Choose from 5,104 Fun Things to Do in The Whitsundays & Hamilton Island
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Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque
Perched on the banks of an artificial lagoon along the Brunei River, Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque is one of the most recognizable landmarks of Brunei. Built in 1958 and named after the 28th Sultan of Brunei, this lavish mosque boasts Italian marble floors and walls, English chandeliers and Saudi Arabian woven carpets.
The exterior of the main dome is covered in gold leaf, while the interior features a glass mosaic made up of 3.5 million individual pieces. The minarets of the mosque stand 171 feet (52 meters) tall, making the mosque the tallest structure in Bandar Seri Begawan, visible from almost anywhere in town.
Practical Info
Visitors are not allowed inside the mosque during prayer times, so check ahead before your visit.
Address: Jalan Mc Arthur, Seri Begawan BS8711, Brunei
Hours: 8am to 8:30pm except during prayer
From USD 40
Strossmayer Promenade
Running along the remains of Zagreb’s medieval defense walls and marking the southern border of the Upper Town (Gornji Grad), the Strossmayer Promenade is one of the city’s liveliest and most scenic walkways. Named after the famous 19th-century Croatian bishop and politician Josip Juraj Strossmayer, the romantic terraced promenade is shaded by towering chestnut trees and its scenic lookouts offer expansive views over the Lower Town below. The easiest way to reach the promenade is by the funicular railway which runs from Tomićeva Street, close to the central Bana Jelačića Square, and despite being one of the shortest funiculars in the world, riding the 66-meter long track is a quintessential Zagreb experience.
Although most visitors stroll the walkway to take in the panoramic views, the most atmospheric time to visit the Strossmayer Promenade is during the summer months, when the Strossmarte street festival takes over the area and the street is teeming with artists, musicians and food stalls.
Although most visitors stroll the walkway to take in the panoramic views, the most atmospheric time to visit the Strossmayer Promenade is during the summer months, when the Strossmarte street festival takes over the area and the street is teeming with artists, musicians and food stalls.
Address: Strossmayer Promenade, Zagreb, Croatia
From USD 23
Sukhumvit
Sukhumvit Road is the longest boulevard in Thailand (with the Skytrain running along most of its length), and the surrounding neighborhood has become the city’s makeshift international zone, with expats and well-off Thais living on the small side streets, called sois, that intersect it. It’s a neighborhood where choices are endless. Luxury hotels stand beside budget accommodations, and the food scene from five star to street stand is top notch.
What Sukhumvit lacks in tourist attractions it makes up for in its buzzing shopping and nightlife scene. By day air-conditioned shopping malls offer just about anything under the sun and sumptuous days spas promise relaxation. By night the neighborhood comes alive with some of Bangkok’s top nightclubs (and a few notorious red light districts).
Practical Info
When trying to navigate Sukhumvit, keep in mind that even-numbered sois are on the south side of the road, while odd-numbered ones are on the north side.
Address: Bangkok, Thailand
From USD 44
Subacius Hill
Accessible by foot through the cobbled streets of photogenic, bohemian Užupis—which declared its independence from the rest of Vilnius in 1997 and even has its own tin-pot army—Subačius Hill provides panoramic views across to Vilnius’s Old Town and the suburban, purpose-built Soviet apartment blocks beyond.
Telescopes and brass information boards at the viewing points on this tranquil little spot help visitors to identify the Baroque churches of St Anne’s and the Holy Spirit, as well as Gediminas Tower on the horizon. After drinking in your fill of the view, take time out on the terrace bar in a couple of the nearby café or declare your feelings for a loved one by attaching a padlock to the wrought-iron railings around the view point.
Practical Info
Subacius Hill is open 24/7.
