Choose from 5,104 Fun Things to Do in Anaheim & Buena Park
ShowingFilter 4841-4860 of 5104 listings.
Kvaløya
Kvaløya is Norway's fifth-largest island, covering 740 square km (285 square miles), and its name translates from Sami to "Whale Island" thanks to its cluster of central mountains. Lying west of Tromsø and connected by the elegant spans of the Sandnessund Bridge, the eastern shores of Kvaløya now form a suburb of the city, known as Kvaløysletta and home to a population of about 10,000.
Of its snow-capped peaks, Store BlÃ¥mann is the highest at 1,044 meters (3,425 feet) and can be scaled by intermediate climbers. Kvaløya is also indented by fjords and wild coastal scenery, with its western fringes hitting the untamed Atlantic, while the island of Sommarøy "“ famous for its glorious white sandy beaches "“ hangs off its southwestern coast. Humpback whales can be spotted offshore from late November until January, and the little settlement of Ersfjordbotn, dominated by the sheer cliffs of its fjord, is one of Norway's top destinations for spotting the Northern Lights during the winter months.
As well as Kvaløya's untamed alpine beauty, there are prehistoric rock carvings to discover at Skavberg and a clutch of traditional wooden houses at Hella, which were moved there from Tromsø city center for conservation. The farm of Straumen GÃ¥rd near Straumsbukta was abandoned in the 1960s and now serves as a museum, complete with tools and machinery dating from that period.
Practical Info
The island of Kvaløya is 20 km (12.5 miles) west of Tromsø and is easily accessible over the Sandnessund Bridge.
Address: Kvaløya, Norway
From $ 157
Kensington Gardens
Leave the bustling streets behind as you explore Kensington Gardens, one of the city's most famous green spaces. Discover landmarks including the Albert Memorial, Kensington Palace, and Serpentine River; pick up practical gardening tips in the Allotment; or simply absorb the atmosphere at one of the park's many cafes.
The Basics
Discover Kensington Gardens and other nearby Royal Parks on a bicycle tour, or follow a multipark trail such as the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Walk to explore at your own pace. Gain insight into the historic 265-acre (107-hectare) gardens and wider Kensington on a private tour of the district, or enjoy the flexibility of a self-guided tour to stroll the park as it suits you, taking advantage of hop-on hop-off services that stop nearby.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Kensington Gardens is popular with families, joggers, and outdoor lovers.
- Save time with a trail or tour that includes neighboring Hyde Park, Green Park, and St. James Park.
- Kensington Gardens has wheelchair-accessible paths, restrooms for visitors with disabilities, and a free transfer service, Liberty Drives, for visitors with mobility issues.
How to Get There
Just next to Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens is located in west central London. To get there by public transit, take the underground to Lancaster Gate on the Central Line or Bayswater on the District Line. Alternatively, take bus 148 from London Victoria to Victoria Gate. Hop-on hop-off services also stop near the gardens.
When to Get There
Kensington Gardens is open year-round, from early morning until dusk. Different seasons bring different vistas, from spring's avenues of fresh blooms to winter's festive walkways, so there's always something to see.
The Peter Pan Connection
Look out for the park's bronze statue of Peter Pan, located west of the river. The writer of the original tales, JM Barrie, lived in Kensington with his Saint Bernard dog and spent a lot of time walking in the park. It was here he met the Llewelyn Davies family, who would go on to serve as inspiration for Barrie's famous stories and characters.
Address: London, England
From $ 31
Kunsthalle (Hall of Art)
Budapest's Hall of Art is a palace of contemporary artwork dating back to the 19th century. The eclectic, neoclassical style structure houses mostly temporary exhibits. Sculpture and painting are highly featured, rotating both the best in Hungarian and international contemporary works.
The hall was originally established as a part of Hungary's Millennial celebrations. it continues to be an important cultural and artistic hub for the city. Modeled on the pattern of Germany's Kunsthalles, the galleries serve both to showcase and inspire the artists of today. Both emerging and established artists are displayed side-by-side, in five to six major exhibitions each year. No matter who's on display, trends in contemporary art can be experienced with any visit.
