Choose from 5,104 Fun Things to Do in Windsor & Eton
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Horseshoe Bay
Is Horseshoe Bay Bermuda’s loveliest beach? Lots of people think so, locals and visitors alike, and it’s one of the island’s beach hot spots for water sports, bathing and relaxing.
Throw your towel down on the softly arcing curve of soft pink sand and you’ll agree there aren’t too many better spots to be.
The beach is guarded by lifesavers, lunch is served at the beach cafe, there are showers and changing facilities on-site, and shuttle buses ferry visitors to and from the closest bus stop, for the handy bus route 7 to Hamilton.
Come here for New Year celebrations, sand-sculpture competitions, kite festivals, organized beach sports like volleyball, rock snorkeling, and shallow paddling and wading pools for youngsters.
Throw your towel down on the softly arcing curve of soft pink sand and you’ll agree there aren’t too many better spots to be.
The beach is guarded by lifesavers, lunch is served at the beach cafe, there are showers and changing facilities on-site, and shuttle buses ferry visitors to and from the closest bus stop, for the handy bus route 7 to Hamilton.
Come here for New Year celebrations, sand-sculpture competitions, kite festivals, organized beach sports like volleyball, rock snorkeling, and shallow paddling and wading pools for youngsters.
Practical Info
Horseshoe Bay is off South Road on the south coast of the island’s archipelago in Southampton Parish. The greenery of South Shore Park is nearby, the Atlantic Ocean is at your feet, and Hamilton is 6km (3.5 miles) away to the northeast.
The beach stretches for around 6.5km (4 miles), backed by limestone rocks and shady bushland.
The beach stretches for around 6.5km (4 miles), backed by limestone rocks and shady bushland.
Address: South Road, Southampton Parish, Bermuda
From $ 30
Hong Kong Park
The amount of glass, steel and concrete in Hong Kong can be overwhelming but the city has several beautiful green lungs, the biggest and most central of which is Hong Kong Park.
Like everything in this city the park is innovative and modern. The design blends the sleek architecture of the surrounding areas with a more natural landscape. On a stroll you will find lush green fields and trees set against a backdrop of skyscrapers. The park's main motif is “flowing water,” and different areas are linked together by running streams, waterfalls and ponds.
The biggest attraction here is the Edward Youde aviary which features pink flamingos, vibrant parrots, goofy hornbills and many more species. Also spread out among the greenery are several historical sites including the former British army barracks. Between exploring the many playgrounds, sculptures and gardens it would be easy to forget you're in Hong Kong at all.
Like everything in this city the park is innovative and modern. The design blends the sleek architecture of the surrounding areas with a more natural landscape. On a stroll you will find lush green fields and trees set against a backdrop of skyscrapers. The park's main motif is “flowing water,” and different areas are linked together by running streams, waterfalls and ponds.
The biggest attraction here is the Edward Youde aviary which features pink flamingos, vibrant parrots, goofy hornbills and many more species. Also spread out among the greenery are several historical sites including the former British army barracks. Between exploring the many playgrounds, sculptures and gardens it would be easy to forget you're in Hong Kong at all.
Address: 19 Cotton Tree Dr, Central, Hong Kong, China
Hours: Park: 6 am - 11pm Daily.
From $ 20
Hong Kong Skyline
Hong Kong, one of Asia’s biggest and most international cities, also enjoys one of the world’s most impressive skylines, particularly at night. With the Victoria Harbour splitting the city in two, Hong Kong is a forest of skyscrapers squeezed together in front of a backdrop of green hills on both the Hong Kong Island and Kowloon sides.
To fully appreciate the size and scope of Hong Kong’s downtown area, you need to see it from above, and there are a variety of ways to do it. One of the best and most popular views is from the top of Victoria Peak. The vantage point from the top of the funicular lets you see the South China Sea, Central, Kowloon and the mainland extending into the distance. For a similar view, though not a 360-degree one, head to the International Financial Centre Tower 2 (2IFC). You can register at the front desk to ride up to the public observation deck on the fiftyfifth floor free of charge (and other tourists).
At night, Hong Kong’s skyline lights up beautifully, and 44 of the skyscrapers on both sides of the harbor participate in the Symphony of Lights, a nightly light and laser show. For nighttime views of both sides of the skyline, take a harbor ferry cruise at or after sunset.