Address: Vilnius, Lithuania
From USD 12
Strand Hotel
Built in 1901, this grand colonial hotel has been called one of the finest places to stay East of the Suez. High ceilings, teakwood floors and hand-carved furniture are just some of the fine features that make The Strand’s three stories and 31 suites unique. Guests can enjoy world class dining at the Strand Grill, where crystal chandeliers and marble floors nod to elegance, or pop by the Strand Bar for a more casual happy hour drink. The peaceful spa offers a perfect place to unwind from the hustle of Yangon Streets and personal butler service means every visitor receives the royal treatment.
Practical Info
The Strand Hotel is located in Yangon near the Australian Embassy on Strand Road. It offers airport pickup and concierge service to help visitors create a personalized travel experience. Rates vary according to room size and accommodations.
Address: Strand Rd, Yangon, Myanmar
From USD 75
Sultan Hassan Mosque
Egypt is home to some of the world’s grandest mosques, with some of the most detailed and dazzling located in Cairo. The Sultan Hassan Mosque, situated near the city's famous and majestic Citadel, is one of Cairo's most impressive Islamic structures.
Sultan Hassan bin Mohammed bin Qala'oun was only 13 years old when he first ascended to the throne. After being deposed and imprisoned for three years, he reclaimed power and built his eponymous mosque in 1256 A.D. The massive Sultan Hassan Mosque complex measures 26,000 square feet and is also home to a madrasa, or religious school, containing educational facilities for each of the four main Sunni sects of Islam. An estimated 30,000 Dirhams was spent each day to build the Sultan Hassan, a substantial amount of money that provided the structure’s impressive stony exterior and bold, extravagant interior.
Practical Info
The Sultan Hassan Mosque is open to the public daily from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m., although it does close for prayers. It is located in the vicinity of the Citadel. Visitors can take the metro to the Mohammed Farid stop and then take a taxi to the Citadel at a cost of about 10 Egyptian pounds. Upon arrival, travelers should ask their drive to point them toward Sultan Hassan. Men, women and children must dress modestly; women must cover their heads and everyone must take off their shoes before entering the mosque.
Address: Cairo Governorate, Cairo, Egypt
Hours: Daily from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m.
From USD 22
Sulabh International Museum of Toilets
For those who’ve ever wondered about the fascinating history of the toilet, Delhi’s Sulabh International Museum of Toilets showcases a seemingly endless array of artifacts, pictures, stories and examples of one of the modern world’s most ingenious inventions. Three separate spaces examine ancient, medieval and modern toilets, covering the most mundane to the most surprising details.
Visitors can wander detailed exhibits that showcase the chronology of toilets spanning almost all of the last five thousand years. From pit latrines and stone structures to ultra-modern Japanese models complete with heat, massage and music, the museum leaves no stone unturned when it comes to bringing the marvels of the modern toilet to the masses.
Practical Info
The museum is free to enter and guided tours are available at no cost. It is open from 10:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. November 1 through March 30, and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. from April 1 through October 30.
Address: Sulabh Bhawan, Mahavir Enclave, Palam Dabri Marg, New Delhi, India
Hours: Open daily Nov-Mar: 10:30am-5pm and April-Oct: 10am-5pm
From USD 37
Sulphur Springs
Billed as “the Caribbean’s only drive-in volcano,” Sulphur Springs Park is one of the most active geothermal sites in the Lesser Antilles. Guided tours through the caldera of the dormant Soufriere Volcano take about 30 minutes and allow visitors to explore the stark, lunar landscape pockmarked by steam vents and pools of boiling mud and water, where the air is tinged by the acrid scent of sulphur from the venting fumaroles. Downstream from the boiling pools, a pair of bathing pools has water that has cooled to a comfortable 38.7 degrees C (101.6 F). The Black Water Pool—famed for its reputed health properties—is so rich with dissolved minerals that the waters are tinged black, while the Pool of Love has clear, warm water where visitors can soak in the natural hot tub surrounded by rainforest.
Practical Info
Sulphur Springs Park is a 5 minute bus ride or 30 minute walk from the town center of Soufriere, which sits along the southwest coast, about 40 km (25 miles) from Castries. A guided tour of the springs and soak in the baths costs $11 per person ($5 per child). Sulpher Spring Park is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., except for the first Friday in September.
