Choose from 5,104 Fun Things to Do in Anaheim & Buena Park
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Berlin Botanical Garden and Botanical Museum
The Berlin Botanical Garden is about 126 acres, making it one of the world's largest botanical gardens, and it has approximately 22,000 types of plants. In the 39-acre plant-geography section, you can see plants from all over the northern hemisphere. There is also a 42-acre Arboretum and taxonomy section where you can learn about woody and herbaceous plants. The greenhouse complex consists of 16 houses where visitors can wander through tropical and subtropical vegetation.
In the botanical museum, you can see enlarged scale models of structures that are normally too small to be seen by the naked eye. There are also sections where you can view entire habitats through glass. The museum also has plants on display all year that can only be seen for a few weeks or even a single day in the garden. There is also a library of botanical books in the museum.
The Berlin Botanical Garden and Museum is a great place to learn about plants from all around the world, but it's also an escape from the noise and bustle of the city. It's also a nice place to escape the cold if you're visiting during the winter.
Practical Info
The Berlin Botanical Garden and Museum is located at Königin-Luise-Straße 6-8. The museum is open daily from 10am to 6pm. The garden opens daily at 9am and closes between 4pm and 9pm depending on the time of year.
Address: Königin-Luise-Straße 6-8, Berlin, Germany
Hours: Daily 10am-6pm
Admission: €6
From $ 114
Bygdøy Peninsula
Jutting out into Oslo Fjord, the Bygdøy Peninsula is a one-stop leisure destination just west side of the city center. A clutch of Norway's most popular museums are found here along with hiking and cycling trails, beautiful "“ if small "“ beaches at Huk and Paradisbukta, plus several cafes and seafood restaurants. Come sunny days, the peninsula is full to bursting with Oslo families enjoying the peninsula's laid-back vibe and the organic farm at the Royal Manor, which is the summer residence of King Harald V.
Altogether Bygdøy is home to the Neo-Gothic castle of Oscarshall, the Holocaust Center in the austere Villa Grande, and no less than five museums. Of these, the Viking Ship, Fram, Maritime and Kon-Tiki museums deal with Norway's illustrious nautical heritage, while the open-air Norwegian Folk Museum concerns itself with Norway's cultural past. It displays a colorful collection of Sami national costumes from Lapland alongside 150-odd reconstructed buildings including traditional Sami goahti and a magical 13th-century wooden stave church from Gol, a small town north of Oslo.
Practical Info
The Bygdøy Peninsula can be reached by taking the ferry from Pier 3 or bus 30 to Bygdøy. Museum times vary, but the peninsula is accessible 24 hours a day.
Address: Bygdøy Peninsula, Oslo, Norway
Hours: Daily. Museum times vary.
From $ 23
Brucke Museum
The Brücke Museum in Berlin is dedicated to the work of the artist group Die Brücke (the Bridge) from 1905 to 1913. The group was formed in Dresden by four students, Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, Fritz Bleyl, Karl Schmidt-Rottluff and Erich Heckel, when its members started experimenting with abstract forms, bright color and perspective, breaking from the art of the academies and representing the beginning of German Expressionism. The museum houses around 400 paintings and thousands of drawings, water color paintings, original graphics, and wood carvings from this expressionist group. The museum also displays work by artists who were closely connected to the Brücke group.
One of the main principles of the Brücke movement was building a bridge to the surrounding nature. This principle is represented by the location of the museum surrounded by the pine and birch trees of the beautiful Grunewald forest just outside the southwest corner of the city. The building's simplistic style echos the art on display, and with less than 5,400 square feet of exhibition space, it is Berlin's smallest museum.
Practical Info
The Brücke Museum is located at Bussardsteig 9.
