Choose from 5,104 Fun Things to Do in Dunedin & The Otago Peninsula
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Ancient Rome
At the height of its power, the ancient city of Rome was home to millions and the capital of a vast empire, crowded with monumental temples, civic buildings, and villas. Today, visitors can get a sense of the ancient city’s wealth and power by visiting the archaeological ruins covering the Palatine Hill in the center of modern Rome, including the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Temple of Julius Caesar, and Arch of Constantine.
The Basics
The archaeological ruins of ancient Rome include some of the most iconic sights in Italy, and they’re visited by millions of tourists each year. Long entrance lines are common at the Colosseum and the Roman Forum (especially in summer), so consider booking a guided tour or skip-the-line access in advance. A half-day tour with a small group can cover most of the sites on the Palatine Hill, while a private Colosseum tour offering evening access is an excellent way to enjoy the ancient amphitheater without the crowds. For a unique experience, consider booking a Colosseum underground tour to understand the inner workings of this iconic stadium.
Things to Know Before You Go
- A family-friendly group tour with an expert guide is a great way to make these important sites come alive for kids.
- Most of the archaeological sites and monuments dating from ancient Rome are open air, so be sure to wear a hat and suitable clothing.
- The Colosseum and other Ancient Roman sites are accessible to wheelchairs.
How to Get There
The most famous ruins of Ancient Rome are concentrated on Palatine Hill, and they can be reached from the Colosseo station on Line B of the city’s underground metro system, which also stops at the main Termini train station.
When to Get There
The sights of Ancient Rome are most crowded at midday, so consider scheduling your Rome tour around a visit in the early morning or late afternoon. Summer is the busiest season, when skip-the-line tickets or a private tour guide are essential; the sites are less crowded during winter.
Discovering the Circus Maximus
The newly excavated and restored remains of the Circus Maximus, ancient Rome's largest stadium, offer a fascinating look into Roman life. The site of chariot races and other sports and entertainment for almost 1,000 years, this immense venue could hold up to 150,000 spectators.
Address: Rome, Italy
Hours: Daily
From $ 31
Andeluna Cellars
The name Andeluna comes from a combination of the words Andes, in the foothills of which these grapes are grown, and luna (moon), which the winemakers say impart magic and inspiration to their winemaking. Andeluna harvests Argentine grapes from vineyards originally planted 125 years ago by early Italian immigrants. These are brought to a 48,000 square foot winemaking facility for the de-stemming, crush and fermentation. Andeluna was started in 2003 under the tutelage of one Argentine and one American investor, H. Ward Lay, of the Lays potato chip fortune.
The winery is located in Tupungato, Argentina, near Mendoza, and here they grow Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay and Cabernet Franc, all at altitude, in this case at up to 4300 feet above sea level. The winery features classic architecture with views of the Andes Mountains, over some of the area’s prime grape vines. There is a bar, tasting room, reserve tastings in the wine cellar where they also store 1,200 barrels of wine, and a kitchen and dining room for gourmet lunches.
Practical Info
While Andeluna grows some of the same varietals as nearby wineries, and makes two different kinds of Malbec, they also make a more European-styled wine, the exclusive Grand Reserve Pasionado, made in a Bordeaux style. They also conduct tastings in four different areas of the winery, depending on visitors’ preference.
Address: Ruta Provincial 89 s/n. km 11 Gualtallary, Tupungato, Mendoza, Argentina
From $ 22
Anadolu Kavagi
The last stop on the Asian side of the Bosphorus Strait, Anadolu Kavagi is a former fishing village that sits near the confluence of the Bosphorus and the Black Sea. Some say that the village historically served as a shelter for trade ships against storms, with sometimes as many as 300 ships stopping at a time.
