Choose from 5,104 Fun Things to Do in Windsor & Eton
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Garden of Gethsemane
In Jesus’ day, the Garden of Gethsemane at the base of the Mount of Olives was an olive grove, and according to some botanists, some of the ancient olive trees still growing in the gardens likely predate Christianity itself. While the word “gethsemane” means “oil press,” the Garden of Gethsemane is much better known for its prominence in New Testament scripture as the site where Jesus was betrayed and arrested after the Last Supper.
In the center of the garden sits the Church of All Nations, a mosaic-covered church built in 1924 by architect Antonio Barluzzi. Within the church sits the Rock of Agony, believed by some to be the place where Jesus wept and prayed for the city of Jerusalem.
Practical Info
The entrance to the garden and church is on a narrow alleyway behind the church, and most visitors access the Garden of Gethsemane by taking the steep path down from the top of the Mount of Olives.
Address: Jericho Rd, Jerusalem, Israel
From $ 35
Gallery of Modern Art
Though the pedimented and pillared GoMA (Gallery of Modern Art) building is very much classical, the collection of challenging contemporary artworks contained within it are anything but. The gallery’s art collection spans the 1950s to the present day, with artists including David Hockney, David Shrigley, and Andy Warhol all represented.
The Basics
GoMA is one of Scotland’s premier modern art galleries. Visitors can browse the permanent displays, including Stones Steeped in History, which chronicles the history of the museum building, and the rotating selection of temporary exhibitions, covering topics ranging from the inner-city environment to identity in modern times. Free drop-in volunteer-led building tours, lasting 30 to 40 minutes, are available on select dates. The gallery can be visited as part of private guided tours of Glasgow.
Things to Know Before You Go
- GoMA is a must for contemporary art fans.
- A café, library, and shop are located on-site.
- Free Wi-Fi is available at the museum.
- The museum is wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
The Gallery of Modern Art is situated on Royal Exchange Square in the heart of Glasgow city. The nearest train stations are Queen Street, which is just a 3-minute walk via Queen Street, and Central Station, which is a 5-minute walk via Gordon Street and Royal Bank Place. St. Enoch and Buchanan Street subway stations are both less than a 10 minutes’ walk from the gallery.
When to Get There
The museum is open daily. Saturday afternoons are the busiest time. Come midweek to experience the museum at its quietest.
Special Events at GoMA
In addition to hosting exhibitions, the museum also hosts a program of events designed to help visitors and Glasgow residents engage with art. Book clubs, which focus on a single exhibition showing in the museum and a book associated with it, take place here, as do informal workshops, devoted to skills such as sketching and weaving. Family-friendly events and discussion groups focusing on individual artworks are also held at the museum.
Address: Royal Exchange Square, Glasgow G1 3AH, Scotland
Admission: Free
From $ 19
Gamla Stan
With its tangle of cobblestone streets, brightly painted buildings, and bustling squares, Gamla Stan is one of Stockholm’s most photogenic districts. The historic center also boats the city’s oldest quarter, dating back to 1252, and home to some remarkably preserved medieval monuments.
The Basics
The many historic landmarks of Gamla Stan are easily explored on foot, starting with the Royal Palace, Storkyrkan (Stockholm Cathedral), and the Riksdagshuset (Swedish parliament building). Other highlights include the central square of Stortorget, the main streets of Vasterlanggatan and Osterlanggatan, the Nobel Museum at Borshuset, and Riddarholmen Church.
Stockholm sightseeing tours and hop-on hop-off bus or boat tours typically stop at Gamla Stan, but the best way to explore the Old Town is by foot. Opt for a guided walking tour or biking tour; discover Stockholm’s dark history on an after-hours ghost tour; or maximize your chances of capturing the perfect snapshots on a photography tour.
Things to Know Before You Go
- There are free Wi-Fi spots located around Gamla Stan.
- Most of the main attractions of Gamla Stan are wheelchair accessible, but some of the narrow cobblestone lanes might be tricky to navigate.
How to Get There
Gamla Stan comprises the main island of Stadsholmen and the smaller islands of Riddarholmen, Helgeandsholmen, and Stromsborg. The pedestrianized district can be reached on foot from Norrmalm or by taking the Tunnelbana (subway) to Gamla Stan station.