Its interior is well lit by natural light from large windows, offset by stately columns. Special events also take place regularly, hosting both the Hungarian National Philharmonic and The Budapest Festival Orchestra.
Practical Info
Located on the south side of Heroes' Square, the Kunsthalle or Hall of Art faces the Museum of Fine Arts. To get there, take the Metro M1 to Hosok Tere. Guided tours are offered daily. The cost of entry is HUF 1400 for adults and HUF 700 for students and seniors, and it's open daily from Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm and on Thursdays from 12 to 8 pm. Closed Mondays.
Address: Dózsa György út 37, 1146, Budapest, Hungary
Hours: Tues-Sun from 10am-6pm, Thurs from 12-8pm
Admission: HUF 1800 for adults, HUF 900 for students and seniors
From $ 25
King's Garden (Kungsträdgarden)
The King's Garden, also known as Kungsan, is a popular park in central Stockholm. It hosts open air concerts and other events in the summer and is home to an ice rink in the winter months. First of May demonstrations by Sweden's left-wing parties also take place in the park each year. The park's space can be divided into four distinct areas: the Square of Charles XII, Molin's Fountain, the Square of Charles XIII and the Fountain of Wolodarski.
The origins of the park date back centuries. A royal kitchen garden was gradually transformed into an enclosed pleasure garden in the 17th and 18th centuries. The walls of the garden were demolished in the 19th century and, in 1821, most of the garden was replace by gravel, creating the square now named for Charles XIII. Molin's Fountain was added in 1866, when it was the centerpiece of a Scandinavian art and industry exposition. The entire park was redesigned in 1990 to its present form and in 2004, nearly 300 new trees were planted and new pavilions and cafes were added.
The park is surrounded by notable landmarks, including the Stockholm Synagogue on the east side of the park and the Royal Swedish Opera, Saint James' Church, the Matchstick Palace and Sverigehuset (home to the tourist information center) along the west side.
Practical Info
Located in central Stockholm, the King's Garden is accessible from the Kungstradgarden Metro station.
Address: Jussi Björlings alle 5, Stockholm 103 91, Sweden
From $ 20
Kurfürstendamm (Ku'damm)
Berlin's most famous shopping street, Kurfürstendamm is on par with New York's Fifth Avenue and Champs-Elysees in Paris. Affectionately referred to as "Ku'damm" by locals, Kurfürstendamm is an elegant tree-lined boulevard running through the heart of West Berlin and crammed with shops, cafeÃŒÂs, bars, restaurants, and hotels.
The Basics
The best way to explore Kurfürstendamm is by foot. On a guided walking tour, travelers can visit the best spots along the street, stop and browse through shops, admire the historic buildings, and enjoy coffee at the legendary Romanisches Cafe. Berlin city tours often include a drive along Kurfürstendamm, while Berlin hop-on hop-off bus tours stop at multiple attractions along the street, including the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church and Berlin Zoo, en-route to nearby sights such as Tiergarten Park and Charlottenburg Palace.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Kurfürstendamm is a must-see for avid shoppers and culture lovers.
- Free Wi-Fi hotspots are located along the shopping street.
How to Get There
Kurfürstendamm is roughly two miles (3.5 kilometers) long and runs from Grunewald's Rathenauplatz square in the west, to Charlottenburg's Breitscheidplatz square in the east. At the eastern end of the street, the closest U-Bahn (metro) stations are Zoo and Kurfürstendamm.
When to Get There
Kurfürstendamm is one of Berlin's busiest streets and is a lively destination at all hours of the day and night. Shoppers should head there from Monday through Saturday and opt for an early start to avoid crowds, while those who want to enjoy Kurfürstendamm's nightlife should arrive in the evening hours to visit bars, theaters, and nightclubs. The holiday season is a particularly picturesque time to visit, when the street hosts some of Berlin's most impressive festive illuminations.