Anadolu Kavagi may be best known for Yoros Castle, a medieval castle perched on a hill high above the village overlooking the Bosphorus. In an area originally settled by the Phoenicians and Greeks, the castle was built in Byzantine times and was later restored and reinforced multiple times by both the Genoese and the Ottomans. However, it fell into disrepair after the 18th century and only ruins remain today, including portions of the citadel and the surrounding walls.
Although the walk up Caferbaba Sokagi to the castle is a steep one, taking nearly half an hour, the views when you reach the top are well worth it. Visitors have long had unrestricted access to the ruins of Yoros Castle, which is a popular picnic destination for locals. However, archaeological excavations began in 2010 and may impede access to some extent.
Anadolu Kavagi may be best known for Yoros Castle, a medieval castle perched on a hill high above the village overlooking the Bosphorus. In an area originally settled by the Phoenicians and Greeks, the castle was built in Byzantine times and was later restored and reinforced multiple times by both the Genoese and the Ottomans. However, it fell into disrepair after the 18th century and only ruins remain today, including portions of the citadel and the surrounding walls.
Although the walk up Caferbaba Sokagi to the castle is a steep one, taking nearly half an hour, the views when you reach the top are well worth it. Visitors have long had unrestricted access to the ruins of Yoros Castle, which is a popular picnic destination for locals. However, archaeological excavations began in 2010 and may impede access to some extent.
Practical Information
The best way to reach Anadolu Kavagi is by taking a ferry up the Bosphorus. If you prefer not to take the ferry back to Istanbul, you can catch bus 15A from the main square to Beykoz or Kanlica. Then, switch to bus 15 to Uskudar or bus E-2 to Taksim.
Address: Turkey
From $ 92
Ancient City Museum
This 320-acre outdoor museum filled with lush gardens and historic structures showcases the art, architecture and culture of Thailand’s rich and diverse heritage. In a single stop, travelers can explore replicas of the nation’s most iconic buildings, including 116 pavilions, temples, floating markets and shrines all laid out to scale in their accurate geographic positions.
Visitors should plan to wander through the garden of stupas, which showcases the significance of Buddhism on local traditions, as well as the Garden of the Gods, where Hindu deities are on display. While structures housed in the Ancient City Museum are no substitute for the real thing, they certainly provide travelers on a tight schedule with a taste of what Thai life, culture and art is like.
Practical Info
The Ancient City Museum is open daily from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. in Samut Prakan—about an hour away from downtown Bangkok. It is accessible via private taxi or using the BTS Skytrain to On-Nut Station and hiring a taxi from there.
Address: 296/1,Sukhumvit Rd, Samut Prakan, Thailand
Hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Admission: 400 baht
From $ 42
Andong Folk Museum
Andong Folk Museum is the perfect place to get acquainted with Andong’s ancient culture and traditions. Next door to Andong Folk Village, the museum contains over 3,700 artifacts. From traditional clothing to pottery dating back to the Joseon Dynasty (1392 - 1897), as you wander two floors of exhibits you’ll get to learn the traditions that Koreans go through from birth to childhood, in adulthood, and in death. From Korean child rearing to ancient cooking methods, wedding ceremonies to spiritual practices, there are lots of interesting facts to learn about. Did you know that, in the past, when pregnant Korean women wanted a boy they would pray to phallic rocks?
After seeing the indoor exhibits, head to the outdoor park to see the thatched-roof houses that were saved when nearby Andong Dam was erected in 1976. In the garden you’ll also get to see and learn about Korea’s giant totems, traditionally built with fierce faces to ward away evil spirits.
Practical Info
Admission to Andong Folk Museum is W 1,000. It is open from 9am to 6pm in March through October, and until 5pm from November to February. Signs are in English, as well as Korean, Japanese, and Chinese, and there’s an onsite snack bar, restaurant, and souvenir shop. To get to the museum from Andong Bus Terminal, take Bus 3, which runs every 20 minutes.