When to Get There
Gamla Stan is atmospheric both by day and night, but many visitors opt to time their sightseeing for midday, to coincide with the changing of the guards at Stockholm Royal Palace. The district is at its busiest during the peak summer season, but it’s also a popular destination during the holidays, when it hosts one of Stockholm’s most popular Christmas markets.
Address: Sweden
From $ 20
Gangnam District
For better or worse, Korean rapper PSY's 2012 hit song "Gangnam Style" has drawn the world's attention to Seoul and the district of Gangnam. Long before the K-pop hit rocketed to the top of the charts, Gangnam was already one of Seoul's hippest neighborhoods—a spot in the southern part of the city where the young come to see and be seen.
The Basics
Gangnam bustles by day and after dark. Besides being one of Seoul’s biggest commercial districts, it’s also home to several top attractions, including the sprawling COEX Mall (home of the Kimchi Museum and COEX Aquarium) and Bongeunsa Temple. Once the sun goes down, Gangnam transforms into one of Seoul’s hottest nightlife spots, particularly around Gangnam Station and the posh clubs of Apgujeong.
Just about every K-pop and shopping tour of Seoul will stop in Gangnam, but those who want to learn more about Gangnam can join a guided walking tour of the neighborhood for a day of shopping and exploring top attractions, including the COEX Aquarium, Bongeunsa Temple, and the Seolleung and Jeongneung Royal Tombs.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Gangnam is a must-visit for shoppers and music lovers.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes; the neighborhood is quite large, so prepare to spend some time on your feet.
- Walking tours of Gangnam can last four to seven hours, depending on the activities.
How to Get There
The best way to reach Gangnam is to take the Seoul Subway to Gangnam Station (Line 2).
When to Get There
The best time to visit Gangnam depends on the experience you prefer. Shoppers should visit during the day when the boutiques and shops of COEX Mall are open for business. After the sun goes down, the neighborhood comes alive as a nightlife spot full of clubs and restaurants.
Samsung D’light
Samsung, the popular phone brand, is a Korean company, and the Gangnam District is home to a unique Samsung attraction. Samsung D’light is a museum and exhibition space where electronics aficionados can check out the latest Samsung technology and play around with the latest gadgets.
Address: Seoul, South Korea
From $ 54
Garden of Dreams
If you're looking for a green escape in crowded Kathmandu, you could certainly do worse than the Garden of Dreams. This neoclassical garden was created in 1920 by Field Marshal Kaiser Sumsher Rana and styled after Edwardian gardens of the time. With the help of a prominent local architect, Kaiser Sumsher designed and built six pavilions within the garden, one to represent each of the six seasons in Nepal.
This once private garden has been beautifully restored and is now open to the public; and while it’s only half the size of the original, you can still meander past the fountains, statues, pergolas and birdhouses scattered throughout the grounds.
If the crowds, traffic and pollution of Kathmandu are wearing on you, take an afternoon to relax in the gardens. Bring a book along, or just find a spot to sit and people watch. There’s a restaurant and teahouse on the grounds with WiFi available throughout the gardens for an hourly fee.
This once private garden has been beautifully restored and is now open to the public; and while it’s only half the size of the original, you can still meander past the fountains, statues, pergolas and birdhouses scattered throughout the grounds.
If the crowds, traffic and pollution of Kathmandu are wearing on you, take an afternoon to relax in the gardens. Bring a book along, or just find a spot to sit and people watch. There’s a restaurant and teahouse on the grounds with WiFi available throughout the gardens for an hourly fee.
Address: Kaiser Mahal, Tridevi Marg, Kathmandu, Nepal
Hours: Open daily from 9am-10pm
Admission: Nepali: Rs 80. Non-Nepali: Rs 160.
From $ 46
Garden Museum
Dedicated to the history and art of gardening, London’s Garden Museum offers a tranquil break from the busy city. It’s a must-see for any traveler with a green thumb, with a permanent display of paintings, tools, and historic artifacts representing 400 years of gardening in Britain.
The Basics
Travelers typically visit the Garden Museum independently or on a tour of London’s most famous gardens. In addition to the museum’s permanent collection and four to six annual temporary exhibitions, there is (of course) a beautiful garden to walk through. Visitors can also climb 131 steps to the top of the site’s medieval tower for city views. Several exhibitions, topical presentations, and events are held each year to explore the creation of British gardens.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The museum is accessible to wheelchairs, with an elevator straight to the permanent collection on the first floor.
