwater Observatory, or the Explorer Experience, which includes a glass-bottom boat tour and a submersible simulator experience. Add-ons offer the opportunity to interact with sea otters, rays, or King Croc, the aquarium’s most famous resident. Guided tours of Dubai that include aquarium entrance might also feature the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Creek, and the Burj Al-Arab, depending on the option you choose. The aquarium is also an option on the Dubai Explorer Pass.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Dubai Aquarium is a must-visit for families and animal lovers.
- Much of the aquarium is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
- Give yourself at least two hours to see everything the aquarium has to offer.
- Consider booking any special experiences ahead of time to avoid lines and disappointment.
How to Get There
The Dubai Aquarium is located on the ground floor of the Dubai Mall. The easiest way to get there is to take the Dubai Metro to Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Station. Buses 27 and 29 also stop at the mall.
When to Get There
The Dubai Aquarium is open daily from 10am to 12am. As one of Dubai’s most popular attractions, expect long lines during the high season, from November to March. If you’re visiting Dubai in the summer months, consider visiting in the afternoon to enjoy an air-conditioned respite from the heat.
Educational Presentations
The Dubai Aquarium puts on regular presentations throughout the aquarium, where you can learn more about the animals you’re seeing. Popular sessions include ray, shark, and crocodile feedings, as well as short presentations at the otter, piranha, and penguin exhibits. Be sure to check the schedule upon arrival.
Address: Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, UAE, United Arab Emirates
Hours: Open daily from 10 am to midnight
Admission: Varies
From $ 22
Dubai Creek (Khor Dubai)
The seawater Dubai Creek (Khor Dubai), flowing between Deira and Bur Dubai in the historic center of the United Arab Emirates city of the same name, is the reason for Dubai's very existence. When trade with the outside world began over a century ago, this protected inlet was the obvious choice to develop a commercial seaport. The creek has been widened many times during the last century, and today, it's often busy with abra—small wooden water taxis—ferrying passengers between the souks of Deira on the northeastern bank and the historic district of Bur Dubai on the southwestern bank.
The Basics
The Basics
While water taxis are often included as part of guided sightseeing tours and serve as a practical way to see the sights of Dubai Creek while getting from Point A to Point B, the waterway can also be enjoyed via a sunset dinner cruise aboard a traditional Arabian wooden sailboat known as a dhow. Many comprehensive tours of Dubai city include a cruise on Khor Dubai or a dhow dinner cruise (Bateaux Dubai is a popular one) with visits to the Burj Khalifa, the Burj Al-Arab, the Dubai desert, the Dubai Marina, and the Old City area.
Things to Know Before You Go
How to Get to the Dubai Creek
- Take a water taxi as a form of transportation to use Dubai Creek as the locals do.
- Take your Dubai Creek experience up a notch with a dinner dhow cruise.
- Handicap accessibility is not guaranteed on creek tours.
There are four stations where travelers board water taxis—two on the Deira side and two on the Bur Dubai side. From the creek, it's possible to spot palaces, mosques and other Dubai landmarks, including the Gold Souk and the Dubai Heritage Village.
When to Get There
If visiting on your own, arrive in the early morning or evening to enjoy some peaceful moments, or during the hectic middle of the day to see bustling life all around you. Expect temperatures of up to 110°F (43°C) in summer.
Dhows and Abras on the Dubai Creek
Dhows are wooden boats with long, thin, hulls, typically used to carry heavy cargo for trading. Lateen-rigged sails on one or more masts help power the boats carrying fruit or fresh water. Abras are the traditional motor-powered water taxis used in Dubai.
Address: Creekside Park, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Admission: Free
From $ 23
Doolin
Located on the wave-beaten western edge of Ireland, this former fisherman’s village is known for its traditional Irish music scene. Every night, patrons squeeze into a trio of popular pubs to listen to fiddlers, singers, flutists, tin whistlers, and bodhrán (a traditional Irish drum) players take part in toe-tapping jam sessions.
The Basics
Doolin is a popular base for travelers who want to explore the natural beauty of north County Clare. Organized tours to the Cliffs of Moher often make a stop at Doolin (the town is just a 10-minute drive from the famous UNESCO-listed beauty spot), as well as at the Burren, a region known for its unusual karst topography. For those who want a different perspective on the Cliffs of Moher, cruises to the cliffs depart from Doolin Pier.
In Doolin itself, visitors can explore the town and admire the brightly painted fishermen’s cottages. The town’s biggest attraction is its trio of music pubs: Gus O’Connor’s, McDermott’s, and McGann’s. Visitors can enjoy a typical Irish lunch, such as fish-and-chips or beef-and-Guinness stew, or settle in for an evening of live music.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Doolin is a must for music-lovers and anyone who wants to experience Irish pub culture.
- Bring a good rain jacket and walking boots as Doolin is frequently hit with wind and rain.
- Some Cliffs of Moher cruises departing from Doolin are wheelchair-accessible.
How to Get There
Doolin is located along the Wild Atlantic Way in north County Clare in the west of Ireland. The village is about 1.5 hours from Galway by car. Bus Éireann route 350 runs from Galway city center to Doolin.
When to Get There
Doolin is at its liveliest during summer, when warmer, calmer weather allows boat cruises to run and other area tourist attractions are up and running. During the summer months, music sessions normally take place nightly. In winter, Doolin is much quieter, though live traditional music sessions still take place on weekend nights in its cozy pubs.
What Else to Do in Doolin
Though its music scene and the nearby Cliffs of Moher are Doolin’s biggest attractions, there are other activities in town well worth trying too. Follow the Doolin Cliff Walk, which offers views of the stunning and sheer Atlantic cliffs, or visit Doolin Cave, whose 24-foot-long (7.3-meter-long) stalactite is said to be the longest free-hanging stalactite in Europe.