Address: 13, Minsokchon-gil, Andong-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do 760-360, South Korea
Hours: Nov-Feb 9am-5pm; March-Oct 9am-6pm
Admission: W 1,000
From $ 130
Ancient Olympia
The UNESCO World Heritage-listed Olympia in the Peloponnese is world-renowned as the location of the first Olympic Games of the classical world, which were held in in 776 BC; they subsequently took place every four years for almost a thousand years before being disbanded in the fourth century AD. However, the story of Olympia goes back much further, as for centuries it was the holiest and most celebrated shrine in ancient Greece. Pilgrims came from across the Empire to worship Zeus — the father of all Greek gods — and his wife Hera in the temples and shrines of the Atlis (Sanctuary of the Gods).
Excavations at Olympia began in 1829 and today the vast complex is scattered with cracked paving, mounds of stone, crumbling statuary and fractured temples. Only one column remains of the Temple of Zeus, but that is enough to grasp the sheer size of the original building. The temple of Hera is better preserved and it is here that the Olympic flame is still lit before it journeys across the world. Among the jumble of ruins are civic buildings and guesthouses that served ancient pilgrims, plus the stadium, hippodrome, wrestling school and gymnasium where Olympic athletes worked out.
The Archaeological Museum at Olympia is one of the most important in Greece; highlights include a scale model of the ruins, pediment carvings from the Temple of Zeus and a statue of the messenger god Hermes by Praxiteles, one of the most important sculptors of ancient Greece, whose work also adorned the Acropolis.
Practical Info
Archea Olimpia, Greece. Open daily 8am–8pm. Admission site only: adults €6, seniors, students and children younger than 18 €3; combined site and museum: adults €9, seniors, students and children younger than 18 €5. West of Athens in the foothills of Mount Kronios, Olympia is best reached by car; the journey is 187.5 miles (300 km) and takes around four hours via the A7. It is often visited as part of a multi-day tour of classical Greece, and cruise ships visitors from the nearby port of Katakolon can arrange private tours of Olympia.
Address: Archea Olimpia, Pyrgos, Elis, Peloponnese, Greece 270 65, Greece
Hours: Open daily 8am–8pm
Admission: Adults: €6; Seniors, Students and Children: €3
From $ 92
Anderson House (Society of the Cincinnati)
When Larz Anderson, a wealthy American diplomat, died in 1937, his widow donated their 50-room mansion - the Anderson House - and its contents in Dupont Circle to the Society of the Cincinnati - a prestigious male-only organization for descendants of officers in the American Revolutionary War, of which Larz was a long-time active member. By 1939, the Society opened it to the public as a museum and library, showcasing the Andersons' impressive collection of Chinese, Japanese, French, and Italian art, as well as the importance of the family in American history.
The stately Anderson House was designed in the Beaux-Arts style and has been described as a "Florentine villa in the midst of American independence." The Anderson House was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1996 and is considered to be one of the city's hidden treasures. Today, the Anderson House serves as the Society's headquarters and aims to preserve Larz's legacy of patriotic service and entertaining guests and offers several free concerts a year in the grand ballrooms and on the expansive grounds.
The stately Anderson House was designed in the Beaux-Arts style and has been described as a "Florentine villa in the midst of American independence." The Anderson House was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1996 and is considered to be one of the city's hidden treasures. Today, the Anderson House serves as the Society's headquarters and aims to preserve Larz's legacy of patriotic service and entertaining guests and offers several free concerts a year in the grand ballrooms and on the expansive grounds.
Practical Info
The Anderson House is located off the north exit of Dupont Metro Station on the red line. Museum tours commence Tuesday through Saturday from 1:00-4:00pm, last approximately one hour, and are free of charge. The library, where a register resides to find out if your ancestors were officers in the Revolutionary War, is open Monday through Friday from 10:00am - 4:00pm. Reservations are only necessary for groups larger than 10 people.