- The small onsite garden cafe serves tea and small bites.
- Entry to the Garden Museum is included in the London Pass.
- The medieval tower closes one hour before the museum’s closing time.
How to Get There
The Garden Museum is located in central London on the South Bank of the Thames, beside Lambeth Palace and across from the Tate Britain and Parliament. It’s about a 15-minute walk from Westminster. The museum can be reached by taking the tube to Westminster, Waterloo, Victoria, or Vauxhall, or by taking bus 3, 344, 360, 507, or C10 directly to the museum.
When to Get There
The Garden Museum is open daily from 10:30am to 5pm, with the exception of Saturdays, when it closes at 4pm. The museum is closed the first Monday of every month. Expect the largest crowds in the afternoon; visit early in the morning for a quiet visit.
Garden Museum Past and Present
The Garden Museum resides in the once-abandoned Church of St-Mary-at-Lambeth, and therefore carries centuries of history in its medieval tower and archbishop’s tomb. The church is the burial place of John Tradescant, a famous British naturalist and gardener, and his tomb now forms the centerpiece of a knot garden. The church was turned into a museum by John and Rosemary Nicholson in 1977 to preserve the tomb of Tradescants (both John and his son) and the church.
Address: Lambeth Palace Road, London, England
Hours: Sun - Fri: 10:30am - 5pm, Sat: 10:30am - 4pm, closed first Monday of each month.
Admission: Adults: £10
From $ 90
Gardens by the Bay
A surreal mixture of structures, light features, and living plants, the Gardens by the Bay redefine the strolling experience as a fanciful waterfront park. Throughout the site’s three garden settings—Bay Central Garden, Bay South Garden, and Bay East Garden—are dozens of abstract sculptures, plus the iconic Supertree Grove, featuring towering tree-like trunks that work as vertical gardens illuminated after dark. Save time for the famous Cloud Forest, home to an indoor waterfall, and the Flower Dome, a botanic garden housing exotic plant life from around the world.
The Basics
Gardens by the Bay admission tickets include access to the two cooled conservatories (the Cloud Forest and Flower Dome), plus the otherwise-free outdoor gardens, consisting of the Supertree Grove, the Sun Pavilion, the Heritage Gardens, the World of Plants, and Dragonfly and Kingfisher lakes. Visit on a Singapore city tour or a night sightseeing tour. For city views, head to the park’s fee-based OCBC Skyway, a circular walkway amid the Supertree canopy. City sightseeing tours often couple trips to the gardens with stops at other popular Singapore attractions such as Marina Bay Sands SkyPark, the Kranji War Memorial, and Bright Hill Temple.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The outdoor gardens and Sun Pavilion are free to enter, while the Cloud Forest and Flower Dome require fees.
- The site is wheelchair accessible, and wheelchair rentals are available for a fee.
- Smoking is not allowed in the park.
- Free Wi-Fi is available at the Supertree Grove, The Canopy, and The Meadow.
- Fee-based audio tours of the outdoor gardens are offered every 15 minutes Monday through Friday from 9am to 5:30pm.
- More than a dozen eateries dot the park; picnics are allowed in the outdoor gardens.
How to Get There
Gardens by the Bay faces Marina Bay near the Marine Reservoir, just inland from Singapore Strait. The Bayfront MRT Station (via the Circle or Downtown line trains) and the Tanjong Pagar MRT Station (via the East-West line) are both close to the attraction. A fee-based shuttle service runs between Bayfront MRT and the conservatories every 10 minutes from 9am to 9pm daily; the service is free for wheelchair users. Many tours visiting Gardens by the Bay include round-trip transport from Singapore hotels.
When to Get There
The gardens are open daily. The outdoor gardens, including The Canyon and the Supertree Grove, are open from 5am to 2am, while the Cloud Forest and Flower Dome conservatories are open from 9am to 9pm. To enjoy the best of the site, visit on a weekday morning when the conservatories and gardens are cooler and less crowded, and return in the evening for the Garden Rhapsody, a light and sound show within the Supertree Grove (two shows nightly at 7:45 and 8:45pm).
Visiting Gardens by the Bay with Kids
To keep things exciting for kids, head to the Far East Organization Children’s Garden, open Tuesday through Friday from 10am to 7pm. There you’ll find a huge tree house, a playground, educational programs, and a miniature water park with spritzing water features (changing facilities and showers are available). Strollers and lockers are offered for an additional charge.
