Choose from 5,104 Fun Things to Do in The Whitsundays & Hamilton Island
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How to Get There
Asan Tole Market is in the central part of Kathmandu, a short walk from Thamel, Ratna Park, Kantipath, and the Durbar Square. It’s best to walk between these places, as the streets are narrow and congested, and traffic jams common. From other parts of Kathmandu you can take a taxi to a nearby street and walk to the market area.
Aspendos Ruins and Theater
Aspendos was an ancient Greco-Roman city founded around 1000 B.C. It was located about 25 miles from the modern city of Antalya, and it's known for having one of the best preserved theaters from antiquity. Despite being built in 155, the theater is still in great shape and has remained mostly intact. A small portion of the theater was built leaning into a hill where the Acropolis stood, and the rest of it was built on vaulted arches. A sloping wooden ceiling that was over the stage area has been lost over time. Dozens of post holes are on the upper level, which at one time supported an awning to protect the audience from the sun.
Since the theater is still in such good condition, it is still a functional venue. The Aspendos International Opera and Ballet Festival holds annual productions in the theater in the spring and early summer.
Spend some time wandering around outside the theater as well. Nearby you'll find the ruins of a basilica, the agora, a nymphaeum, and more than nine miles of a Roman aqueduct. You can also find the Eurymedon Bridge. This was a Roman era bridge that was rebuilt in the 13th century.
Practical Info
The Aspendos Theater is located approximately 25 miles east of Antalya along route D400. Opening hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., April through October, and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., November through March. The entrance fee is 20TL (about US $9).
Address: Turkey
Hours: Vary
Admission: 20TL
From $ 44
Aruba Aloe Factory & Museum
While the name of Aruba might connote white sand beaches, sunshine and tropical drinks with those little umbrellas in them, the truth is that Aruba is an amazingly diverse little island nation, and nevermore is that apparent than when visiting the Aruba Aloe Factory and Museum. Aloe is native to Aruba, and thanks to its medicinal and restorative properties, it has become one of the leading exports of the nation.
Learn about the history of aloe and Aruba while on a complimentary walking tour offered in English, Dutch, Spanish or in Papiamento – the native language of Aruba – every 15 minutes. You’ll explore the grounds, learn about aloe’s restorative properties and see the processing methods of this amazingly versatile plant.
Practical Info
The Aruba Aloe Factory and Museum is located in Hato at Pitastraat 115 off L.G. Smith Blvd.
Address: Pitastraat 115, Hato, Aruba
From $ 40
Aswan Botanic Garden
Designed by Lord Kitchener, the 16-acre Aswan Botanic Gardens is home to trees, flowers and plants from India, Africa and even the world beyond. Travelers can relax in the wide-open spaces of this garden’s breathtaking natural beauty or wind through the extensive exhibit hall of towering palm trees. More than 400 species of subtropical vegetation exist in this urban oasis that’s just a Nile cruise away.
Practical Info
The gardens are located west of Elephantine Island on Kitchener’s Island in Aswan, Egypt. They are open from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. from October through April and from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. between May and September. Admission is EL15. Travelers can access the gardens on a felucca or motorboat.
Address: Kitchener's Island, Aswan, Egypt
Hours: Oct-Apr 8am-5pm, May-Sep 8am-6pm
Admission: 15 LE
From $ 15
Art of Living International Center
The Art of Living ashram, located 22 miles south of Bangalore, is a 65-acre haven of peace and tranquility, with its beautiful, lush gardens, soothing water fountains and waterfalls, and a picturesque lake. At the center of the campus is the spectacular mediation hall, a magnificent six-tiered building topped with a glass dome.
This is the international headquarters of the Art of Living Foundation, which has chapters in over 150 countries around the world. The Art of Living was founded in 1981 by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, a spiritual guru who has an international following and whose philosophy is “unless we have a stress-free mind and a violence-free society, we cannot achieve world peace.”
The Art of Living Foundation is well-known for its stress-elimination programs which combine yoga and meditation with breathing techniques to help people achieve mental and physical well-being. The Foundation is also one of the world’s largest non-governmental organizations, promoting many humanitarian activities and projects working on rural development, education and the empowerment of women.