Address: Ireland
From $ 35
Dubai Cruise Port
Shimmering skyscrapers and towering condos rise high above smooth desert sands at this unique port in the heart of the Middle East. While indoor ski resorts, luxury hotels, white sandy beaches and duty-free shopping have made Dubai an adult wonderland, travelers can still experience some of the city’s former charm (and the natural beauty of the nearby desert) on a day excursion to this popular port.
How to Get to Dubai
Free shopping shuttles leave every hour from the port and take travelers to Mercato Mall or City Center Drive. Otherwise taxis are easy to find near the berth and can be hired for a day rate.
One Day in Dubai
Start the day exploring Dubai’s past at Dubai Creek. This landmark divides the business district from touristy sections of the city and is an ideal spot for witnessing where old meets new. Stop at the Eheikh Saeed al-Maktoum House, for a taste of Dubai before the oil trade took off. Then head to the observation deck on the 124th floor of Nurj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world—for unmatched views of the city skyline. Round out the day with a stop at Burj Al Arab, the only seven-star hotel on the planet. Visitors aren’t always welcome, but scoring a table at the chic underwater restaurant is sure to be a memorable experience.
How to Get to Dubai
Free shopping shuttles leave every hour from the port and take travelers to Mercato Mall or City Center Drive. Otherwise taxis are easy to find near the berth and can be hired for a day rate.
One Day in Dubai
Start the day exploring Dubai’s past at Dubai Creek. This landmark divides the business district from touristy sections of the city and is an ideal spot for witnessing where old meets new. Stop at the Eheikh Saeed al-Maktoum House, for a taste of Dubai before the oil trade took off. Then head to the observation deck on the 124th floor of Nurj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world—for unmatched views of the city skyline. Round out the day with a stop at Burj Al Arab, the only seven-star hotel on the planet. Visitors aren’t always welcome, but scoring a table at the chic underwater restaurant is sure to be a memorable experience.
Port Information
Dirham is the official currency of Dubai and although Arabic is the national language, English is widely spoken. The cruise terminal, much like the city itself, answers all the needs of travelers. ATMs, free Wi-Fi, a restaurant and shopping shuttles for visitors make the port a perfect spot for jumping off into the city or the desert.
Address: Cruise Terminal, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
From $ 47
Dream World
There’s a reason Bangkok’s Dream World is known by locals as “the world of happiness.” Travelers will find a variety of entertaining live performances, traditional cuisine and dozens of thrill-seeking amusement park rides just beyond the amusement park’s gates.
Nowhere else can visitors to Thailand slide down frozen hillsides aboard speeding sleds, raft across the Grand Canyon or fly 20 meters into the air on the thundering waves of a Hurricane. And these adrenaline pumping attractions are just part of what makes Dream World worth the visit. Families can wander through the chilly streets of the enchanting Snow Town or splash around in the little kids Water Fun area. Whether it’s an adventurous afternoon or an all-day family affair Dream World has travelers covered.
Practical Info
Dream World is accessible via the Rangsit highway and Changwattana Expressway. Travelers can also catch public bus number 538 to Dream World from Victory Monument.
Address: 62 Moo1, Rangsit-Ongkarak road, Pathumthani, Thailand
Admission: Varies
From $ 22
Dostoevsky Museum
Officially known as the F.M. Dostoevsky Literary Memorial Museum, this museum celebrates the life of Russian author Fyodor Dostoevsky. It was opened in 1971 in the apartment where he lived first in 1846 and again from 1878 until his death in 1881. Notably, it is also where he penned his last novel, the Brothers Karamazov. The interior has been reconstructed based on recollections of Dostoevsky’s wife and friends and includes memorabilia donated by his grandson. A literary exhibit focuses on Dostoevsky’s life and work, while exhibit halls occasionally display contemporary art. The museum library holds about 24,000 volumes and museum collection also includes a large collection of graphic and applied art and a collection of photographs.
Every November, the museum hosts a conference on Dostoevsky and World Culture. It also hosts bus and walking tours of St Petersburg focused on Dostoevsky’s works and the city.
Practical Info
The Dostoevsky Museum is located at 5/2 Kuznechny Pereulok. From the Vladimirskaya Metro station, exit and turn right and walk for one block, where you will find the museum on the corner of the building on your right. It is open Tuesdays to Sundays, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is 160 rubles and photo and video are free. An audio guide is available for an additional 170 rubles.
Address: 5/2 Kuznechny Pereulok, St Petersburg, Russia
Admission: Adults: 160 rubles
From $ 6
Donkin Reserve
The Donkin Reserve introduces visitors to the early history of Port Elizabeth by way of a small park, stone pyramid, and lighthouse overlooking the South African coastline. Built as a touching memorial to Elizabeth Donkin—wife of 19th-century Cape Colony Governor Rufane Donkin—the hilltop memorial commemorates the woman for whom the city is named, with an inscription that reads: “In the memory of one the most perfect of human beings who has given her name to the town below.”
While you won’t likely spot much wildlife in this reserve, you will find excellent views from atop the lighthouse, as well as walking trails and the terminus of the larger Route 67 Art Trail—a walking tour of 67 pieces of public art representing Nelson Mandela’s 67 years of service to end apartheid in South Africa.
Practical Info
The Donkin Reserve is located just below Belmont Terrace. The lighthouse is open Monday to Saturday from 8am to 4:30pm. Admission to the lighthouse and pyramid costs five rand.
Address: Donkin Street, Port Elizabeth 6001, South Africa
Hours: Mon–Sat: 8am–4:30pm
Admission: ZAR 5
From $ 107