Address: Singapore
From $ 17
Gamcheon Culture Village
Gamcheon Culture Village spills down a hillside just outside of Busan in a riot of colors. The village, with nicknames like “Santorini on the South Sea” and the “Lego Village,” started off as a relatively poor area until the Korean War, when refugees began setting up homes here. Many of these refugees were members of the Taegeukdo religious movement, a religion at the forefront of the Korean independence movement.
Today, few of the 10,000 residents are still believers, but it remains a popular destination for visitors who come to see the multicolored cubicle houses stacked one on top of the other up the hill. Wander through the narrow alleys and streets, and you’ll stumble across murals, art installations and old houses converted into galleries or cafes.
Practical Info
You can reach Gamcheon Culture Village by taking either Bus 2 or 2-2 from the stop in front of the hospital outside Toseong Station.
Address: Gamcheon-dong, Saha-gu, Busan, South Korea
From $ 36
Gallery of 19th-Century Polish Art Museum
The very aptly named museum, which is located inside Krakow’s famous Cloth Hall, does indeed focus on 19th-century Polish art, with thousands of paintings and sculptures on display – thus making it the largest of its kind in the world. As it mainly consists of donations from local collectors and artists, the exhibit is rather small in size when compared to other national galleries in the world but is nonetheless quite significant in terms of Polish art. The various artworks are scattered across four different “19th-century salon”-themed halls, each named after a prominent Polish artist and defined by a specific historical period.
The Bacciarelli Room is all about Classicist, Rococo and even late Baroque painters such as Bacciarelli himself, Grassi and Krafft, with a strong emphasis on historical and battle scenes. The Michałowski Room is dedicated to Romanticism and Poland’s political scene at the time, with works from Artur Grottger, Piotr Michałowski, and Jan Nepomucen Głowacki, often regarded as the most outstanding landscape painter in Poland. The Siemiradzki Room revolves around nature, history, and mythology, and is dedicated to Henryk Hektor Siemiradzki, famous for his stunning portrayals of the Graeco-Roman world and the New Testament. Lastly, the Chełmoński Room is devoted to genre painting and Realism. It is notably more modern than the other rooms.
Practical Info
The Gallery of 19th-Century Polish Art is housed on the upper floor of the Sukiennice Cloth Hall in Krakow’s old market square, Rynek Glowny. It is therefore easily reachable by foot and instantly recognizable. It is not advised to drive into Krakow’s old town center. The gallery is open every day except Monday from 10 AM to 6 PM. Entry is free for children under 7; it costs 1 złoty per child under 16 and students under 26, and 14 złoty per adult. Audioguides are available for hire for 7 złoty per person. A museum pass is available for 35 złoty and entitles its owner to enter all the branches and permanent exhibitions of the National Museum in Krakow.
Address: Rynek Główny 1-3, Krakow, Poland
Hours: Open every day except Monday from 10 AM to 6 PM.
Admission: 14 złoty per adult, 1 złoty per child under 16
From $ 29
Gardel Plaza
Carlos Gardel was a famous tango musician whose music and voice thrilled lovers of tango all over the world. In 1935, while touring Colombia, he was involved in a tragic airplane accident in Medellin that took his life. That event sparked the love of tango in Medellin, and to this day that love is kept alive.
One of the places it lives on is at the same airport where Gardel lost his life, the Enrique Olaya Herrera Airport. A plaza and sculpture were erected in 2003 to remember Gardel, his life and his works. The statue, made by artist Salvador Arango from the state of Antioquia, shows the elegantly dressed Gardel singing and playing the guitar while a couple dances tango behind him.
Tango events take place at this site during the year, and visitors come from around the world to appreciate the art of this beloved singer and musician.
Practical Info
The Olaya Herrera Airport is located at Carrera 52 # 14 A-82, Medellin. The best way to get to the airport is by taxi.
Address: Carrera 52 # 14 A-82, Medellin, Colombia
From $ 59
Gardaland Park
If you are touring Italy with kids who have had their fill of majestic churches and Roman ruins, a day at Gardaland may be in order. This landmark amusement park sits on the eastern flanks of Lake Garda and is the country’s most popular family-oriented resort, with more than 30 rides, musical performances and light shows, and an aquarium.