To fully appreciate the size and scope of Hong Kong’s downtown area, you need to see it from above, and there are a variety of ways to do it. One of the best and most popular views is from the top of Victoria Peak. The vantage point from the top of the funicular lets you see the South China Sea, Central, Kowloon and the mainland extending into the distance. For a similar view, though not a 360-degree one, head to the International Financial Centre Tower 2 (2IFC). You can register at the front desk to ride up to the public observation deck on the fiftyfifth floor free of charge (and other tourists).
At night, Hong Kong’s skyline lights up beautifully, and 44 of the skyscrapers on both sides of the harbor participate in the Symphony of Lights, a nightly light and laser show. For nighttime views of both sides of the skyline, take a harbor ferry cruise at or after sunset.
Address: China
From $ 34
Hong Kong Wetland Park
Hong Kong Wetland Park is an ecological park in the north of Tin Shui Wai that serves both wildlife and nature lovers, as birdwatchers in particular flock to the numerous trails and viewing platforms to spot some of the 235 bird species that call the park home. About half of the bird species in Hong Kong resides on the 148-acre (60-hectare) park, which features recreated wetland habitats designed for the native wildlife of Hong Kong’s New Territories, like herons, egrets, amphibians and dragonflies, as well as for native flora.
The park is hugely popular among families. Themed areas, including the Stream Walk, Mangrove Boardwalk and Butterfly Garden, plus several lookout points and bird hides bring you closer to the action, while an indoor visitor center hosts exhibitions on the importance of wetlands conservation, and includes an interactive section with a 3D cinema, theater, cafe, and indoor play area.
The Hong Kong Wetland Park can be enjoyed as part of a bike tour of the New Territories, combining it with a visit to the historical town of Yuen Long and a stop at the Banyan Tree House.
Insider’s Tip: It’s a good idea to bring your own binoculars along with you, otherwise be prepared to wait to use the fixed points in the park’s bird hides and viewing platforms.
Practical Info
If making your own way to the park, take the MTR to Tin Shui Wai and board Light Rail service 705 or 706 to the Wetland Park stop. It can also be reached directly from Hong Kong Island by boarding the 967 bus at Admiralty MTR bus station.
Address: Wetland Park Road, Hong Kong, China
Hours: Mon, Wed–Sun 10am–5pm
Admission: Adult: 30 HKD; Child: 15 HKD
From $ 174
Hospital in the Rock
The Hospital in the Rock, or Sziklakórház as it is called in Hungarian, is a museum today, but once was a functional hospital built inside the hill under Buda Castle in the 1930s, in preparation for World War II. The site can only be visited by guided tour, which is offered every hour in Hungarian and English. Discounted rates are available with the Budapest Card.
The hospital served primarily during the Siege of Budapest in 1944 and 1945. While it was initially designed to treat 70 patients at most, at one point it wound up being used to treat 600 soldiers, with water, food and equipment shortages becoming a real issue and causing many deaths. It was used again in 1956 during the Soviet Revolution and was then repurposed as a nuclear bunker where doctors and nurses could stay safe and help the wounded – hence why the current displays house anti-radiation kits and Soviet spying equipment.
Practical Info
Located near the Szell Kalman Square and Déli Railway stations, the Hospital in the Rock's 60-minute tour costs 4,000 Ft for visitors between the ages of 6 and 25, or 2,000 Ft for seniors between 62 and 70. Family tickets are also available, but the site is not recommended for children under 6. The temperature inside is around 59-64 degrees Fahrenheit (15-18 Celsius) year-round, and photos are not allowed on the tour. The museum is open every day from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. Buses 16, 16A and 116 can be taken to the Szentháromság Square stop.
Address: I. Lovas út 4/c, Budapest, Central Hungary 1012, Hungary
Hours: Daily 10 am-8 pm
Admission: 4,000 Ft
From $ 25
Hong Kong Tramways
In a modern international city like Hong Kong, public transportation is both abundant and efficient, so you’re never short on options for how to get around. If you really want the authentic Hong Kong experience, you should ride the Hong Kong tramways at least once.
The tramways in Hong Kong are one of the city’s earliest forms of public transportation, their use going back more than 100 years. They’re also one of the most environmentally friendly. It’s also the only tram system in the world to operate with only double-decker trams, which a known as the Ding Ding by locals.