Address: Bussardsteig 9, Berlin 14195, Germany
Hours: Wed-Mon 11am-5pm
Admission: Adults € 5,00, Students & Military € 3,00
From $ 114
Burjuman Centre
Located in Diera, the Burjuman Centre is one of Dubai's oldest malls, popular for its selection of high-street fashions. Built in 1991 and expanded in 2004, the shopping center now boasts more than 300 luxury and high end stores located across 2.8 million square feet of mixed-use space. Alongside the high-street brands, shoppers will find Saks Fifth Avenue, Dior, Versace, Cartier, Louis Vuitton and Valentino, among others.
The mall is currently undergoing another round of upgrades that will bring a multiplex movie theater, Carrefour supermarket and an expanded food court to the complex.
Practical Info
Burjuman Centre can be accessed by taking the Dubai Metro to the BurJuman Metro Station.
Address: Khalid Bin Al Waleed Road, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Hours: Sat-Wed 10am-11pm, Thur-Fri 10am-12am
From $ 67
Cafe Ursula
Founded in 1952, Kaivopuisto Park's Cafe Ursula quickly grew from tiny kiosk to bustling cafe by the Baltic Sea. A summertime favorite among Helsinki locals, Cafe Ursula's outdoor terrace is a popular place to sit in the fresh air with a coffee, beer or glass of wine and watch the boats ply the glittering waves to Tallinn and St. Petersburg. Summertime evening events at Cafe Ursula include live jazz and full moon celebrations.
The self-service cafe has a popular salad buffet and also sells sandwiches, with the open-faced shrimp sandwich being especially noteworthy. Soups, cakes, pastries and ice cream are also on sale. When it's not warm enough to sit outside on a blanket with a drink, Cafe Ursula is a popular place for sitting cozily indoors, looking out to the islands across the sea.
Practical Info
Located at Ehrenstromintie 3, to get to Cafe Ursula, you can take the 3T tram to Kaivopuisto and then walk 400 meters toward the sea. The cafe is open from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. from Sunday to Tuesday, and from 9 a.m. until 10 p.m. from Wednesday to Saturday.
Address: Ehrenstromintie 3, Helsinki 00140, Finland
From $ 35
Blue Hole
One of the world's most famous snorkeling and diving spots, the evocatively named Blue Hole is renowned for its unique geological formation "“ a 426-foot- (130-meter-) deep sinkhole in the Red Sea, fringed with colorful coral reef and filled with startling blue waters. The Blue Hole has long been a magnet for adventurous scuba divers hoping to get a glimpse of the colorful underwater world, with the main attraction being an 85-foot (26-meter) underwater reef tunnel, located at about 183 feet (56 meters) deep, that leads out into the ocean. Due to its easy accessibility, Blue Hole is an especially popular spot to visit from Dahab or even Sharm El-Sheik, located about an hour and a half away.
With an experienced guide and the appropriate safety precautions, visitors can snorkel and swim within a kaleidoscope of marine life, where it is possible to spot triggerfish, unicorn fish, parrotfish, angelfish and surgeonfish, among others. The otherworldly scenery of the Blue Hole provides a next-level adventure in Egypt.
Practical Info
The Blue Hole is located on the Gulf of Aqaba, about 5 miles (8 km) north of Dahab. It is usually reached by jeep or camel.
Address: Dahab, Gulf of Aqaba, Egypt, Egypt
From $ 20
Bessastadir
One of Iceland's most impressive buildings, located in Alftanes, just outside Reykjavik, the Bessastadir is the official residence of the Icelandic president. Dating back to 1761, the striking edifice once housed one of Iceland's first educational institutions, before being donated to the state in 1940. After the Independence of Iceland in 1944, the Bessastadir became the official residence of the President and First Lady of Iceland and remains so today.
The Bessastadir is also renowned for its church, one of the oldest stone-made structures in Iceland, dating back to 1796 and featuring exquisite stained glass windows, painted in 1956 in honor of Asgeir Asgeirsson's (Iceland's 2nd president) 60th birthday.