The Basics
Offering everything from dizzying drops on Space Vertigo to the very gentlest of carousels for toddlers, Gardaland theme park will keep the whole family happily entertained all day. Between the Jungle Rapids water ride, the San Andreas 4-D adventure, the spectacular musical and light shows in the Gardaland Theatre, and the thrilling roller coasters—the most popular are the Black Hole, Italy’s first “dive” roller coaster, and the Blue Tornado, a hair-flipping inverted coaster—there’s something here for children of all ages.
Gardaland is hugely popular in Italy and very crowded from mid-June to mid-September, when schools are closed for the summer. Booking skip-the-line entry tickets is a good idea any time of year, but imperative during the summer months to avoid long waits at the ticket office.
Things to Know Before You Go
- A monorail scoots around the perimeter of the park to take footsore kids (and parents) to their next adventure.
- The range of eating opportunities inside the park, from fast-food stands to themed restaurants, serves families well.
- Gardaland offers a number of dedicated services for wheelchair users and visitors with other special needs.
- The resort includes two Gardaland hotels with themed rooms, kid-friendly activities, and the Blue Lagoon pool.
How to Get There
Gardaland is located in Castelnuovo del Garda, on the eastern flank of Lake Garda in northeast Italy. To reach Gardaland from Milan or Verona, take the train to Peschiera del Garda; there is a free shuttle bus from the station to Gardaland Park. If driving, take the A4 motorway to the Peschiera del Garda exit.
When to Get There
Gardaland Park is open from April through October, and is most crowded from June through August. From mid-June to mid-September, the park closes at 11pm, giving you even more time to enjoy the rides. There are also select December dates when certain areas of the park reopen for winter festivities.
Gardaland Sea Life Aquarium
Combine a ticket to Gardaland with entry to Sea Life Aquarium, where you’ll see sharks, manta rays, and turtles; observe shark-feeding sessions; and discover the underwater mysteries of Lake Garda.
Address: Via Derna, 4, Castelnuovo del Garda, Verona 37014, Italy
Admission: Varies
From $ 24
Gana Art Gallery
The Gana Art Gallery is located in the residential area of Pyeongchang-dong, in the foothills of Mount Bukhansan. It’s the largest exhibition space in South Korea, featuring three halls showcasing over 400 exhibitions. The first exhibition hall features international works from throughout history, displaying many pieces by artists that are now deceased. The other two vast halls are used for temporary exhibitions, plus a range of plays, concerts, and other special events. There is also a restaurant, a shop, and a seminar room on-site, making the Gana Art Gallery a multi-functional cultural center.
Both the exterior and interior of the center blend a sleek, modern design alongside more natural styles. The building is the work of architect, Jean-Michel Wilmotte, who also designed Incheon International Airport.
Practical Info
The Gana Art Gallery is open Monday to Sunday, from 10am until 7pm. To reach the Kana Art Gallery by public transport from Seoul, take Subway Line 3 to Gyeongbokgung. Leave the station at exit 3 and take the 1020 or 1711 bus from the Gyeongbokgung Station bus stop nearby. Alight at Lotte Apartments and walk to the gallery from there.
Address: 97 Pyeongchang-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Hours: Mon-Sun 10am-7pm
From $ 73
Gallipoli
For many Australians and New Zealanders visitors, Gallipoli is the focus of their trip to Turkey.
During World War I, the tiny cove on the Dardanelles was the site of a long and entrenched skirmish between Turkish and Allied troops. Horrendous casualties resulted on both sides, and for the Allies the operation was a failure.
These days Gallipoli is synonymous with the incompetence of Britain’s leaders and the sacrifice of the empire’s Commonwealth soldiers. The leader of the Turkish troops was none other than Ataturk, who went on to lead Turkey into the modern era.
The Gallipoli Peninsula is now a national park, with moving memorials to those who died here almost a century ago. Antipodean visitors come here in their thousands to commemorate ANZAC Day on 25 April.
Practical Info
Gallipoli is 350 km (200 miles) west from Istanbul, along the Sea of Marmara. Coaches leave from Istanbul’s main bus station, but you’ll have more freedom to sightsee if you hire a car or a private tour. The drive from Istanbul to Gallipoli takes around five hours.
Unless you’ve boned up on history, take a tour to get the most out of your visit to Gallipoli.