You’ll find the trams running along Hong Kong Island from Shau Kei Wan to Kennedy Town on six major routes. They’re frequent and inexpensive, and you can use a Hong Kong Octopus card to pay your fare if you don’t happen to have change. Even if you don’t use the trams for transportation purposes, hop on one for an inexpensive people-watching excursion through one of the oldest parts of Hong Kong.
The tramways in Hong Kong are one of the city’s earliest forms of public transportation, their use going back more than 100 years. They’re also one of the most environmentally friendly. It’s also the only tram system in the world to operate with only double-decker trams, which a known as the Ding Ding by locals.
You’ll find the trams running along Hong Kong Island from Shau Kei Wan to Kennedy Town on six major routes. They’re frequent and inexpensive, and you can use a Hong Kong Octopus card to pay your fare if you don’t happen to have change. Even if you don’t use the trams for transportation purposes, hop on one for an inexpensive people-watching excursion through one of the oldest parts of Hong Kong.
Address: China
From $ 12
House of Blackheads
The House of the Blackheads in Riga’s old town dates back to 1334 and has been called one of the grandest buildings in the city. Originally built for the Brotherhood of Blackheads, a guild for unmarried German merchants in Riga, the Gothic building with a Dutch Renaissance facade now functions as a venue for concerts, exhibitions, and festive events, and welcomes passersby through its doors. Inside, you'll find magnificent crystal chandeliers, a painted ceiling above the conference hall, and exact replicas of 19th-century chairs and sofas. Outside, you'll find the perfect backdrop for a photo.
The House of the Blackheads has been rebuilt on several occasions, most recently in the '90s after being completely destroyed during World War II, fulfilling the words engraved above the entrance: “should I ever crumble to dust, rebuild my walls you must!”
Practical Info
The House of the Blackheads sits on Riga’s town square, within easy walking distance of many central Riga hotels.
Address: Rātslaukums 7, Riga LV - 1050, Latvia
From $ 9
House of Dionysos
The undisputed highlight of the Paphos Archaeological Park, the House of Dionysos is the largest of a series of four Roman villas, nicknamed the ‘Mosaic Houses’ for their elaborate floor mosaics. The impressive artworks were painstakingly crafted from limestone tiles and date back to the 2nd and 3rd century AD, remaining hidden until 1962, when they were discovered by a local farmer.
Today, the famous mosaics have been restored to much of their former glory and cover 556 square-meters with colorful depictions of Greek gods and mythology. At the House of Dionysus, the show-stopping centerpiece portrays Dionysus, the ancient Greek god of wine, returning from India on a chariot drawn by two panthers, while other mosaics show Apollo and Daphne, a Ganymede being taken back to Olympus on the wings of an eagle and a number of hunting scenes.
Practical Info
The House of Dionysos is part of the Paphos Archaeological Park, located in Paphos on the west coast of Cyprus. The archaeological park is open daily from 8am to 5pm in winter or 7:30pm in summer and adult admission is €4.50.
Address: House of Dionysos, Paphos, Cyprus
Hours: 8am to 5pm in winter or 7:30pm in summer
Admission: €4.50
From $ 68
Hot Park
As Brazil’s biggest water park and the world’s only hydrothermal water park, the aptly named Hot Park is the star attraction of the Rio Quente Resorts. The family friendly park features a gigantic swimming pool and beach, wave pools and water slides reaching up to 110-meters long, alongside a lazy river, swings and mini slides for younger kids.
For thrill-seekers, the main highlights include the 35-meter-high Xpirado water slide, Brazil’s first-ever water half pipe and the water zip-line. That’s not all: there’s also a tree-top walkway, mini-golf, a fishing lake and a surf school, plus opportunities to try rappelling, scuba diving and kayaking.
Practical Info
The Hot Park is part of the Rio Quente resorts located just north of downtown Rio Quente and is open daily from 9:30am to 5pm. Admission fees start from R$110.00 for adults and R$90 for children.