The Bessastadir is also renowned for its church, one of the oldest stone-made structures in Iceland, dating back to 1796 and featuring exquisite stained glass windows, painted in 1956 in honor of Asgeir Asgeirsson's (Iceland's 2nd president) 60th birthday.
Address: Alftanes, Iceland
From $ 47
Berlin Victory Column (Siegessäule)
Standing 67 meters (220 feet) high and topped with a 35-tonne gilded figure of Victoria "“ the Roman goddess of victory in battle "“ the Berlin Victory Column was inaugurated in 1873 to commemorate Germany's (or Prussia, as it was called then) victory over Denmark in the Danish-Prussian War of 1864. Lovingly nicknamed "˜Golden Lizzie' by Berlin locals, the sandstone memorial was designed by German architect Heinrich Strack and sits on a red granite base adorned with columns; it originally stood in Königsplatz, which is today's Platz der Republik. In the run up to World War II, the column was moved to the center of the Tiergarten park as part of Hitler's plan to rebuild Berlin as the grandiose capital city of the Third Reich. The viewing platform at 50 m (164 ft) gives panoramas over the gardens and down the Strasse des 17 Juni 31 to the landmark Brandenburg Gate "“ ironically today a symbol of Germany's freedom from tyranny "“ but visitors have to climb 285 steps up a winding spiral staircase to get there.
Practical Info
Grosser Stern, 10557 Berlin. Open Apr"“Oct Mon"“Fri 9.30am"“6.30pm; Sat"“Sun 9.30am"“7pm. Nov"“Mar Mon"“Fri 10am"“5pm; Sat"“Sun 10am"“5.30pm. Admission adults €3; concessions €2.50. Walk down Strasse des 17 Juni 31 or take bus no. 100 from the Brandenburg Gate.
Address: Grosser Stern, Berlin, Germany
Hours: Vary by season
Admission: €3
From $ 17
Berlin TV Tower Restaurant
Towering 1,207 feet (368 meters) over the Alexanderplatz public square, the Berlin TV Tower is the city's tallest building and one of its top landmarks. The views over Berlin are unforgettable, but for many visitors the tower's main highlight is the revolving restaurant at the top. Dubbed The Sphere, here guests can dine on gourmet cuisine and sip Champagne while gazing out over the city skyline.
The Basics
Lines to enter the tower are notoriously long, but luckily there are a number of skip-the-line ticket options to choose from. You can visit the observation deck; enjoy a cocktail at Bar 203, Berlin's highest bar; or make a reservation for the TV Tower restaurant where options include a decadent champagne breakfast, a 2-course lunch, or a VIP dinner.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Although the tower is open until midnight, the last entrance to the restaurant is at 11pm.
- Reservations for the restaurant are essential, especially during high season.
- All visitors to the tower are subject to security checks and bag searches. Large items such as suitcases and strollers are not permitted.
- Due to concerns about emergency evacuation procedures, the Berlin TV Tower is not accessible to wheelchair users and those with limited mobility.
How to Get There
The Berlin TV Tower is located on Alexanderplatz public square in the Mitte District of Berlin. The closest Ubahn (underground train) and Sbahn (above-ground train) station is Alexanderplatz, located next door to the tower.
When to Get There
The Berlin TV Tower restaurant is open year-round and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The busiest months are July and August, when you should book well in advance. Reserve a dinner date for the holiday season to enjoy a dramatic view of the city's festive illuminations.
The View From the Tower
At 666 feet (203 meters) high, the TV Tower's 360-degree observation deck affords a spectacular panoramic view of the city. Look down at the Spree River; admire the grand buildings of Museum Island, Potsdam Square, and Tempelhof Park; and spot landmarks such as the Reichstag Building, Berlin Cathedral, the Brandenburg Gate, and the main train station.