Shopping along Kurfürstendamm
Berlin's famous KaDeWe department store and the huge Europacenter mall are a must-see for shoppers, located a short walk from Breitscheidplatz near the remains of the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church. Continuing west along Kurfürstendamm, you'll find everything from discount souvenir stalls to high-street favorites and flagship designer stores including Yves Saint Laurent, Chanel, and Louis Vuitton. Side streets such as Fasanenstraße, Knesebeckstraße, and Bleibtreustraße are also lined with designer boutiques.
Address: Kurfürstendamm, Berlin 10789, Germany
Admission: Free
From $ 23
Kindermuseum MachtMit
Designed for children, the Kindermuseum MachMit aims to offer kids various ways to discover, explore and learn in a playful way. Arts and crafts activities raise their awareness of the environment that is around them every day. Kids are encouraged to play as a way to experience and learn about complex ideas. The museum ties in all the senses for a fully hands-on experience which makes for a more enjoyable visit for kids.
Special exhibitions are varied and include paintings from well-known artists, themes around holidays such as eggs at Easter, soap, mirrors, typography and more. The museum also offers special workshops on porcelain painting, sewing, weaving, theater, and dance. Special exhibits and workshops change each month. Kindermuseum MachMit is also available for birthday parties and other special events.
Practical Info
The Kindermuseum MachMit is located at Senefelderstrasse 5. Opening hours are 10am to 6pm Tuesday through Sunday.
Address: Senefelderstraße 5, Berlin 10437, Germany
From $ 114
Kröller-Müller Museum
Some 20,000 works of art can be found at the Kröller-Müller Museum in Otterlo, The Netherlands. The art and sculpture museum (which opened in 1938) was founded by collector Helene Kröller-Müller, an early admirer of Vincent van Gogh. Although today Van Gogh is one of the world's most famous artists, he received little recognition while he was alive. Kröller-Müller regarded Van Gogh as a "˜great spirit of modern art' and was a prolific collector of his works. In fact, the attention she gave to his work contributed to his recognition as an artist. The Kröller-Müller Museum has the second-largest collection of Van Gogh's art in the world (around 90 paintings and 180 drawings). In addition to the large collection of works by Van Gogh, the museum is home to masterpieces by artists including Claude Monet, Georges Seurat, Pablo Picasso, and Piet Mondriaan. The museum also has one of the largest sculpture gardens in Europe. This "˜outdoor gallery' measures some 25 hectares and is open year-round to showcase more than 160 sculptures by iconic artists like Aristide Maillol and Pierre Huyghe.
Practical Info
The Kröller-Müller Museum is located in the middle of De Hoge Veluwe National Park, one of the largest continuous nature reserves in the Netherlands. The entrance fee to the museum also includes the entrance fee to the national park, and it is lovely to see how the sculptures, the garden, and the park all integrate together "” which you may do by bicycle on one of the free loaner bikes available to visitors.
Address: Houtkampweg 6, 6731 AW, Otterlo, Netherlands
Hours: Tuesday"“Sunday, 10:00 a.m."“5:00 p.m., closed Mondays and New Year's Day.
Admission: €18,30 adults; €13,75 students (with ID); €9,15 children 6"“12
From $ 172
La Compañía Church (Iglesia de la Compañía)
Sharing the Plaza de Armas with the imposing Basilica Cathedral of Arequipa, it's easy to overlook the small Jesuit La Compañía Church, also known as Iglesia de la Compania de Jesus, but doing so would be a mistake. This churrigueresque-style building features an intricately decorated front façade and an equally impressive gold-leafed alter.
The original church was built in 1573 and destroyed in an earthquake a decade later. The structure as it stands today dates back to 1650. The Chapel of San Ignacio, located inside the church just to the left of the altar, is adorned with a collection of exotic murals depicting colorful birds and animals.
The former cloisters of the church, called the Claustros de la Compania, have been converted into an upscale shopping area with a few nice courtyard cafes, alpaca wool stores and an ice cream parlor.