Visitors are welcome to visit the campus for the day and enjoy the peaceful, pleasant surroundings by taking a stroll around the grounds and joining the daily Satsang (spiritual discourse) session with Sri Sri Ravi Shankar from 6:30pm to 8pm (4:30pm to 6pm on Sundays). Those who would like to learn more about the Art of Living and attend a course can be accommodated on campus. There’s also an Ayurvedic spa, pharmacy and wellness center located on site as well as a bookstore and handicraft shop.
This is the international headquarters of the Art of Living Foundation, which has chapters in over 150 countries around the world. The Art of Living was founded in 1981 by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, a spiritual guru who has an international following and whose philosophy is “unless we have a stress-free mind and a violence-free society, we cannot achieve world peace.”
The Art of Living Foundation is well-known for its stress-elimination programs which combine yoga and meditation with breathing techniques to help people achieve mental and physical well-being. The Foundation is also one of the world’s largest non-governmental organizations, promoting many humanitarian activities and projects working on rural development, education and the empowerment of women.
Visitors are welcome to visit the campus for the day and enjoy the peaceful, pleasant surroundings by taking a stroll around the grounds and joining the daily Satsang (spiritual discourse) session with Sri Sri Ravi Shankar from 6:30pm to 8pm (4:30pm to 6pm on Sundays). Those who would like to learn more about the Art of Living and attend a course can be accommodated on campus. There’s also an Ayurvedic spa, pharmacy and wellness center located on site as well as a bookstore and handicraft shop.
Address: Bengaluru, India
From $ 71
Aspire Zone (Doha Sports City)
Aspire Zone, also known as Doha Sports City, was founded in 2003 in anticipation of the 2006 Asian Games as an international sports destination featuring state-of-the-art training facilities and sporting venues.
At the heart of the complex stands Khalifa Stadium, a 50,000 capacity sporting venue used for the biggest sporting events (particularly soccer matches). The Hamad Aquatic Centre houses five floors of facilities for swimming, water polo, diving and other aquatic sports, while the Aspire Dome boasts the distinction of being the world’s largest multi-purpose dome. The Ladies Sports Hall provides additional multi-use facilities for women’s sports.
The Torch Doha Hotel offers luxury accommodations within the Aspire Zone, while Villaggio, Doha’s most popular shopping mall, houses international brand shopping. At Aspire Park, visitors and locals alike will find recreational paths, green spaces, playgrounds and a cafe set at the edge of a lake.
Practical Info
The easiest way to get to and from Aspire Zone is by taxi; it’s about a 20-minute drive from central Doha.
Address: Sports City Street, Doha, Qatar
From $ 190
Art Pavilion
A flamboyantly Art Nouveau building originally constructed for Croatia’s art offerings in Budapest’s Millennial Exhibition in 1896, the Art Pavilion (‘Umjetnicki Paviljon’ in Croatian) was taken down piece by piece and transported back to Croatia. There it was rebuilt on the verdant ‘Green Horseshoe’ designed by Milan Lenuci in the late 19th century and encompassing a string of parks, squares and monumental buildings in Zagreb’s Lower Town. Overlooking the manicured formal gardens and fountains of King Tomislav Square (Trg kralja Tomislava), the Art Pavilion mimics the nearby Croatian National Theatre in style, and its glass-topped dome is now a symbol of Croatian culture and one of the best-loved landmarks of the city.
Painted in bright daffodil-yellow and adorned with stucco work and busts of Croatian artists and Renaissance Old Masters, the pavilion has a stately interior that was renovated in 2010 with ornate gilding, marble walls and floors and stained glass, with light flooding in from the central glass dome. Today it hosts a regular program of temporary art exhibitions, which can cover any medium from out-there Croatian video installations through to large-scale international exhibitions such as the works of Andy Warhol or the sculptures and lithographs of Alberto Giacometti.