Address: Panoramastraße 1A, Berlin, Germany
Admission: Ticket prices vary
From $ 98
Bomber Command Memorial
The long-awaited memorial to the Royal Air Force (RAF) Bomber Command, London's poignant Bomber Command Memorial is a heartfelt tribute to the 55,573 British, Australian, New Zealand, Canadian and Commonwealth pilots and aircrew who lost their lives and the many others who were wounded or captured during the air raids of WWII.
Officially opened in 2012 by Queen Elizabeth II, the striking memorial takes center stage near the western entrance of London's Green Park and includes a Bomber Command Memorial Time Capsule crafted from the remains of a Second World War bomber. The design of architect Liam O'Connor, the memorial also features a 2.7-meter high bronze sculpture depicting a seven-man bomber crew, housed inside a grand classical portico made of Portland Stone.
Practical Info
The Bomber Command Memorial is located in front of the RAF Club in Green Park. The nearest underground (tube) station is Hyde Park Corner.
Address: Green Park, London, England
From $ 42
Bioluminescent (Mosquito) Bay
Bioluminescent Bay (aka Mosquito Bay or Puerto Mosquito) is one of Puerto Rico's three bioluminescent bays, located on the island of Vieques. A popular destination for nighttime boat tours, this bay is by far the brightest. The water is illuminated by dinoflagellates called Pyrodinium bahamense, tiny microorganisms that glow when touched.
The Basics
Any contact with the water"”by the boat, a paddle, or a part of the body"”makes the water glow bright neon blue and green. Jump in for a neon-lit swim, cruise over the water in a pontoon boat, or board a kayak to paddle through the bay. Nighttime kayak tours typically allow you to learn about the biology of dinoflagellates and their interaction with the Vieques ecosystem.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Nighttime tours require a stay overnight on Vieques Island; the tour company can typically provide recommendations for hotels or guest houses.
- Be sure to apply bug repellent, as Mosquito Bay lives up to its name.
- Mosquito Bay is the only bioluminescent bay in Puerto Rico where swimming is permitted.
How to Get There
Mosquito Bay is located on the southern shore of Vieques, which can be reached by ferry from Fajardo on the main island of Puerto Rico. Reaching the bay is an adventure in itself that requires a 10-minute drive down a very bumpy and rutted 4WD track. Tours typically provide transportation to the bay from the town of Esperanza on Vieques Island.
When to Get There
The dinoflagellates in Bioluminescent Bay are active year-round but are best seen during the new moon, when the sky is darkest and the water glows brighter by comparison. Tours typically do not operate the day before, during, and after the full moon, when the organisms are difficult to see.
Must-See Vieques Attractions
Isla Vieques was under the control of the US Navy for 60 years and thus remains largely undeveloped. The small island is home to unspoiled rain forest dotted with pristine beaches and archaeological sites including the Hombre de Puerto Ferro, where skeletal remains up to 4,000 years old were discovered. Along with the famous bio bay, Vieques is host to some excellent snorkeling, especially at Blue Beach (Bahía de la Chiva).
Address: Vieques, Puerto Rico
From $ 54
Brohan Museum
The Bröhan Museum proudly displays a large collection of art nouveau, art deco, and functionalism from the 1890s to 1939. Named after its founder Karl H. Bröhan, who donated his entire collection to Berlin on this 60th birthday, the museum's exhibition spaces display vases, lamps, carpets, paintings, and a rich porcelain collection.
The Basics
As you walk through the 11,000-square-foot (1,020-square-meter) Bröhan Museum's three floors, it's easy to witness the progression from the late art nouveau period toward art deco, modernism, and the Berlin Secession movement. Displays show the functioning form of each piece along with decorative extras as would have been in the arrangement of a home during this time period.
Individual admission tickets are available, or you can purchase the Berlin Pass for free entry to the gallery and 50 other attractions in the city plus a public transit ticket.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Bröhan Museum is a must-visit for art and interior design lovers.
- Visitors under 18 years of age enjoy free admission, and everyone is free on the first Wednesday of each month.
- Free tours of special exhibitions are held at 5pm every Wednesday.