Address: Complexo Turistico Rio Quente Resorts, Rua Particular, Esplanada do Rio Quente, Rio Quente 75695-000, Brazil
Hours: Daily: 9:30am to 5pm
Admission: Adult: from R$110.00, Child: from R$90
From $ 32
Hong Kong Observation Wheel
The 197-foot-tall (60-meter) Hong Kong Observation Wheel, or Hong Kong Ferris Wheel, is the city’s answer to the London Eye and the Singapore Flyer. Located prominently at the Central Harbourfront, the wheel offers passengers sweeping views of Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, Victoria Harbour, and surrounding areas—day and night.
The Basics
The Hong Kong Observation Wheel features 42 air-conditioned gondolas, each seating eight passengers; private gondolas are also available. The trip lasts 15 to 20 minutes. At the base is the AIA Vitality Park, with an open lawn and free wellness classes such as fitness, yoga, kickboxing, and swing dancing. Food and drink options are available at the base and nearby at Central Ferry Piers and IFC Mall.
You can purchase tickets in advance online, up to one hour before the desired time slot, or on the same day from the Hong Kong Observation Wheel ticket office. Tickets are also available as part of multi-attraction tours, which may include a dinner cruise and a visit to a night market in Kowloon.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Hong Kong Observation Wheel is great for first-time visitors to the city.
- Standing is not allowed in the gondolas.
- Free Wi-Fi is available in the gondolas.
- Luggage, baby strollers, and bulky items are not allowed on-board. You can store such items for a fee.
- The Observation Wheel is accessible to wheelchair users.
How to Get There
The Hong Kong Observation Wheel is located in Central, between Piers 9 and 10 of Central Ferry Piers. If you take the Star Ferry from Kowloon, simply walk from Pier 7 toward Pier 10. You can also take the MTR to either Central Station (Exit A) or Hong Kong Station (Exit A2).
When to Get There
The wheel operates from 11am to 11pm daily. Views are best at night, when the spectacular skyline on both sides of Victoria Harbour is illuminated. Popular times to ride are at sunset and at 8pm, to catch the Symphony of Lights.
Hong Kong Symphony of Lights
A great time to be on the Hong Kong Observation Wheel is during the nightly Symphony of Lights, a free 10- to 15-minute multimedia light and sound show involving some 40 buildings on both sides of the harbor. Lasers, lights, LED screens, and music performed by the Hong Kong Philharmonic turns Victoria Harbour into an exciting audiovisual extravaganza, recognized as one of the top light shows in the world.
Address: Central, Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
Admission: Varies
From $ 126
Hotel Negresco
While a stay at the Hotel Negresco might break most budgets, it's rightly a historic landmark and one of the most visited sites in the city. It also provides a unique look into the true Old Nice. With doormen in period-correct uniforms and its interior lovingly maintained or restored to its original grandeur, entering Hotel Negresco is like stepping back in time.
The Belle Époque style is simply breathtaking, even if to some modern standards it seems a bit gaudy. But the Negresco doesn't simply ride along on its historical bonafides; its two-star Michelin restaurant is the best in Nice, and the rooms are meticulously decorated to reflect the era while discreetly providing modern amenities. Visitors wanting a bit of a splurge can reserve a place for cocktail hour at the Relais Bar, with its polished woodwork and expertly made drinks. And la Rotonde Brasserie should be experienced at least once–not only for its over-the-top carousel-themed décor, but its spectacular sea views.
Insider tip: If you're staying at the Hotel Westminster just across the street on Promenade des Anglais, ask for an upper-floor room with a view of the Negresco's domed turret! Shutterbugs should get there at sunrise for the best shots of its exterior.
Practical Info
Hotel Negresco is located on the Promenade des Anglais at the corner of Rue de Rivoli.
Address: 37 Promenade des Anglais, Nice 06000, France
From $ 41
Hopetoun House
Hopetoun House is widely known as one of the best examples of 18th century architecture in Britain. Located just outside of Edinburgh on the shores of the Firth of Forth, Hopetoun dates largely to the late 17th and early 18th centuries. The original part of the home provides great examples of Scottish wainscoting, carving and ceiling painting, while a newer addition boasts a grand façade, colonnades and state apartments that were the center of the family’s social life in the 18th century. The furniture, paintings, tapestries and other items on display in the house remain mostly unchanged from that era. Two libraries contain books that the family has collected since 1650. Visitors can also climb 92 steps up to a rooftop viewing platform that offers magnificent views around the estate and the River Forth.