Practical Info
Trg kralja Tomislava 22, Zagreb. Open Tue–Thur, Sat–Sun 11am 8pm; Fri 11am–9pm. Admission adults 30 KN; seniors & students 15 KN; children 10 KN; family ticket 60 KN. The museum is within walking distance of Zagreb central station; alternatively take trams number 2, 4, 6, 9 or 13.
Address: Trg kralja Tomislava 22, Zagreb, Central Croatia 10000, Croatia
Hours: Tue–Thur, Sat–Sun 11am–8pm; Fri 11am–9pm
Admission: Adults 30 KN; Seniors & students 15 KN; Children 10 KN; Family ticket 60 KN.
From $ 22
Asian Civilisations Museum
Singapore is city that resembles a patchwork quilt of different Asian cultural influences, and if you want a broader understanding of these regional cultures, a visit to the Asian Civilizations Museum is in order. Housed within the nineteenth century Empress Place building, the museum is the first of its kind in the region to examine the may ethnic groups that make up modern Singapore.
Divided into 10 themed areas, the museum displays an exquisite collection of art and artifacts from China, India, Southeast Asia and even Turkey and Islamic Asia. The West Asia galleries are particularly interesting, as they examine an area of the world responsible for the birth of three religions: Islam, Judaism and Christianity.
For the most rewarding museum experience, plan your visit during one of the daily guided tours of the collection, available in English, Mandarin and Japanese (French and Korean less frequently).
Divided into 10 themed areas, the museum displays an exquisite collection of art and artifacts from China, India, Southeast Asia and even Turkey and Islamic Asia. The West Asia galleries are particularly interesting, as they examine an area of the world responsible for the birth of three religions: Islam, Judaism and Christianity.
For the most rewarding museum experience, plan your visit during one of the daily guided tours of the collection, available in English, Mandarin and Japanese (French and Korean less frequently).
Practical Info:
Routes to take by transit: Walking distance from Subway: EW, NS (at Raffles Place).
Address: 1 Empress Pl, 179555, Singapore
Hours: Monday: 1pm - 7pm; Tue-Sun 9am - 7pm (Friday closes at 9pm).
Admission: Adult: $5, Child (ages 6 and below): Free
From $ 3
Assumption Cathedral (Uspensky Sobor)
One of several churches in Cathedral Square inside of Moscow’s Kremlin, the Assumption Cathedral is arguably the most important. Constructed between 1475 and 1479 at the request of Grand Duke Ivan III of Moscow, it is regarded as the mother church of Muscovite Russia.
It was long the place of coronation for the Romanov tsars, and it was the burial place for Moscow metropolitans and patriarchs of the Orthodox Church. Designed by an Italian architect, the cathedral was built with five domes and became a model for other churches throughout Russia with its colorful frescoes that dominate the interior and its impressive iconostasis that dates back to 1547. The tsars often added icons to the iconostasis from the cities they conquered, and the oldest of those, from the 12th century, was brought to Moscow from Veliky Novgorod after it was captured in 1561. Near the south entrance to the cathedral, you can see the throne of Tsar Ivan IV.
Practical Info
To visit the Assumption Cathedral, you must buy a ticket to visit Cathedral Square inside the Kremlin. This includes admission to all museum-cathedrals inside the square and costs 350 rubles. Tickets can be purchased from a booth near the Kutafiya Tower in the Alexander Garden outside of the Kremlin. The Kremlin grounds are open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day, except for Thursday. The nearest Metro station is Biblioteka imeni Lenina or Borovitskaya. Photography is not permitted inside the cathedral.
Address: Moscow, Russia
Hours: Friday-Wednesday 10am-5pm
Admission: 350 rubles
From $ 71
Asa Wright Nature Centre
In the field of eco-tourism, the Asa Wright Nature Centre was well ahead of the curve, having been a sanctuary for wildlife since 1967. It is famous the world over for the staggering variety of birds which pass through, often on their way to or from nearby continental South America. From Ornate Hawk-eagles to the nocturnal Oilbird and the psychedelic plumage of dozens of tropical species, there is enough here to make a birdwatcher of any skeptic.