- Visitors generally spend around two hours exploring the museum.
- The museum is wheelchair accessible with an accessible elevator, bathrooms, and parking. Guided tours for those with hearing impairments are available upon request.
- Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the museum.
How to Get There
The Bröhan Museum is part of the Charlottenburg Palace complex, located at Schlosstrasse 1a. Take city bus 109, 309, or M45 to the Schloss Charlottenburg stop. The underground Richard-Wagner-Platz and Sophie-Charlotte-Platz stations, as well as the overground Westend station, are both a short walk from the museum.
When to Get There
The museum is open 10am to 6pm Tuesday through Sunday. Given that the museum is rarely crowded, plan to visit in the early morning for a more contemplative experience before heading to the nearby Charlottenburg Palace.
Why Visit the Bröhan Museum?
This museum gives a very real idea of what interior design was like during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Items are on display with complementary designs and matching styles as if they were in a home from the time period. This was the ultimate goal of Karl Bröhan, who recognized interior design from around 1900 as a "treasure... waiting to be unearthed" and wanted to show it to the world.
Address: Schloßstraße 1a, Berlin 14059, Germany
Admission: Varies
From $ 114
Bratislava Old Town (Starý Mesto)
The charming but minuscule Old Town lies at the historic heart of Bratislava, the mini-capital city of Slovakia, clustered around the much-restored, landmark Renaissance castle and crammed with fountain-filled piazzas connected by a warren of medieval cobbled alleyways. It is a cosmopolitan district of red-roofed, pastel-colored townhouses brimming with high-end designer stores, souvenir shops, sophisticated restaurants and local bars, with more than its fair share of Baroque churches and Neo-classical palaces.
The area's great Gothic Cathedral of St Martin was the coronation venue of Austro-Hungarian monarchs, and there are also museums aplenty to explore"”with collections encompassing artwork, weapons, music and Jewish history"”and a thriving cultural life thanks to the Slovak National Theatre.
Come Christmas, festive markets fill the streets, while summer sees music festivals and classical concerts. To catch the best views over Bratislava Old Town, head for the UFO Observation Deck high above the Nový Most (New Bridge) across the River Danube.
Practical Info
Old Town is the historic center of the city of Bratislava, and at 3.7 square miles, it is easily walkable.
Address: Bratislava, Slovakia
From $ 14
Bogyoke Aung San Museum
The Bogyoke Aung San Museum is dedicated to General Aung San, the founder of modern Myanmar and is located in the very building where he and his family lived for only two years before he was assassinated in 1947. Regarded as Myanmar's greatest hero, in what was then Burma's struggle for independence from Britain, General Aung San is also the father of Suu Kyi, one of today's most recognizable figures and leader of an anti-government faction that fights against the government her father helped put in place.
The museum was established some 15 years after his death, but everything is still displayed as if the general, his wife Daw Khin Kyi and the three kids were living there. Everyday memorabilia such as books, handwritten correspondences, furniture and family photos decorate the home, Daw Khin Kyi's dresses can be admired and one of Aung San's cars still stands in the garage. While the personal effects are interesting to see, the most impressive part of this home turned museum is actually the house it is located in. Apparently, Aung San was a frugal man and the museums interior reflects this by being very sparse, but he did live in a beautiful two-story colonial villa. This museum offers a glimpse into the life of Myanmar's national hero, who, despite his power was apparently a very honest and selfless man who preferred a simple lifestyle.
Practical Info
You can find the Bogyoke Aung San Museum in the Bahan Township just to the north of Kandawgyi Lake. Opening hours are from 10am to 4pm, but the museum remains closed on Mondays, Tuesdays and on holidays.