Practical Info
La Compañía Church is free to enter, but you'll have to pay a small fee to visit the Chapel of San Ignacio within.
Address: Plaza de Armas, Arequipa, Peru
From $ 47
Karen Blixen Museum
The Karen Blixen Museum at Rungstedlund honors the memory of the Danish author who may be best known for her book, Out of Africa. Blixen was born at Rungstedlund in 1885 and returned to live there after she returned from years in Kenya. The oldest part of the house dates to 1680 and its sits on 40 acres of land on the shores of the Oresund Strait. The rooms of the main building remain almost exactly as they were when Blixen died in 1962 and provide a look into her daily life. A small gallery room displays her paintings, several African portraits and charcoal drawings and the west wing includes a documentary exhibition, museum shop and cafe.
The land behind the museum has been designated as a bird sanctuary and is open to the public. From the museum's main entrance, a pleasant walk will take you along a path past a pond and through an orchard until you arrive at the foot of a hill where Blixen is buried.
Practical Info
The Karen Blixen Museum is located next to Beach Road close to Rungsted Harbor, north of Copenhagen. If you don't have a car, it can be reached by bus 29 or 388 from Copenhagen. The ride takes about 45 minutes to an hour. Bus 388 runs almost to the museum entrance while bus 29 stops about a 20 minute walk away.
Address: Rungsted Strandvej 111, Rungsted Coast, Denmark
Hours: Sept, and May 1-Jun 30, open Tues-Sun 10am-5pm; Jul 1-Aug 31, open Tues-Sun 10m-5pm and Mon 12pm-7pm; Oct 1-Apr 30 open Wed-Fri 1pm-4pm and Sat-Sun 11am-4pm
Admission: 75 kr
From $ 62
Kunstforeningen Gl Strand
An exhibition center given over to promoting contemporary art, Kunstforeningen GL STRAND is located in the center of Copenhagen on Gammel Strand, one of the city's busiest harbor-side streets. Tucked away in an elegant 1750s townhouse since 1952, the Kunstforeningen was renovated and expanded in 2010 by Danish architectural practice Vilhelm Lauritzen.
As well as hosting up to eight exhibitions per year from up-and-coming Danish talent and international big names (Mario Testino's celebrity photos featured in 2016) in its light and airy purpose-built galleries, the venue has an arts movie house and stages a packed schedule of talks and lectures. Facilities also include a well-stocked bookshop and a pleasant courtyard cafe; this is a lovely spot to while away an hour after visiting the museums around Christiansborg Palace.
Practical Info
The center is open Tue, Thur"“Sun 11am"“5pm, Wed 11am"“8pm. Admission for adults is 68 DKK; seniors are 58 DKK; students are 55 DKK; younger than 16 go free. If taking public transportation, take the Metro to Kongens Nytorv or buses 1A, 2A, 6A, 15, 26, or 29.
Address: Gammel Strand 48, Copenhagen, Hovedstaden, Denmark
Hours: Tue, Thur"“Sun 11am"“5pm, Wed 11am"“8pm
Admission: Adults 68 DKK; Seniors 58 DKK; Students 55 DKK; younger than 16 go free
From $ 62
Koza Hani
The Koza Hani, also known as the Cocoon Inn, was a caravanseri commissioned by Sultan Bayezid II in the late 15th century. Constructed in the city of Bursa, it was intended to provide income for the sultan's mosque in Istanbul. As the final stop on the Silk Road from China, the han was a place where merchants could try to sell the last of their goods, particularly silk.
Intricate turquoise tiling adorns the entrance to the han, which soon gives way to a cozy garden setting in the center courtyard. In classical Ottoman style, the structure features two stories of galleries surrounding an inner courtyard, with nearly 100 rooms altogether. An absolution fountain and small prayer room sit in the middle of the courtyard and cells to the east of the han were built as stables and storage rooms.
The Koza Hani remains an active bazaar today and its tradition of being a center for the silk trade continues. Visitors can peruse a variety of shops and boutiques selling fine silk products and try their hand at haggling as prices are negotiable.