The center was once a coffee and cocoa plantation, and you can still enjoy lunch or high tea on the broad shady veranda of its old colonial house. Get the most out of your visit by taking a tour; expert guides will be able to point out not just birds but also the huge range of butterflies as well as lizards and other fauna.
Practical Info
The Asa Wright Nature Centre is in northern Trinidad, within easy reach of Port of Spain. The main plantation house and nearby cottages offer accommodation, but if you’re coming for the day you will need to call or email ahead.
Address: Trinidad and Tobago
Hours: Open daily 9am - 5pm
Admission: Adults: US$10
From $ 10
Ashdod Cruise Port
Ashdod is Israel’s largest seaport and a popular stop for cruise ships from lines like Azamara, Celebrity, Silversea, and Oceania. Strategically located along the Mediterranean Sea coast, the Ashdod Cruise Terminal is the gateway to Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and the Holy Land.
The Basics
The most popular day trip destination from Ashdod is Jerusalem, 44 miles (71 kilometers) east, which is about a 1-hour drive. Shore excursions typically take in the highlights of the holy city, including the Temple Mount, Western Wall (Wailing Wall), the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and Al-Aqsa Mosque.
Many tours also combine a tour of Jerusalem with nearby Bethlehem, where sacred sites include the Church of the Nativity, the Milk Grotto, and Manger Square; or a visit to the Dead Sea coast to float in the mineral-rich waters. The beachfront metropolis of Tel Aviv is also easy to visit on a half- or full-day tour, located just 30 minutes north of the port. In Ashdod itself, the main attraction is the archaeological site of Givat Yonah (Hill of Jonah).
Things to Know Before You Go
- Shore excursions typically include port pickup and drop-off.
- Modest dress is required to visit many of the holy sites, so be sure to pack accordingly.
- Direct trains run from Ashdod to Tel Aviv, while buses connect the port with Jerusalem.
- Taxis are available from outside the cruise terminal.
How to Get to Ashdod from the Port of Ashdod
Ashdod is located around 3 miles (5 kilometers) from the cruise terminals and walking is prohibited in the port area, so you must take a taxi or catch one of the shuttle buses. The most convenient way to reach Tel Aviv or Jerusalem is to visit as part of a guided shore excursion.
Port Information
The official currency is the new Israeli shekel (NIS). Arabic and Hebrew are the official languages, but English is widely spoken, especially around the main tourist areas. The passenger area at Ashdod cruise terminal has a cafeteria, two duty-free shops, and a currency exchange counter.
Port Information
The passenger at Ashdod port offers a cafeteria, two duty-free
shops and a currency exchange counter. The official currency is the New
Israeli Shekel (NIS), and you’ll find ATMs at Ben Yehuda Pedestrian
Mall. Arabic and Hebrew are the official languages, but English is
widely spoken, especially in the tourist areas.
Address: Ashdod, Israel
From $ 83
Asan Tole Market
The Asan Tole Market area is one of Kathmandu’s most ancient parts. It’s sat at the crossroads of trade routes through the Himalayas for centuries, and is still a busy, thriving, and culturally fascinating part of the central city.
The Basics
Asan (also spelled Ason) is a bustling market area, but it’s also much more. It’s a hub of Newari culture, the ethnic group who were the original inhabitants of the Kathmandu Valley. Visitors will see many old houses with ornately carved doors and window frames, as well as important temples. All kinds of things can be bought at the market, particularly traditional Nepali foodstuffs. And it’s not just a market put on for tourists: This is where locals shop as they have done for centuries.
Many people visit the Asan Market as part of a walking tour of central Kathmandu. In fact, the central streets are so narrow and crowded that it’s far more comfortable (and even faster) to walk than to get there by car.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The temple of Annapurna Ajima, temples dedicated to Ganesha and Narayan, and white Buddhist stupas in hidden courtyards can be found in the area.
- It’s easy to get lost in Asan’s tangle of streets, but don’t worry: Friendly locals will help point you in the right direction.