Address: 25, Bo Gyoke Museum Ln, Yangon, Myanmar
Hours: Wed-Sun 10am-4pm, Closed Holidays
Admission: $2 per person
From $ 51
Berlin Museum of Medical History (Medizinhistorisches Museum)
The Berlin Museum of Medical History (Medizinhistorisches Museum) is part of the Charite"“Universitätsmedizin Berlin, located in the former museum building of the Pathological Institute. In the permanent exhibition "On the Trace of Life," visitors can explore medical history over the past 300 years. The exhibit shows how the view of and into the body has continually changed throughout history, ending with the patient as the recipient of medicine and the possibilities that exist in today's medical world.
Another central part of the museum is the specimen hall, which dates back to the collecting activities of Rudolf Virchow. Around 750 pathological-anatomical wet and dry preparations are on display here. The museum also features temporary exhibitions that focus on different aspects of current medicine and medical history. Throughout the museum, visitors can view medical instruments, valuable books and microscopes, and hundreds of rare samples. Visitors are invited to explore the anatomical theater, the dissecting room of the pathologist and laboratories of medical research.
Practical Info
The Medizinhistorisches Museum is located at Chariteplatz 1. Opening hours are 10am to 5pm on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday, and 10am to 7pm on Wednesday and Saturday. The museum is closed on Monday. Admission is 7 euro.
Address: Chariteplatz 1, Berlin 10117, Germany
Hours: Tues, Thurs, Fri, and Sun: 10am-5pm, Wed and Sat 10am-7pm
Admission: 7 euro
From $ 114
Berlin Underground
Hidden beneath street level in Berlin is a network of darkened shelters, tunnels, abandoned underground stations, and bunkers. Berlin Underground (Berliner Unterwelten) offers tours of these secret subterranean spaces, some of which were used as air-raid shelters during World War II and as escape tunnels during the Cold War.
The Basics
Access to Berlin's underground realm is by guided tour only, and visitors can choose between several different tour routes. On one route, tour guides take participants to an underground bunker that has been left exactly as it was at the end of World War II. Other tours explore tunnels used to bypass the heavily guarded Berlin Wall, Cold War"“era nuclear shelters, and a World War II flak tower (anti-aircraft tower), designed to protect against Allied air attacks.
Book tickets for a tour of your choice or opt for a combination ticket, which also provides access to an exhibit documenting the Third Reich's blueprint for Berlin after the anticipated Axis victory of World War II. Some Berlin sightseeing and transport passes include discounted admission to Berlin Unterwelten.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Tours have adult themes and are only open to participants age 7 and older. Higher age restrictions apply for select tours.
- Some sections of the underground complex remain chilly, even in summer, so bring a sweater or jacket.
- Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes with good tread, as you'll spend a lot of time on your feet, and some surfaces may be uneven.
- Berlin Underground tours are not wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
The Berlin Underground ticket office is situated at the south entrance of Gesundbrunnen station in Berlin's Mitte district. S-Bahn lines S1, S2, S25, S26, S41, and S42, as well as U-Bahn line U8, all stop at Gesundbrunnen.
When to Get There
Tickets for Berlin Underground tours can only be purchased on the tour day. Arrive early to secure a spot on a tour; in many cases, you may have to wait an hour or two until the next departing tour. Summer weekends are particularly busy, so be prepared to wait in line.
Other Underground Attractions in Berlin
While you can't actually get inside it"”the entrances have been blocked off"”the site of the underground bunker where Hitler committed suicide, known as the Führerbunker, can still be seen near the Holocaust Memorial in Berlin's Friedrichstadt district. Look out for an information panel showing the layout of the bunker. Also of note are some of the stations on Berlin's underground U-Bahn train network, such as Deutsche Oper, which features public artworks by Portuguese artist Jose de Guimaraes.
Address: Berlin, Germany
From $ 32
Berlin Gallery (Berlinische Galerie)
The Berlin Gallery is dedicated to art created in the city since 1870 with a focus on photography and architecture. Since 2004, the museum has been housed in a modernist building featuring collections from the Dada Berlin, New Objectivity, and Eastern European avant-garde scenes, plus pieces from the Berlin Wall and reunification eras.