The grounds surrounding Hopetoun House feature two walking trails, an orienteering course and a garden, and can be visited on their own or in conjunction with a tour of the house.
Practical Info
Tours of the house are offered daily at 2:00 p.m. and are included in the price of admission. The ticket office is to the southeast of the house, near the car park. It is best reached by car through the streets of Queensferry and then heading west along the bank of the River Forth off Society Road. Hopetoun House is also a stop on many “Outlander” themed tours, highlighting locations used in the television series.
Address: South Queensferry, Edinburgh, Scotland
Hours: Open daily from Easter to the end of September, 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with the last admission at 4:00 p.m.
Admission: 9.85 pounds for the house and grounds; 4.55 grounds only
From $ 52
Hongdae
Always abuzz with energy and excitement, the district of Hongdae is known for its lively nightlife. Set on Seoul's western end near Hongik University, the area's quirky cafes, avant-garde art galleries, boutique shops and gourmet eateries make it a popular spot for young locals, not to mention a fascinating place for visitors.
Visitors can marvel at Hongdae's street art and performances, immerse themselves in the lively cafe culture or indulge in some retail therapy in the shopping district, perhaps making a stop at the Hongdae Beauty Shop, just as the locals do. A weekend market runs from March to November, with stalls springing up near the university's front gate and selling Korean handicrafts and other souvenirs throughout the afternoon until sunset. By night, Seoul's youth comes out in force to have a good time at the area's dozens of bars, taverns, karaoke dens and clubs.
Many walking, cycling and even kayaking tours (on the Han River) of Seoul begin and end at Hongdae Station. The family-friendly and hugely popular Trick Eye Museum is also located in the area.
Practical Info
The main access point to Hongdae is via Hongdae Station on subway lines 2 and 6. The area is also served by Hongik University Station and Sangsu Station.
Address: Hongdae, Seoul, South Korea
From $ 25
House of Dun
The House of Dun is a Georgian house built in 18th century that is set among Victorian gardens and woodlands and adjacent to the Montrose Basin Nature Reserve. It is home to the Hutchison and Stirling collections of paintings and furniture, including 30 paintings by prominent Scottish artists. It was originally built for David Erskine, Lord Dun, from 1730 to 1743 and was home to generations of Erskines until 1947. It functioned as a hotel until 1985.
Guided tours of the House of Dun last just over an hour and talk about the construction of the home while pointing out a variety of ornate plasterwork and period equipment, such as a boot bath from the 1800s. The surrounding gardens are a must-see, as part of the landscape has been reconstructed to what it would have looked like in the 1740s.
Practical Info
The garden and estate surrounding the House of Dun are open daily from 9 a.m. to dusk. The house itself is open March 30-June 30 and September 1-30, Mondays to Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m.; July 1 to August 31, Saturdays to Wednesdays, 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and October 1 to November 29, Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 2:30 p.m. Admission is 10.50 pounds.
Strathtay Buses serve the House of Dun and the Montrose train station is three miles away. It is a 45 minute drive from Aberdeen.
Address: Montrose, Angus, United Kingdom DD10 9LQ, Scotland
Hours: Garden & Estate Open Daily 9:30am-Dusk
Admission: Adult £10.50
From $ 14
Hortobagy National Park
Found among the rolling plains of Alföld in eastern Hungary, Hortobagy National Park is UNESCO World Heritage-listed for its unique puszta grasslands, marshes, meadows and Europe’s biggest salt plain lying close to the River Tisza. Covering 82,000 hectares, it is a landscape where time has stood still and ancient rural farming traditions are still practised.
Distinctive gray cattle with curly horns graze the grasslands along with hardy, long-horned, woolly racka sheep and hairy mangalica pigs, shepherded by farmers who were once largely nomadic. The local csikós – Hungarian cowboys – are known for their daredevil equestrian skills and regular riding displays are given at several stud farms in the park. Hortobagy is also a paradise for bird watchers; during fall, some 70,000 cranes break their migration in the park, where more than 340 species of bird have been spotted, including cormorants, herons and egrets.
One of the few manmade landmarks in this land of infinite horizons is the elegant Neo-classical Nine-Span Bridge, completed in 1833 across the River Hortobagy to allow easier travel between Budapest and Hungary’s second city of Debrecen. Visitor attractions in the park include a museum of shepherding, an animal sanctuary and a narrow-gauge railway through the salt marshes. A series of roadside inns known as csárda were developed for travelers heading along the salt trading routes; these now provide low-key accommodation in the national park.