Intricate turquoise tiling adorns the entrance to the han, which soon gives way to a cozy garden setting in the center courtyard. In classical Ottoman style, the structure features two stories of galleries surrounding an inner courtyard, with nearly 100 rooms altogether. An absolution fountain and small prayer room sit in the middle of the courtyard and cells to the east of the han were built as stables and storage rooms.
The Koza Hani remains an active bazaar today and its tradition of being a center for the silk trade continues. Visitors can peruse a variety of shops and boutiques selling fine silk products and try their hand at haggling as prices are negotiable.
Practical Information
The Koza Hani is located in the center of Bursa and is open daily from 8:30 to sundown. Admission is free. The city of Bursa is about a four hour bus ride from Istanbul, with buses leaving the main bus station frequently throughout the day. However, you may find it more convenient to join a day tour from Istanbul that will allow you to see many of the main sights of Bursa, including the Koza Hani.
Address: Turkey
From $ 120
Khlong Saen Saep
Stretching from west to east across Bangkok, Khlong Saen Saeb is a canal that begins in the Old City near the Mahakan Fortress, and runs all the way to Chachoengsao Province. Boat services travel through places like Phayathai, Pratunam, Chidlom, and Thonglor, providing a fast and inexpensive way to visit these central areas while avoiding Bangkok's notorious traffic.
While bordering on dangerously busy during rush hour, taking a Khlong Saen Saep boat outside of these busy times is convenient for shopping and sightseeing, and is especially useful for getting to and from Siam Square and other key places in the city. There are various temples, markets, traditional wooden houses, and ornate bridges along the route, and it is possible to walk or cycle along the banks in many places.
The Khlong Saen Saep boats are known for their haphazard service, and are often even dangerous in terms of boarding and alighting in busy periods. In this sense, they are perhaps not suitable for families with small children. If you're looking to explore the daily life and key sights that teem around Bangkok's canals in a more relaxed manner, there are plenty of canal tours to choose from; set out on bikes along the banks of the waterways, hop onto a rice barge or small teak boat, or get out of the city altogether on a countryside canal adventure.
Practical Info
Tickets for the Khlong Saen Saep boats are purchased onboard, and range from 10 to 20 bahts, depending on the distance. (Try to have small change to make life easier for everyone.) There are two lines serving the route: the western line, terminating at Wat Saket near the Khao San Road, and the eastern line, which finishes at Wat Si Bunrueang.
Did You Know? The 18-kilometer Khlong Saen Saep route is served by 100 boats with 40-50 seats each. The service carries around 60,000 passengers per day.
Address: Khlong Saen Saep, Bangkok, Thailand
Hours: Weekdays: 5:30am-8:30pm / Weekends: 5:30am-7pm
Admission: 10-20 THB
From $ 83
Kew Gardens
With 326 acres (121 hectares) of exotic plants, woodland trails, and lily ponds, plus 30,000-plus plant species, the Royal Botanical Gardens of Kew offer an idyllic escape for Londoners. As well as being one of London's most visited outdoor attractions, the gardens are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and house one of the oldest and most significant botanical collections in the world.
The Basics
Accessible via hop-on hop-off bus, the botanical gardens at Kew make for an excellent day-out destination. Entrance tickets to Kew Gardens allow visitors to explore the park's many attractions independently or via an optional guided walking tour. Step into The Hive, a multi-sensory sculpture designed to demonstrate the extraordinary life of bees; traverse a 60-foot-high (18-meter) treetop walkway; explore plants from 10 climate zones in the Princess of Wales Conservatory; and stroll through the arboretum, a living library of over 14,000 trees. The London Pass offers entrance to Kew Gardens along with a hop-on hop-off bus tour of other local attractions, such as Westminster Abbey and the Tower of London.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Visitor facilities include five cafes and restaurants, three souvenir shops, restrooms, and picnic areas.
- The Kew Explorer land train leaves hourly from Victoria Gate Plaza and takes visitors on a full tour of the gardens in 40 minutes.