- Always bargain when shopping for goods, but there’s no need to go overboard. Don’t get angry or insult a seller’s goods.
How to Get There
Asan Tole Market is in the central part of Kathmandu, a short walk from Thamel, Ratna Park, Kantipath, and the Durbar Square. It’s best to walk between these places, as the streets are narrow and congested, and traffic jams common. From other parts of Kathmandu you can take a taxi to a nearby street and walk to the market area.
When to Get There
The market operates roughly sunrise to sunset. It’s best to go early in the morning to avoid the vehicle traffic. Any time of year is a good time to go, except during the monsoon (June–August) when the streets can be slippery, muddy, and even flooded after a downpour.
Walk to Freak Street
It’s easily missed these days, but just a short walk from the Asan market is Jhochhen, better known as Freak Street. This legendary area was once, for better and worse, the epicenter of the Western hippie scene in Kathmandu. Nowadays, travelers tend to stay in and around the Thamel neighborhood instead, and authorities long ago cleaned up and shut down the more ‘colorful’ parts of Freak Street. But for historical reasons, it’s still a fun place to walk, shop, and take photos.
Address: Kathmandu, Nepal
From $ 102
Arusha National Park
This national park, stationed in the northeastern region of Tanzania, is located an easy drive from the center of Arusha, making it a popular stop for travelers to this beautiful and diverse city. Despite its relatively small size, Arusha National Park offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore some of East Africa’s diverse environments, as well as gain access to many of the continent’s most famous mammals.
Visitors can explore the Meru Crater funnels in the Jekukumia River, hike to the apex of Mount Meru and enjoy breathtaking views, or embark on a wildlife adventure to grasslands of the Ngorongoro Crater. Though travelers won’t find the same number of animals in Arusha National Park as some of Tanzania’s bigger reserves, they’ll still get a taste of what makes this one of the country’s most popular destinations. The park may be lion free, but plenty of wild buffalo, giraffe, zebra and monkeys roam the land, as well as an impressive number of indigenous birds. Lucky adventurers may even spot one of the rare African elephants known to graze on grassy plains.
Practical Info
Arusha National Park is home to Mount Meru, the second highest mountain in Tanzania. The park is located northeast of Arusha and less than 60 kilometers from Moshi.
Address: Tanzania
Hours: Park: 24/7, Mt Climbing Permit duration: 12 Hours
Admission: Adults $45
From $ 230
Asiatique The Riverfront
Asiatique The Riverfront is a large open-air mall situated in the once bustling international trade docks of the East Asiatic Company. It faces the Chao Phraya River and Charoen Krung Road and was opened in 2012 after an extensive renovation of the site.
Asiatique blends the traditional side of Bangkok with its rapidly growing modern side by combining a night bazaar and a swish, contemporary shopping mall. It features more than 1500 shops, stores, and boutiques and around 40 restaurants all within the same complex. It offers a good variety of shops, with a range of brands and independent outlets drawing a mixed crowd of locals and tourists.
Opening only in the evenings from 5pm, Asiatique also has a strong focus on entertainment in addition to retail therapy, with nightly shows including cabaret acts, Thai boxing, and screenings at its on-site 4D movie theater. There’s also the impressive Asiatique Sky attraction, which lays claim to being the highest ferris wheel in Thailand.
Practical Info
The most simple way to reach Asiatique The Riverfront is via boat. Take the BTS to Saphan Taksin and board the free service boat at the end of the pier. The journey takes just ten minutes and the boats run up until 11pm.
Address: 2194 Charoenkrung Road, Bangkok 10120, Thailand
Hours: Open daily 5pm-midnight
From $ 28
Arthur's Seat
One of several peaks in the long-extinct volcanic ridge that towers behind Edinburgh, Arthur’s Seat offers hill walking in the heart of the city. Set within the 640-acre (260-hectare) Holyrood Park, it’s also the site of a 2,000-year-old hill fort. On a clear day, the summit promises spectacular views of the cityscape.