Address: Sulphur Spring Park, Soufriere, St Lucia
Admission: Adults: $11; Children: $5
From USD 50
Sultan Abdul Samad Building
Colonial architects A.C. Norman and A.B. Hubbock completed the now iconic Sultan Abdul Samad Building in 1897 during the British administration of the region. Designed for governmental administrative offices, the building on Merdeka Square was the first public building in the country to feature a Mughal architectural style — a school that combines Indian Muslim, Gothic and Moorish influences.
Today, the building is home of the Ministry of Information, Communications and Culture. Its 135-foot (41-meter) tall clock tower flanked by two copper cupolas have become one of Kuala Lumpur’s most recognizable landmarks. The structure is particularly impressive at night, when the domes and clock tower are lit up.
Practical Info
The Sultan Abdul Samad Building is located on Merdeka Square next to the old general post office.
Address: 109 Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur 50450, Malaysia
From USD 11
Sule Pagoda (Sule Paya)
The golden spire of this well-recognized pagoda stretches far into the skyline of downtown Yangon, making it easy to spot from even just about anywhere in town. Built more than 2,000 years ago, the pagoda is said to house a hair from that Buddha that was given to two Burmese merchants. Colorful spirits stand guard of a massive brass bell, which residents ring to signal good deeds. In addition to being one of these most recognized pagodas in Yangon and place of spiritual worship, the Sule Pagoda has also served as a meeting place during the 1988 uprisings and the Saffron Revolution, making it an important landmark in the country’s recent past.
Practical Info
Sule Pagoda is located in a roundabout in downtown Yangon. Visitors can grab an evening drink at the nearby Sky Bar at the top of Sakura Tower for an impressive view of the golden pagoda lit up at night.
Address: Ground, Maha Bandula Rd, Yangon, Myanmar
Hours: 6am-8pm
From USD 19
Sultanahmet District
Leave the present day behind and take a wander around Old Istanbul, the wonderful old Sultanahmet District. This World Heritage-listed district is crammed with historic buildings and enough magical atmosphere to keep you enthralled for days.
Drink in the majesty of Hagia Sophia (Aya Sofia), a museum-church-mosque all in one, and admire the Blue Mosque that mirrors it. Spend days amid the riches of Topkapi Palace, and discover the underground world of the Basilica Cistern. Then shop for everything from curly-toed slippers to magic lanterns in the massive Grand Bazaar.
Practical Info
Sultanahmet is on the European side of Istanbul. Its main thoroughfare is Divan Yolu, which runs from the Grand Bazaar to Hagia Sophia. Strolling along this route on foot is the best way to get around Sultanahmet. You can also ride the tram which travels along Divan Yolu.
Address: Divan Yolu, Istanbul 34410, Turkey
Admission: Free
From USD 31
Strokkur
The landmark Geysir Geyser might be the world’s most famous and the one after which all others are named, but its neighbor, Strokkur, is equally impressive. Despite only rising to heights of 60 to 100 feet (compared to Geysir’s 150 to 200 feet), Strokkur still erupts several times an hour (unlike Geysir, which remains largely dormant thanks to its clogged conduit) offering visitors a good chance of witnessing the natural spectacle.
Opened up by an earthquake in 1789 and reactivated by human intervention in 1963 after being blocked by a second earthquake, Strokkur has been erupting regularly ever since. Cradled in a 3-meter wide crater, Strokkur’s highly anticipated eruptions begin with the formation of a pulsing bubble of hot water, which reaches temperatures of around 200 °C before a rush of steam breaks through and shoots into the air. The geyser now stands among Iceland’s most popular natural attractions, located in the Haukadalur geothermal area and a much-visited sight along the Golden Circle route from Reykjavik.