- Bikes, scooters, skateboards, and rollerblades are prohibited throughout the park.
- Kew Gardens is a protected area, so kids should not climb trees, play ball games, or pick flowers.
- Free Wi-Fi is available onsite.
- Kew Gardens is accessible to wheelchairs and mobility scooters (although certain attractions may be off-limits), and concession tickets are available.
How to Get There
Kew Gardens is located in Richmond, roughly eight miles (30 kilometers) from central London, a journey of about 30 minutes by road or 25 minutes by London Underground. The closest tube station is Kew Bridge Station on the District line, which is a short walk from the Elizabeth Gate at the park's eastern border. You can also walk to the Lion Gate (southwest corner) from Richmond Station or the Victoria Gate (southern border) from Kew Gardens station.
When to Get There
Kew Gardens is open year-round and the wide variety of seasonal plants and flowers make it worth visiting at different times of the year. The gardens are busiest from July through August, so plan to arrive early to avoid crowds. Early to mid-spring is a good time to see colorful flowers, while wintertime makes it easy to time your visit to coincide with one of the site's many special holiday events.
Seasonal Events at Kew Gardens
As well as daily guided walking tours and a range of special exhibitions and art displays, Kew hosts special seasonal events and festivals year-round. Highlights include the month-long Christmas at Kew celebration, which includes an illuminated night trail; Kew the Music live music concerts in summer; the spring Orchids Festival; and Halloween pumpkin patches.
Address: Brentford Gate, London TW9 3AB, England
Hours: Daily: 10am - 3:30pm
Admission: Adults £12.75
From $ 73
Lafayette Square
Lafayette Square is a public park located directly across from the White House and flanked by famous edifices including the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, Department of the Treasury, and Decatur House. The well-manicured park hosts an equestrian statue of Andrew Jackson, top White House views, and wide, brick walking paths.
The Basics
Originally part of the White House grounds, 7-acre (2.8-hectare) Lafayette Square has a storied past. It has been used as a graveyard, a racetrack, and a zoo, and is often the sight of political protests and demonstrations. Today it's an ideal place for people-watching and for up-close views of the White House.
Because of its historical significance and central location, a variety of Washington DC tours include Lafayette Square, with guides shedding light on different aspects of the park's history. Hop-on hop-off tours stop here as well.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Lafayette Square is a lovely park for all visitors to DC, especially those seeking great views of the White House.
- The park is free to enter.
- Lafayette Square is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
How to Get There
Lafayette Square is located directly across from the White House at Pennsylvania Avenue and 16th Street NW. It is easily accessible from the National Mall and all of DC by bus, Metrorail, or foot. Driving is not recommended, as parking in the area is very restricted.
When to Get There
Lafayette Square is open year-round. The best times to visit DC are spring and fall, when temperatures are generally mild. Tourists descend on the nation's capital in the summer and crowds can be overwhelming. Washington DC can experience extreme temperatures in the summer and winter; check the forecast and dress accordingly.
Off the Record
For an authentically Washington DC experience, find your way to Off the Record, a hidden bar in the basement of the Hay Adams Hotel just off of Lafayette Square. Known as a local watering hole for politicos, keep your eyes peeled for politicians, journalists, and everyone in between. The low-lit, subterranean cocktail bar feels swanky with red leather sofas, mahogany tables, and walls full of juicy Washington secrets.
Address: Washington DC, USA
From $ 20
Kun Iam Statue
Behind all the flashing neon lights and over-the-top extravagance of Macau's casino scene and the dominant Portuguese influence is a subtle yet rich Buddhist heritage. This religious heritage is evident in the various monuments to Kun Iam, Goddess of Mercy, located throughout the area. Once such monument is the Kun Iam Statue, notable as being one of the only statues on the planet where the goddess faces inland rather than toward the sea.
Perched atop a lotus-shaped dome, the bronze likeness of Kun Iam stands 66 feet (20 meters) tall. The dome beneath her feet houses the Kun Iam Ecumenical Centre, a small museum where visitors can read up on Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism.