The Basics
At just 823 feet (251 meters), Arthur’s Seat isn’t exactly Everest, but it is an uphill climb. Climbing the peak is a great way to get some exercise while sightseeing. Choose between several easy ascents that typically take 30 to 60 minutes. Hop-on, hop-off bus tours and private sightseeing tours of the city usually stop near the Palace of Holyroodhouse on Queen’s Drive, with visitors continuing on foot from there. The path from the Holyrood side of the park is scenic but also one of the longer routes to the summit. If you’re tight on time, park near Dunsapie Loch and walk from there instead. Radical Road, which runs along the base of the Salisbury Crags, also offers excellent city vistas.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Bring a camera to capture the panoramic city views from Arthur’s Seat.
- Wear sturdy footwear with good grip as the rocky, uneven terrain can be slippery—particularly after rain.
- Visitors often become hot during the hike, and it can be cold and windy at the top. Wear layers that can be easily removed/added as needed.
- Arthur’s Seat is not wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
A parking lot is located on Queen’s Road near the Palace of Holyroodhouse, at the east end of the Royal Mile. The lot is a 15-minute walk from Edinburgh Waverley railway station. The No. 6 bus runs from Edinburgh Old Town to Queen’s Drive.
When to Get There
Arthur’s Seat is busiest during the summer season, when vacationers flock to Scotland’s capital. Go in the early morning hours to avoid the crowds and witness the city springing to life. It can be bracingly cold between November and April, so dress in warm clothing.
Exploring the Rest of Holyrood Park
While you’re in the park, seek out the romantic ruins of St. Anthony's Chapel, which stands on an outcrop near St. Margaret’s Loch and is visible from Arthur’s Seat. Little is known about the chapel’s origins, except that it has existed since at least the 15th century. Nowadays, just the north wall of the crumbling gray stone structure remains standing, bearing more resemblance to a castle than a chapel.
Address: Holyrood Park, Edinburgh, Scotland
Admission: Free
From $ 19
Ascensor Concepcion
Built in 1883, Ascensor Concepcion is the city’s oldest elevator. Once powered by steam, today this electric ride sends travelers up to the Concepcion Cerro, where they are met with charming cobble streets, colorful homes and a handful of cafes, restaurants and bars that serve lunch, dinner and coffee el fresco.
While travelers warn the ancient carriages can feel a little risky, the view from the top (and energy saved by not making the climb on foot) is worth the jarring ride. The elevator makes regular trips, which means cars are rarely crowded and visitors will likely find one departing almost as soon as they arrive.
Practical Info
Ascensor Concepcion is located at El Plan and Paseo Gervasoni in Cerro Concepcion. Admission is about 300 pesos per person and it’s open from 7 a.m. until 10 p.m. daily.
Address: El Plan & Paseo Gervasoni, Valparaiso, Chile
Hours: Open from 7 a.m. until 10 p.m. daily
Admission: 300 pesos
From $ 104
Asahiyama Zoo
Japan’s northernmost zoo is also among the most popular, thanks to its well-managed enclosures designed to exhibit natural animal behaviors rather than just the animals themselves. The zoo is home to more than 800 animal residents representing some 150 species, but the crowd favorites tend to be those hailing from the poles: polar bears and penguins.
A glass tunnel through the penguin enclosure allows visitors to see the aquatic birds “in flight” through the water, while a vertical underwater pipe for the spotted seal shows off the diving skills of this mammal. Both the polar bear and wolf enclosures have pop-up plexiglass domes that allow for viewing the animals from within the enclosures themselves.
Practical Info
Buses 41, 42 and 47 depart from Asahikawa Station twice per hour. The trip to the zoo entrance takes about 40 minutes.
Address: Kuranuma Higashi Asahikawacho, Asahikawa, Hokkaido, Japan
Hours: April to October 9:30am to 5:15pm; October to November 9:30am to
4:30pm; December to April 10:30am to 3:30pm
Admission: 820 yen
From $ 71
Artigas Square
Artigas Square, or Plaza Artigas, is the spot to hit in Punta del Este if you have an interest in arts and crafts, as it plays host to the arts and crafts fair, where a number of artisans and painters showcase their work.