Opened up by an earthquake in 1789 and reactivated by human intervention in 1963 after being blocked by a second earthquake, Strokkur has been erupting regularly ever since. Cradled in a 3-meter wide crater, Strokkur’s highly anticipated eruptions begin with the formation of a pulsing bubble of hot water, which reaches temperatures of around 200 °C before a rush of steam breaks through and shoots into the air. The geyser now stands among Iceland’s most popular natural attractions, located in the Haukadalur geothermal area and a much-visited sight along the Golden Circle route from Reykjavik.
Address: Strokkur, Iceland
From USD 47
Summer Garden And Summer Palace Of Peter I
Standing where the Fontanka River meets the Neva River in the center of St Petersburg, the Summer Garden and Summer Palace of Peter I offer a nice escape from the busy city. Founded by Peter the Great himself at the start of the 18th century, the garden is modeled after Versailles. Laid out by geometric principles, the romantic garden may be best known for the 79 sculptures lining its avenues, all by 17th and 18th century Italian sculptors.
The Summer Palace sits on the banks of the Neva River and is modest compared to other palaces of the same era. A two-story, Dutch-style building with a yellow exterior, the palace was one of the first stone palaces in St. Petersburg. The interior, with just seven rooms on each floor, has been restored to its original state and now displays a collection of 18th century artifacts, including paintings, furniture, tapestries and glassware belonging to Peter and his wife, Catherine.
Practical Info
The Summer Garden and Summer Palace are best reached on foot or by taking the Metro to Gostiniy Dvor. From Gostiniy Dvor, walk up Sadovaya Ulitsa past St. Michael’s Castle and across the canal to reach one of the two entrances to the garden. Walk north through the garden to reach the palace.
Address: Kutuzov Embankment 2, Russia
Hours: Varies by season and day of week
Admission: 300 rubles
From USD 6
Suchitoto
Perched on a hilltop, overlooking the glittering waters of Lake Suchitlán, Suchitoto is among El Salvador’s most picturesque towns, a maze of timeworn cobblestones and well-preserved colonial architecture.
Suchitoto’s tranquil surroundings and laid-back pace of life make it a popular retreat for capital dwellers, as well as nurturing a lively arts scene, and the streets are dotted with artist’s workshops, galleries and cozy cafés. The town’s most famous landmark is the striking white Iglesia Santa Lucia, but the area is most celebrated for its natural assets, with the neighboring Suchitlán reservoir sheltering a large variety of migratory birds and nearby sights including the Los Tercios Waterfall.
Practical Info
Suchitoto is located in the Cuscatlán department of El Salvador, 47 km north of San Salvador.
Address: Suchitoto, El Salvador
From USD 48
Stormont Estate and Parliament Buildings
The Stormont Estate is home to Northern Ireland’s main government buildings. In addition to parkland and woodland, the 407-acre (165-hectare) estate contains the Parliament Buildings, the seat of the Northern Ireland Assembly; Stormont Castle, the seat of the Northern Irish Executive; and Stormont House, home to the Northern Ireland Office.
The Basics
Visitors can explore the Parliament Buildings on free 45-minute guided tours that visit key rooms in the complex, including the Great Hall, the Senate Chamber, and the Assembly Chamber, and impart information about the history and architecture of the Parliament Buildings. The grounds, meanwhile, can be explored independently—just follow the woodland paths and peruse the historic sculptures and monuments dotted around the estate.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Stormont Estate and Parliament Buildings are a must for political junkies and families.
- A kid-friendly playground, complete with slides and swings, is situated near the Upper Newtownards Road park entrance.
- The estate features picnic areas, a café, toilets, and a dog park.
How to Get There
The Stormont Estate is on the east side of Belfast, about 5 miles (8 kilometers) from the city center. Metro bus lines 20a and 23 run to and from Stormont, while hop-on hop-off bus tours connect Stormont to Belfast city center.
When to Get There
While the estate itself is open to the public seven days a week, tours of the parliament building take place Monday–Friday only. Tours depart hourly between 11am and 2pm during July and August, and twice a day the rest of the year (11am and 2pm). The best time to visit is summer, when the warmer weather makes exploring the grounds more enjoyable.