Practical Info
The Kun Iam Statue is located about a 15-minute walk from the MGM Grand along the waterfront separating Macau City from the Cotai Strip. Entrance is free.
Address: Kun Iam Temple, Macau, China
From $ 72
Keelung Harbor
Keelung Harbor is located at the northern tip of Taiwan, between Fugui Cape and Cape Bitou. Surrounded by mountains on almost all sides, with just a narrow waterway extending from within, this port is a scenic spot that serves both military and commercial vessels. It's also a popular attraction for those visiting Taipei, with impressive harbor views unfolding from the moment one steps off the train at Keelung Station.
The history of the harbor dates back to its opening in 1886. In the Japanese colonial period, the Governor-General of Taiwan began plans for its expansion, and by the mid-1900s it was the largest port in Taiwan. Today, Keelung Harbor is a major importing hub for Taipei and is also a large fishing port, with the Keelung Bisha Harbor attracting many tourists to the area. Here, over twenty seafood restaurants offer an array of fresh seafood dishes at extremely affordable prices. Fresh fish can also be purchased in the fish market at one end and then taken to the seafood restaurants at the other to be prepared and cooked by the experienced chefs there.
Practical Info
Keelung Harbor is located in the Zhongzheng District in Keelung, just over 20 kilometers from Taipei. Take the train from Taipei Main Station and alight at Keelung Station.
Address: Keelung, Taiwan
From $ 41
Kun Iam Temple
One of the three ancient temples of Macau, Kun Iam Temple was founded during the 13th century, although the present structures were built in 1627. Dedicated to Kun Iam, the Chinese representation of Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Mercy, this Buddhist temple is one of the largest and most important in Macau.
The Basics
The temple features three main halls, which are dedicated to Shakyamuni (Gautama Buddha), the Buddha of Longevity, and Kun Iam, and separated by open courtyards. Note the lavish decorations, porcelain figurines decorating the roofs, and the 300-year-old giant bell. In the Namesake Hall, don't miss the statue of Kun Iam, dressed in embroidered silk and wearing a crown that is replaced every year. She is surrounded by 18 arhats, one of which is said to represent Marco Polo, who studied Buddhism at the temple. Be sure to visit the beautiful terraced gardens in back of the temple.
A number of tours, including day trips from Hong Kong and Shenzhen, feature a stop at Kun Iam Temple, as well as other top Macau attractions that may include A-Ma Temple, the Ruins of St. Paul, and Macau Tower or a Macau casino.
Things to Know Before You Go
- This is a must-visit for those with an interest in history, architecture, or religion.
- This is a place of worship, so visitors should be respectful and quiet.
- There are a number of funeral rooms within the temple; please be quiet and do not take photos if a funeral is taking place.
- The temple is free to enter, but donations are accepted.
- Day trips from Hong Kong can last upward of 11 hours.
How to Get There
Kun Iam Temple is located on Avenida do Coronel Mesquita. It's easiest to take a taxi to the temple. You can also take bus 12, 17, 18B, 18, 23, or 28C to the temple.
When to Get There
The temple is open Monday through Saturday. It is at its most festive during the Lunar New Year and during celebrations for the birthday of Kun Iam, on the 19th day of the second, sixth, ninth and 11th lunar months.
Terraced Gardens
In the terraced garden behind the temple, the first Sino-American treaty was signed in 1844, and the round granite table of the signing still stands. There are also four intertwined trees, known as Lovers Trees; legend has it they grew from the burial site of star-crossed lovers who committed suicide because they could not marry. Elsewhere in the garden, you'll find fountains, groves of bamboo, and shrines to departed priests.