Practical Info
Hortobagy National Park Visitor Centre and Workshop: Hortobagy, Petőfi tér 13. Open May–June, Sept–Oct Mon–Fri 8am–4pm, Sat–Sun 10am–4pm; July–Aug Mon–Fri 8am–5pm, Sat–Sun 10am–5pm. Entrance to national park and attractions: adults 600 HUF; seniors & students 400 HUF; family ticket 1,600 HUF. Hortobagy is two hours 15 minutes from Budapest by car along the M3 and Route 33.
Address: Petőfi tér 13, Hortobagy, Hajdú-Bihar, Hungary 4071, Hungary
Hours: May–June and Sept–Oct: Mon–Fri 8am–4pm, Sat–Sun 10am–4pm; July–Aug: Mon–Fri 8am–5pm, Sat–Sun 10am–5pm
Admission: Adults: 600 HUF; Seniors & Students: 400 HUF; Family: 1,600 HUF
From $ 580
House of Flowers (Josip Broz Tito Mausoleum)
Better known as the House of Flowers, the memorial center for former Yugoslav leader Josip Broz Tito consists of Tito’s tomb, a memorial collection, a hunting lodge and the residence in which Tito lived. The tomb was once surrounded by flowers until it was closed to the public after the breakup of Yugoslavia and now only white rocks remain where the flowers used to be. Only the tomb and the memorial museum are open to the public. They are among the most visited sites in Serbia and are particularly popular on May 25, Tito’s birthday.
May 25 is also Youth Day and the memorial collection includes permanent exhibitions of the local, republic and federal Relays of Youth, including messages Tito received, tickets and programs for the relays, and photographs of the carrying and transition of batons. A new permanent display focuses on the personal life of Tito and includes the former leader’s personal items, uniforms, souvenirs from his travels and gifts he received.
Practical Info
The House of Flowers is located on the grounds of the Museum of Yugoslav History in the Dedinje neighborhood of Belgrade, about an hour-long walk from the center of the city. It can be reached by
trolley 40 or 41.
Address: Botićeva 6, Dedinje, Belgrade, Serbia
Hours: From May 9 to October 15, open Tuesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; from October 16 to May 8, open Tuesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Admission: 300 dinar
From $ 3
Hosios Loukas Monastery
One of a trio of ancient Greek monasteries listed on the UNESCO World Heritage list, Hosios Loukas Monastery is exquisite example of a Byzantine-era monastery, now preserved as a museum. Founded in the early 10th-century by the hermit monk Luke Stiris, whose tomb is still housed on the premises, the complex comprises two beautifully conserved churches located in a suitably dramatic setting on the tree-lined slopes of Mount Helicon.
First up is the Katholikón of Ósios Loukás, the larger of the two churches and renowned for its elaborate 11th-century interiors, a masterpiece of colored marble, vivid frescoes and extraordinary mosaics, including icons by 16th-century painter Michael Damaskinos. The neighboring Chapel of Theotókos is Greece’s only remaining 10th-century church and is most impressive from outside, with its classical Byzantine structure and elaborate brickwork.
Practical Info
The Hosios Loukas Monastery is located close to the town of Distomo, in south-central Greece, and is open daily (except Mondays) from 9am-5pm.
Address: Distomo Arachova Antikira 320 05, Greece
From $ 69
Hotel Unique
With its striking crescent shape, Sao Paulo’s iconic Hotel Unique has been said to look like many things — a copper half-moon, the hull of a ship...but locals just call it “the watermelon.” Designed by the Brazilian-Japanese architect Ruy Ohtake and renovated in late 2012, the luxury 95-room hotel has won numerous design awards. Critic Paul Goldberger even hailed the building as one of the seven wonders of the modern world.
Based in Jardim Paulista near Sao Paulo’s version of Central Park, Ibirapuera, inside Hotel Unique it’s all high ceilings and quirky touches like the huge blue cushion that is the lobby’s sitting area.
The hotel even has a water slide for grown-ups, and there's a crimson rooftop pool next to the Skye rooftop bar and restaurant: here you can sip a caipirinha or a wasabi martini, dine on French-Brazilian fusion food, and look out across Sao Paulo from one of the most fashionable spots in the city.