The Basics
The Berlin Gallery offers 49,500 square feet (4,600 square meters) of exhibition space for paintings, graphics, sculptures, and multimedia from classical modernism through to more contemporary installations. The gallery focuses on local art but has an international scope with many pieces from non-native artists who lived in Berlin. Free guided tours in English are held at 4:15pm on Saturday and at 3pm on the first Monday of the month.
Individual admission tickets are available, or you can purchase the Berlin Pass for free entry to the gallery and 50 other attractions in the city plus a public transit ticket.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Berlin Gallery is a must-visit for those interested in the history of art in Berlin.
- Visitors under 18 years of age enjoy free admission.
- Most visitors spend about two hours exploring the exhibits.
- The museum features an on-site shop and cafe.
- The gallery is wheelchair accessible and includes accessible parking, elevators, and restrooms. There is also equipment available for those with visual and hearing impairments.
How to Get There
The Berlin Gallery is located at Jakobstrasse 124, adjacent to the Jewish Museum in the Kreuzberg neighborhood. Take city bus 248 to the Judisches Museum stop, right in front of the gallery. Alternatively take the U1, U3, or U6 to Hallesches Tor station, the U6 to Checkpoint Charlie station, or the U8 to Moritzplatz; all are a 10- to 15-minute walk from the gallery.
When to Get There
Opening hours are 10am to 6pm Wednesday through Monday. (The Berlin Gallery is one of the few museums open on a Monday.) For the most contemplative experience, visit in the early morning. The gallery features special exhibits throughout the year and offers ongoing lectures, readings, and film screenings; check the website for a current calendar.
The Final Home of the Berlin Gallery
As one of the city's newest museums, the Berlin Gallery has had many homes since its opening in 1975. Its first site was in Charlottenburg, then it was combined with the New National Gallery before it became part of the Gallery of the 20th Century at the Berlin Zoo. Now its permanent location"”a former glass warehouse offering ample space for exhibitions"”is a space beloved by Berliners and tourists alike.
Address: Alte Jakobstraße 124, Berlin, Germany
Admission: Varies
From $ 114
Berlin Musical Instrument Museum
The Musical Instrument Museum in Berlin is a haven for those interested in the history of music. It houses the largest collection of musical instruments in Germany, with more than 3,500 pieces from the 1500s to today. The museum is also a part of the State Institute for Music Research under the Prussian Cultural Heritage Foundation.
The Basics
Part of Berlin's Kulturforum, the museum (Musikinstrumenten-Museum Berlin) is home to some of the world's rarest instruments from around the world. Notable pieces include Bach's harpsichord, Benjamin Franklin's glass harmonica, Frederick the II of Prussia's flute collection, and rare Naumburg wind instruments from the early baroque period.
You can purchase an individual entry ticket or use the Berlin Pass, which includes free entry to more than 50 attractions in the city"”including the Musical Instrument Museum"”as well as a public transport ticket.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Berlin Musical Instrument Museum is a must-visit for music aficionados.
- The museum offers an onsite cafe with changing lunch menus.
- Audio guides are available for rent in English and German.
- The entire museum, its parking facilities, and the restrooms are fully wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
The Musical Instrument Museum is located at Berlin's Kulturforum at Tiergartenstrasse 1. Take the city bus M41 to the Philharmonie Sud stop, or bus 200 to the Philharmonie or Varian-Fry-Str./Potsdamer Platz stops. The museum is also a short walk from Potsdamer Platz, to which you can take the S1, 2, 5, or 25, or the U2 U-Bahn.
When to Get There
The museum is open from 9am to 5pm Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday; 9am to 10pm Thursday; and 10am to 5pm Saturday and Sunday. You can learn more about the instruments with a public guided tour offered on Thursday evenings and Saturday mornings for a small fee. The instruments on display are constantly rotating and offer an opportunity to see a multitude of rare pieces.