Address: Anzac Cove, Gelibolu 17500, Turkey
Hours: Open daily
Admission: Free
From $ 103
Garden of Oranges (Giardino degli Aranci)
A lush garden overlooking Roman rooftops and domes, the Giarino degli Aranci was once an ancient fortress and now offers some of the best panoramic views of Rome. Full of orange trees, there are many benches and grassy areas to relax on and escape the bustle of the city. Views stretch across the skyline from Trastevere all the way toward St. Peter’s Basilica.
Legend says that Saint Dominic planted a single bitter orange tree in the courtyard of the nearby Basilica di Santa Sabina in 1200 AD. It is said to be the first orange tree in the whole of Italy, and today the gardens have a pleasant orange aroma from the groups of many trees.
Upon entering the gardens, visitors can see the face of Giacomo Della Porta's fountain, believed to have been made in reference to the river god Oceanus. Overlooking the Tiber River, it has been called one of the most romantic spots in Rome.
Practical Info
Open from dawn to dusk, the Garden of Oranges is within the Parco Savello, on Via di Santa Sabina on the top of the Aventine Hill. It is nearby to the Piazza Pietro d’Illiria. The nearest metro stop is Circo Maximo. Admission is free.
Address: Via di Santa Sabina, Rome 00153, Italy
From $ 50
Garage Museum of Contemporary Art
Housed in a spectacular glass pavilion designed by the architectural practice OMA in partnership with Rem Koolhaas 2015 on the site of a derelict restaurant, Garage is the creation of Russian girl-about-town Daria Zhukova, the longstanding girlfriend of Roman Abramovich. Originally found in the Bakhmetevsky Bus Garage (hence the name), which is now the home of the Jewish Museum and Tolerance Center, the art gallery has a spectacular location on the fringe of Gorky Park. The temporary exhibitions held on the gallery’s two levels concentrate on promoting the work of international modern artists, while its permanent holdings specialize in the development of Russian contemporary art from the 1950s to present. Recent big names shown there include Louise Bourgeois and installation artist Rashid Johnson.
Creative workshops are held for kids and there’s a stylish café with views over Gorky Park, an arty bookshop and a research library in the museum too. A welcome addition to Moscow’s burgeoning cool cultural scene, Garage should be on the itinerary of all visitors spending time in the city.
Practical Info
Ulitsa Krymsky Val 9/32, 119049, Moscow. Open daily 11am 10pm. Admission adults RUB 400; students RUB 200; younger than 17 RUB 100. Metro to Oktyabrskaya. The gallery is five minutes’ walk from the main entrance to Gorky Park.
Address: Ulitsa Krymsky Val 9/32, Moscow Oblast, Moscow 119049, Russia
Hours: Daily 11am–10pm
Admission: adults RUB 400; students RUB 200; younger than 17 RUB 100
From $ 123
Gandhi Smriti
The Gandhi Smriti in New Delhi is the location where Mahatma Gandhi spent his last 144 days before he was assassinated on Jan. 30, 1948. The site was originally the house of Indian business tycoons, the Birla family, but is now home to the Eternal Gandhi Multimedia Museum, which opened in 2005.
Concrete steps lead to the spot where Gandhi was killed, which is marked by a small pavilion. The adjacent house, where he spent his last days, contains rooms preserved just as Gandhi left them; in the room where he slept are his meagre possessions – just a walking stick, a spinning wheel, a pair of sandals and his glasses. Upstairs is where the Eternal Gandhi Multimedia Museum is located, which presents abstract sculptures, video displays, and sound installations about Gandhi.
Practical Info
The Gandhi Smriti is located at 5 Tees January Marg, a couple of kilometers from Connaught Place. It’s open from 10am to 5pm daily but is closed on Mondays and public holidays.
Address: 5 Tees January Marg, New Delhi, India
Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 10am to 5pm. Closed holidays.
From $ 22
Gangaramaya (Vihara) Buddhist Temple
This stunning temple located in the heart of Colombo is one of the city’s most iconic religious structures. Travelers who venture to this top attraction will find colorful history, distinct architecture and deep religious roots.
Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple borrows elements from Thai, Indian, Chinese and Sri Lankan architecture. Visitors who wander the grounds—either solo or with a guide—will find elements that are distinctive of each unique tradition throughout. The structure is situated near Beira Lake and is home to a temple, pagoda, assembly hall for monks, museum, library, residential hall and several other key structures. But travelers say it’s the rows of praying Buddhas and quiet reflecting pools and elaborate interiors that make Gangaramaya worth a visit.