Practical Info
On Avenida Brigadeiro Luis Antonio, Hotel Unique is in Sao Paulo's exclusive Jardins district.
Address: 4700 Avenida Brigadeiro Luis Antonio, Sao Paulo, Brazil
From $ 195
House of Augustus (Domus Augusti)
The House of Augustus, imperial residence of Caesar Augustus, is one of the most imposing Roman ruins on the city’s ancient Palatine Hill. This palace is home to remarkably well-preserved fresco wall paintings from the first century BC, depicting landscapes and theatrical scenes in bright colors and meticulous detail.
The Basics
Roman Emperor Augustus built his opulent Domus Augusti (or Augustus' House) adjacent to the Temple of Apollo on Palatine Hill and decorated the inside with sumptuous frescoes that can still be seen during a private tour of the palace today. A number of palaces and villas built during the Roman empire are located in this archaeological complex, as well as the Palatine Museum, home to a collection of artifacts and a reconstruction of the huts where Rome's founder Romulus and his brother Remus lived.
The House of Augustus and other Palatine Hill ruins are not easy to interpret, as they are much less preserved than those in the Roman Forum. To best understand the palace's role in Roman history, join an Ancient Rome private tour that includes special access to the House of Augustus and the House of Livia (Augustus' wife), along with other ancient Roman monuments like the Colosseum and Roman Forum.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The ruins are only open to guided tours reserved in advance, so booking a House of Augustus tour ahead of time is imperative.
- Many small-group tours of the ancient city include a skip-the-line Colosseum tour and visits to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill ruins.
- Parts of the ruins are open to the elements, so bring sunscreen and a hat in the summer, and dress warmly in winter.
- The House of Augustus is located on the hillside along rough paths and uneven surfaces, so not recommended for wheelchairs or strollers.
How to Get There
The House of Augustus is located inside the Palatine Hill archaeological complex near the Roman Forum and Colosseum. You can take one of the many city buses to the terminal in Piazza Venezia, or metro line B to the Colosseum stop.
When to Get There
Parts of the ruins are outdoors, so visit on a day with clear skies and mild temperatures. During summer, the best times to visit are in the early morning or late afternoon. The House of Augustus is closed Tuesday and Thursday.
The House of Livia
Along with the House of Augustus, some of the best examples of ancient Roman frescoes are in the adjacent House of Livia, residence of Augustus’ wife.
Address: Via di San Gregorio 30, Rome, Lazio 00186, Italy
Admission: Varies
From $ 45
House of Bols
The House of Bols Cocktail & Genever Experience is on Museumplein and has won awards for its innovative, contemporary design. At just a stone’s throw from the three great art museums of Van Gogh, Stedelijk and Rijksmuseum, it is an homage to two of Amsterdam’s oldest alcoholic drinks: Bols was the world’s first distilled spirit, produced in Amsterdam in 1575 by Lucas Bols, while genever is the Dutch equivalent of today’s gin and was drunk instead of water in the 17th century, as it was believed to hold medicinal properties.
A fun-filled, self-guided romp around the exhibition takes about an hour and includes taste, touch and smell sessions in the Hall of Taste as well as the chance to learn about the process of distilling Bols and to experience life as a liqueur in the interactive World of Cocktails. All tours end in the sleek and futuristic Mirror Bar, where the staff can whip up pretty much any cocktail under the sun.
The House of Bols also holds cocktail workshops where you can learn mixology tricks of the trade, and offers genever and Bols tasting sessions as well as alcoholic afternoon teas. Alternatively you can test your bar-tending skills in the Flair Booth as you star in your very own mixology movie.
Practical Info
The House of Bols is located at Paulus Potterstraat 14, opposite the Van Gogh Museum. It is open Monday through Thursday and on Sunday from noon to 6:30 p.m. On Friday, it is open until 8 p.m., and on Saturday it is open until 8 p.m. Tickets cost €14.50 and include one cocktail. The minimum age for entry is 18.
Address: Paulus Potterstraat 14, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Hours: Mon-Thurs & Sun noon-6:30 p.m.;
Fri-Sat until 8 p.m.
Admission: Admission: €14.50
From $ 12