Address: Macau, China
Admission: Varies
From $ 144
Kop van Zuid
What was once an abandoned port area has now been redeveloped into an urban, metropolitan neighborhood. Many of the disused buildings in Kop van Zuid "“ shipyards, headquarters, and plants "“ have remained and were recently given a second life, not without thanks to the completion of the now-iconic Erasmus Bridge that finally united the north and the south sides of the mighty Nieuwe Maas River. Along with new infrastructure and award-winning architecture (throughout their modernization, most buildings kept a lot of their original features to keep history alive), this duality and eclectic feel have helped Kop van Zuid reached an international reputation, and its business model has since been copied several times in other naval cities facing similar issues. If Kop van Zuid used to be exclusively for dockworkers and sailors, it is now filled with fashionable youngsters and local families wanting to experience a new side of their city. Visitors will now find a contemporary and inviting entertainment district that features hotels, cafes, restaurants, a theater, and many businesses "“ even an international cruise ship port, the Wilhelmina Pier.
Practical Info
Kop van Zuid is located on the south bank of the Nieuwe Maas River in Rotterdam. It is accessible on foot from the Leuhaven district by crossing the Erasmus Bridge, by metro via lines D and E (Wilhelminaplein stop), or by tram via lines 12, 20, 23 and 25 (Wilhelminaplein stop).
Address: Rotterdam, Netherlands
From $ 22
Kiscelli Museum
The Kiscelli Museum presents an eclectic array of exhibitions from Budapest's history, dating back to the early 1700s. The Baroque Sculpture Hall features sculptures from the Holy Trinity group erected outside the Matthias Church in Buda Castle in 1712. Another exhibition focuses on the press and newspapers in Budapest, with a substantial collection of printing machines, equipment and tools. It includes a printing machine known to have played a role in the Revolution of 1848, as well as the type collection of the old University Press dating back to the 18th century, book-binder's presses from the 19th and early 20th centuries and nearly 200 printing places from the 17th to the mid-20th centuries.
The Public Places and Private Spaces, 1780-1940 exhibition presents a combination of art and everyday objects from three different periods: the period of unification of Pest, Buda and Obuda (1873-1896), the period from the millennium to 1918 and the period from 1918 to 1940. The Antiquity of the Capital exhibition invokes the old Municipal Museum, presenting displays of chests, paintings, clocks, cutlery, jugs and architectural plans as thy were set up at the turn of the century.
Two final exhibitions showcase an 18th-century pharmacy and old trade signs, mostly from the 19th century.
Practical Info
The museum is open April through October from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and from November to March from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It is closed on Mondays. Admission for adults costs 1000 HUF. From Batthiany Square in Budapest, catch the 160, 260 or 260A bus to the Margit Korhaz stop and then walk about ten minutes to the museum along Becsi Street to Kiscelli Street. Alternatively, take bus 165 from Kolosy Square to the Remetehegyi ut stop and then walk about five minutes down Kolostor Street to the museum.
Address: Kiscelli utca 108, Budapest, Hungary
Hours: April - October: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. November - March: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Admission: Adults: 1000 HUF
From $ 25
La Viña
Get to know the essence of Cadiz during a wander through one of its most beloved old quarter neighborhoods, La Viña. The name, which means "the vine," was inspired by its previous life when it served as land for vineyards. That was, of course, before buildings cropped up to accommodate the city's population, which grew due to increasing trade with the Americas in the 18th century.
Since its vineyard days, this area has been known as a fishermen neighborhood given its easy access to the sea via La Caleta Beach. It should come as no surprise, then, that this is the ideal place in town to sample some of Cadiz's best seafood, particularly pescaito frito, a dish of fried local fish for which Southern Spain is famous. Apart from tapas hopping "” particularly along the main drag Calle de la Palma "” La Viña is also ripe with flamenco bars, and is the epicenter of Carnival celebrations, arguably the city's most important festival. At the end of the day, be sure to take a break from getting lost in the barrio's streets to make a sunset visit to the beach and neighboring San Sebastian Castle.
Practical Info
La Viña is located on the far western side of the city, steps away from La Caleta Beach and San Sebastian Castle. It is easily reach by foot from anywhere in the city's historic quarter, though you can get around to all the sights more easily on a hop-on hop-off bus tour.
Address: Cadiz, Andalucia, Spain
From $ 53