The Parliament Buildings
Constructed between 1928 and 1932, the classical-style Parliament Buildings are among the largest and most eye-catching structures on the Stormont Estate. The buildings are rife with architectural symbolism, with six stories and six entrance pillars representing the six counties of Northern Ireland, and a 365-foot length representing the 365 days of the year. The architect, Arnold Thornley, was knighted for his work by King George V.
Address: Upper Newtownards Road, Belfast BT4 3SD, Northern Ireland
From USD 16
Sumidero Canyon National Park
Formed by a geological fault some 40 million years ago, the immense Sumidero canyon is one of the most impressive natural wonders of Chiapas, with the canyon walls reaching heights of up to 1,000 meters and the Grijalva River dotted with waterfalls and caves.
While a number of lookout points offer a view of the canyon from above, the most popular way to explore the Sumidero Canyon National Park is by boat, cruising downstream from Chiapa de Corzo and winding through the gorge towards the Chicoasén Dam and lake. Hemmed in by towering cliffs and dense jungle, this is one of Mexico’s most dramatic cruises and there are a number of key attractions to look out for en route, most notably the aptly nicknamed Cueva de Colores or Cave of Colors and the Árbol de Navidad or ‘Christmas Tree’ waterfall, where the series of algae covered rocks really do resemble a Christmas tree.
Practical Info
Sumidero Canyon National Park is located between Tuxtla Gutiérrez and Chiapa de Corzo and is typically visited by boat from Chiapa de Corzo for about 160 pesos per person.
Address: Sumidero Canyon National Park, Chiapas, Mexico
Hours: Daily
From USD 23
Strahov Monastery
The Strahov Monastery in Prague was established in 1143. It has survived fires, wars, revolutions, and communist regimes, though it has occasionally been rebuilt. Even when the monks were unable to remain in the monastery, they waited in a safe place until they could return. Today it is still a place of learning, meditation, and tranquility, and approximately 70 monks live there. The impressive spires of the basilica are a famous part of Prague's skyline, but the library is the monastery's most important feature. The library contains thousands of volumes, including 3,000 original manuscripts. The Theological Hall contains mostly literature of a theological nature and thousands of editions of the Bible.
The monastery's location on Petrin Hill near the Prague castle is a good place for views of the city due to the higher elevation. The monastery has also been the backdrop for several major films, such as the horror film “From Hell” starring Johnny Depp and in the Bond film “Casino Royale” starring Daniel Craig.
Practical Info
The Strahov Monastery is located at Strahovske nadvori 1.
Address: Strahovske nadvori 1, Prague 118 00, Czech Republic
From USD 14
Stroganov Palace
With a prime location on the corner of Nevksy Prospekt and the Moika River Embankment, the Stroganov Palace is one of the oldest aristocratic in St. Petersburg. Designed by renowned Italian architect Bartolomeo Rastrelli, the palace is one of the best examples of late Baroque architecture in St. Petersburg. The light pink main façade faces Nevsky Prospekt and features a large entrance arch supported by two Corinthian columns that leads to an inner courtyard. Oak gates feature carvings of branches and lion’s heads, while windows are framed by cupid figures.
Today the palace houses part of the collection of the State Russian Museum and several rooms are open to the public, having been restored to their late 18th century appearance. The State Dining Room overlooks both Nevsky Prospekt and the River Moika and features large mirrors opposite the windows to create the illusion of a room much larger than it actually is. The Large Ballroom is simply grand, with glittering chandeliers, parquet floors made of exotic woods, stucco molding and patterned balcony railings, as well as a large painting by Valeriani. The Mineral Study, restored in 2005, is considered one of the masterpieces of 18th century Russian architecture.