The Berlin Kulturforum
The Kulturforum, a collection of cultural buildings near Berlin's Potsdamer Platz, is a hub for the arts. The most iconic institutions are the Berlin State Library (Staatsbibliothek zu Berlin), the Philharmonic (Berliner Philharmoniker), and the Musical Instrument Museum, all designed by Hans Scharoun. Other notable buildings are the Picture Gallery (Gemäldegalerie), the Berlin Art Library (Kunstbibliothek), and the Museum of Decorative Arts (Kunstgewerbemuseum), making this complex a great place for art lovers to spend a day exploring.
Address: Tiergartenstraße 1, Berlin, Germany
Admission: Varies
From $ 114
Budapest History Museum
Located in sight of the Chain Bridge on the Buda side of the Danube River, Budapest History Museum forms one wing of the Royal Palace, sharing space with the more extensive Hungarian National Gallery (Magyar Nemzeti Galeria).
The museum relates the turbulent 2,000-year history of the three towns that form Budapest "“ Buda, Pest and the oft-overlooked Óbuda "“ and there are currently five permanent exhibitions, with one covering recent Budapest history still under construction. The ruins in the basement are poorly labeled but worth persevering with as they are a mix of staircases, cellars and corridors from previous castles on the site.
There are plenty of dumpy prehistoric figures, tiled medieval stoves and Gothic statues but the highlights of the museum are the reconstructed rooms of the Royal Palace, which include the medieval chapel and the Gothic Knights' Hall. An innovative new exhibit submerges visitors in 3D film to "˜walk through' the history of the last 1,000 years.
The museum relates the turbulent 2,000-year history of the three towns that form Budapest "“ Buda, Pest and the oft-overlooked Óbuda "“ and there are currently five permanent exhibitions, with one covering recent Budapest history still under construction. The ruins in the basement are poorly labeled but worth persevering with as they are a mix of staircases, cellars and corridors from previous castles on the site.
There are plenty of dumpy prehistoric figures, tiled medieval stoves and Gothic statues but the highlights of the museum are the reconstructed rooms of the Royal Palace, which include the medieval chapel and the Gothic Knights' Hall. An innovative new exhibit submerges visitors in 3D film to "˜walk through' the history of the last 1,000 years.
Practical Info
English-language audio-guides and English-language guided tours are available. Opening hours are Tuesday-Sunday 10am-6pm (4pm November through February). Admission is discounted with the Budapest Card. Bus no 16 from Deák ter or the Sikló funicular from Clark ÃÂdám ter by the Chain Bridge.
Address: Szent György ter 2, Budapest, Hungary
Hours: Castle: Mar1-Oct31 Tue-Sun 10am-6pm (closed Mon), Nov1-Feb28 Tue-Sun 10am-4pm (closed Mon).
Admission: Castle: Adult: 1500 HUF; Student/Senior 750 HUF
From $ 25
Buga
Founded by Sebastian de Belalcázar in 1555, Buga (or Guadalajara de Buga) was among Colombia's first colonial cities and the historic town is now both a National Monument and one of the top attractions of Valle del Cauca. The undisputed star attraction of Buga is the magnificent Basilica del Señor de los Milagros (Basilica of the Lord of Miracles), which draws more than 3 million annual pilgrims and is famous for its cast iron statue of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
Visiting the sacred site isn't the only thing to do in Buga, though. Visitors can also admire the architecture of the Cathedral of St. Peter and the Church of Santo Domingo; take in the views from the hilltop Mirador Al Derumbado; or escape the city for the surrounding countryside "“ canoeing and bird watching in the Laguna de Sonso Natural Park, swimming beneath the Los Pailones waterfalls and hiking or biking in the El Vínculo forest all make popular side trips.
Practical Info
Buga is located in Valle del Cauca, approximately 74 km northeast of Cali.
Address: Buga, Valle del Cauca, Colombia, Colombia
From $ 100