Practical Info
The temple is located at 61 Sri Jinarathana Road, Colombo 2. It is just northwest of the Viharamahadevi Park and the National Museum.
Address: 61 Sri Jinaratana Road, Colombo, Sri Lanka
From $ 5
Garden of the Sleeping Giant
In the shadows of Sleeping Giant Mountain in the Nausori Highlands, the Garden of the Sleeping Giant is a horticultural paradise, bursting with flowers, lily ponds, and lush rain forest. Founded in 1977 by actor Raymond Burr, it’s now one of Nadi’s most popular attractions and home to more than 2,000 varieties of orchids.
The Basics
Visitors can explore the Garden of the Sleeping Giant independently, following the boardwalks through the rain forest, or learn more about the exotic plants and flowers on a guided walking tour. The garden is a popular feature of Nadi sightseeing tours, and half- or full-day tours often include nearby attractions such as the Vuda Lookout, the Sabeto Valley mud baths, and Namaka Market in Nadi.
Things to Know Before You Go
- There is an entrance fee for the garden and optional guided walking tours are included.
- Bring sunscreen, a hat, and mosquito repellent.
- Plan to spend at least an hour to explore the gardens, or pack a picnic and make a day of it.
- The garden is not wheelchair accessible, as there are steps along the boardwalks.
How to Get to There
The Garden of the Sleeping Giant is located just north of Nadi, on the way to the Nausori Highlands. The site is best reached by car or taxi; it’s about 15 minutes’ drive from the city.
When to Get There
The garden is open daily year-round, but it’s only open during the morning on Sunday. Floral displays vary from season to season, but the most vibrant periods occur from June to July and November to December, when orchids are in full bloom.
Orchids at the Garden of the Sleeping Giant
The magnificent orchids are the stars of the garden and the collection is one of the most diverse in the world. Look for spider orchids, bee orchids, and dancing lady orchids, as well as Cattleya hybrids and dozens of Asian varieties.
Address: Garden of the Sleeping Giant, Wailoko Road, Nadi, Fiji
Admission: Varies
From $ 50
Ga-Mashie District
Better known by locals as Old Accra, the Ga-Mashie district of the city is home base for Ghana’s Ga people, the original settlers of the capital. This relatively small geographic area is rich with national culture, history and heritage, including Ussher Town and James Town. These densely populated fishing villages may be economically deprived, but their iconic structures from the colonial era and kinetic energy make Ga-Mashie a destination for travelers.
The district lies between the Densu River and the Chemmu lagoon, just north of the Atlantic Ocean. Visitors can explore the bustling fishing villages, where men are taught to weave nets and hallow canoes by hand. Or visit with the artisans, carpenters, masons and tailors who while away the day using ancient methods and long-perfected techniques. An afternoon in Ga-Mashie puts travelers in touch with Ghana’s age-old traditions, right next to its thriving new economy.
Practical Info
Ga-Mashie District stretches some 100 hectares along the southwest coast of Accra. It is the oldest community in the capital and one of the 11 districts that makes up Greater Accra.
Address: Accra, Ghana
From $ 41
Gandantegchenling Monastery
Founded in 1727, this classic Tibetan Buddhist monastery has been under protection of the Mongolian government since 1994. Some 150 monks call this place of worship, devotion and study home. And while many similar monasteries across the country were either in ruins or destroyed during communist rule, Gandantegchenling Monastery was somehow spared, making it a place of hope for locals who worship.
Travelers who venture to this vast religious complex will find a massive statue made of copper statue known as Avalokiteśvara that towers all the way to the ceiling in one of the ground’s most-popular structures. A series of colorful prayer wheels and a room for study and worship are among the monastery’s other buildings, but it’s a wooden pillar from the original temple structure that ranks tops among tourists. For locals, the single remaining pillar is a sign of strength, hope, luck and endurance, which makes it a destination Mongolians still to venture to.
Visitors can explore the monastery on their own or hire a guide to help explain more about the Buddhist culture and traditions. It’s possible to wander the grounds alone, or do so as part of a day tour of the city.
Practical Info
The monastery is a good place to spend a couple of hours during a day in Ulaanbaatar, and those in the know say arriving before 9am ensures the opportunity to see and hear monks praying during the early morning.
Address: Ulaanbaatar 16040, Mongolia
From $ 38