Practical Info
In the center of St. Petersburg, the Stroganov Palace is likely walkable from many popular tourist hotels. If you are staying further out, take the Metro to Nevsky Prospekt. Visitors can buy a combined ticket for 600 rubles that provides entrance to the Stroganov Palace, Marble Palace, St. Michael’s Castle and Mikhailovksy Palace over three days. Visiting as part of an organized tour of St. Petersburg is another great option.
Address: 17 Nevsky Prospekt, St Petersburg, Russia
Hours: Wednesday and Friday to Monday, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; Thursday 1:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Admission: 300 rubles palace only; 600 rubles combined ticket
From USD 17
Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque
Muscat’s most magnificent religious building and the only mosque in Oman to open its doors to tourists, the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is one of the city’s most popular attractions. Built in the Ghubrah suburb back in 2001, the landmark building is an impressive feat of contemporary Islamic architecture and one of the largest mosques in the Gulf, with the 40,000-square-meter grounds able to accommodate an incredible 20,000 worshippers at one time.
Set within a vast walled compound, overlooked by 5 towering minarets, the Grand Mosque encompasses two prayer halls encircled by a courtyard, gardens and a series of water features. Incorporating elements of Omani, Persian and Egyptian design, the complex is sculpted entirely from pristine white Indian sandstone and includes a Ladies’ Prayer Hall, library and meeting rooms. The crowning glory of the mosque is the lavish central prayer hall, a gleaming mass of white and grey marble adorned with elaborate tile work and featuring a 14-meter tall Swarovski crystal chandelier and the second largest carpet in the world – a 70-meter-long, hand-woven Iranian rug. Beneath the dramatic 50-meter high gold, latticed dome, there is space for up to 6,600 prayer mats.
While the mosque welcomes visitors, non-Muslims may only enter the main prayer hall during designated times and both men and women entering the mosque are required to follow the dress code – arms, legs and hair (women only) must be covered.
Address: Muscat, Oman
From USD 32
Suleymaniye Mosque
Commissioned by Suleyman the Magnificent and built in the 16th century by the celebrated Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan, Suleymaniye Mosque is the largest imperial mosque in Istanbul. Surrounded by a sprawling landscaped courtyard and with a clear view of the Bosphorus Strait, it’s a stunning and active place of worship to visit in Turkey.
The Basics
Located in Istanbul’s historical and bustling Fatih neighborhood, Suleymaniye Mosque is part of a larger complex of historical buildings that include a religious school and the mausoleums of sultans. The lofty interior of the mosque is decorated with Iznik tiles and colorful carpets, and its four minarets punctuate the skyline.
Some small-group and private walking tours combine a visit to Suleymaniye Mosque with other Ottoman mosques nearby, including Selimiye Mosque and the Blue Mosque, or with the Grand Bazaar and Hagia Sophia.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The mosque is closed to visitors during prayer times.
- Suleymaniye Mosque is a must-visit for history and architecture enthusiasts.
- Prayer times are longer on Fridays, so the mosque will be closed for more of the day. Make sure to check on any Muslim and Turkish holidays, as that can also affect opening hours.
How to Get There
Suleymaniye Mosque is uphill from the Eminonu tram stop, and is also accessible from the Beyazit tram stop. There are also various public buses that stop near Suleymaniye Mosque. The easiest way to reach Suleymaniye Mosque directly is by taxi. Skip the hassle of arranging your arrival with an Istanbul tour that includes round-trip transport.
When to Get There
Suleymaniye Mosque is less crowded than Istanbul’s Blue Mosque, so most times of day are calm for visiting. The mosque is closed to non-Muslims during prayer times, which are listed in front of the mosque and can also be found online.
Visiting an Active Mosque in Istanbul
Visitors to Turkey’s mosques are required to dress appropriately. Women must cover their head, shoulders, and knees, while men should make sure their shoulders and knees are covered. Bring along a scarf for convenience, though headscarves are provided at the door. Wear a long skirt or pants and a short-sleeve shirt, and make sure to wear shoes that are easy to slip on and off.
Address: Turkey
From USD 37