Typically you will find anywhere between 150 and 200 stalls with Uruguayan artists exhibiting a variety of items for sale. It’s the ideal spot for visitors to learn more about Uruguayan culture and for artisans to showcase their work to inquisitive travelers.
Vendor offerings at Artigas Square cover everything from clothing to cartoon drawings, while some of the most popular items include leather goods, textiles, paintings, woodwork and sculptures. Also look for valuable jewelry made from gold, silver and semi-precious stones found in the northern part of Uruguay.
The plaza is named after General José Gervasio Artigas, a national hero of Uruguay, and the square’s craft fair started on July 22, 1967. It has grown from a local market to a “must-visit” tourist spot, but despite its popularity with tourists, the vendors are traditional artisans from Uruguay.
Practical Info
The arts and crafts fair at Artigas Square takes place every night during the summer months and only on the weekends during the winter. Artigas Square borders Avenida Gorlero between Calle 25 and Calle 23.
Address: Avenida Gorlero, Punta del Este, Uruguay
From $ 32
Artillery Bastion (Basteja)
The Artillery Bastion in Vilnius is one of the last surviving parts of the city’s old defensive wall. Built in the 17th century, it is a horseshoe shaped building with a tower and connecting tunnel. Damaged during the Russian occupation in the late part of the 17th century, the bastion gradually lost its defensive function. By the beginning of the 19th century, most of the defensive wall had been destroyed and the bastion was turned into a garbage dump for the city.
Reconstruction of the bastion began in 1966 as the tower was rebuilt and the tunnel and interior rooms were renovated. A museum opened within the bastion in 1987 and there visitors can see weapons and armor from the 15th to 19th centuries, as well as cannons and stone cannon shells. A viewing platform also offers a nice view of Vilnius’ Old Town.
Practical Info
The Artillery Bastion is within walking distance of Vilnius’ Old Town. The nearest bus stop is at Ausros Vartai, where buses 13, 31, 34, 74, 88 and 102N stop. From there, it is just a couple blocks to the bastion. Guided tours are available in the Lithuanian, Russian and English languages, but tours in a foreign language must be ordered in advance by phone or e-mail.
Address: Bokšto gatvė 20/18, Vilnius, Lithuania
Hours: Wednesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Admission: 2 Euro
From $ 5
Ascensor El Peral
Ascensor El Peral may not be Valparaiso’s oldest elevator, but visitors say this classic ascensor offers a quick trip to Cerro Alegre and the city’s Museu de Bellas Artes. The rickety ride saves travelers the trouble of climbing steep—if scenic—slopes. While the trip itself isn’t necessarily picturesque, quiet overlooks offer up a chance to take in the view. Visitors can take another ascensor, the nearby Concepcion—the city’s oldest elevator, down the hills for a slightly different look at the landscapes.
Practical Info
Ascensor El Peral is located near Plaza de Justicia and Paseo Yugoslavo. It is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. and admission is 100 pesos per person.
Address: Plaza de Justicia and Paseo Yugoslavo, Valparaiso, Chile
Hours: Open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m.
Admission: 100 pesos
From $ 104
Aswan High Dam
Built in the 1960s as an engineering marvel, the Aswan High Dam changed the face of Egypt by increasing the cultivable land by 30% and doubling the country's available electricity supply. The dam also created what was then the world's largest artificial lake: Lake Nasser. This body of water would have covered the important Abu Simbel Temple monuments if not for support from UNESCO and a worldwide appeal for funds to move them to higher ground, a massive feat that was eventually successful.
The dam itself is massive, containing 18 times the material used to build the Great Pyramid of Giza (Khufu). At 11,811 feet long (3,600 meters) and 364 feet tall (111 meters), the Aswan High Dam provides visitors with wonderful views up and down the Nile River.
Practical Info
The dam is near Aswan, at one end of Lake Nasser. It is best visited by organized tour that also allows for exploring other nearby sites.
Address: Aswan, Egypt
Hours: Open daily
Admission: 8 L.E.
From $ 30