Address: 2118 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008, USA
Hours: Tue-Sat 1pm-4pm
From $ 240
Amsterdam Dungeon
Visitors to Amsterdam, feel the fear. Just how many ways were there to die in the old city? Find out at the Amsterdam Dungeon as you experience the city’s horrible past – you’ll encounter plague victims, suffer tortured screams as the Spanish Inquisition comes to town and hear the dying groans of scurvy-ridden sailors as their ship Batavia sails into the Doldrums. Drop through the darkness into the bowels of the earth on simulator rides and despair as you lose your way in the Labyrinth of the Lost. New among the 11 terrifying actor-led interactive shows at the Dungeon in ‘Murder on the Zeedijk’ – just when will the moaning spirit of lonely Helena ambush you?
If you like your horror with a modicum of kitsch and humor, then this is the place for you. But be warned, while most teenagers will love the Amsterdam Dungeon, it’s probably not the place for young kids.
Practical Info
Rokin 78. Tickets adults €22; €18 for children under age 15. Tours run daily, starting at 11am and running every 15 minutes until 5pm. The Amsterdam Dungeon is hugely popular and lines are always long outside; save time and buy a ‘Skip the Line’ ticket ahead of your visit. Take trams 4, 9, 16 or 24 to Spui.
Address: Rokin 78, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Admission: Adults: €22
From $ 18
Amsterdam Museum
Amsterdam’s historical museum recently joined the 21st century with a major rebranding and updates to its permanent displays; it’s now much more user-friendly, with many multimedia and digital activities. Arranged around a cobbled courtyard, where visitors can find the stylish Mokum Café, the museum is housed in a former convent and a 17th-century orphanage, while narrating the history of Amsterdam from its humble beginnings as a fishing village through its time as a world trading power and up to present day.
The exhibitions kick off with the brilliant Amsterdam DNA, a multimedia romp through the main stages of the city’s history with the aid of interactive displays, ancient maps, Old Dutch Master paintings, and seven themed short movies. There are tons of other displays tucked away in the museum, from 1960s beatnik fashions to examinations of the city’s once-lax drug policies; other highlights include a model of the Koninklijk Paleis (Royal Palace), and the Little Orphanage, where kids can experience life in a 17th-century Dutch orphanage. The Schuttersgalerij (Civic Guards Gallery) alongside the museum is free to all; along with massive wooden sculptures of David and Goliath, displays include oil paintings of the 17th-century civic guards who protected the city as well as contemporary photographic portraits of Dutch public figures and a highly colorful hand-embroidered patchwork carpet by Dutch installation artist Barbara Broekman, which represents all nationalities presently residing in multi-cultural Amsterdam.
Practical Info
The museum has entrances at Kalverstraat 92 and Sint Luciënsteeg 27. Opening times are daily 10am–5pm. Admission is adults €12; students €9; children between 5-18 €6. Access to the Civic Guards Gallery is free for all. The museum is 15 minutes on foot from Centraal Station, or take trams 1, 2 or 5 to Spui.
Address: Kalverstraat 92 or Sint Luciënsteeg 27, Amsterdam 1012 PH, Netherlands
Hours: Daily 10am-5pm
Admission: Adults €12; students €9; children €6
From $ 12
Andicuri Beach
The stunning Andicuri Beach stretches some 70 meters along Aruba’s eastern coast and is known for its turquoise blue waters and limestone cliffs that offer sun-kissed travelers a bit of shade.
Although the beach attracts travelers from across the globe in search of a truly tropical experience, strong currents and serious waves make Andicuri less than ideal for swimming and snorkeling. But these conditions do make it the perfect destination for more adventurous travelers who want to try their hand at kitesurfing, body boarding or surfing.
Accessing this secluded beach can be tough, so visitors should be prepared to hike in on foot, or navigate the terrain with a vehicle designed specifically for off-road travel. And while the going may be tough, those who do make it to Andicuri say its beauty is unmatched and its shores are almost always quiet.
Practical Info
Andicuri Beach can be difficult to locate, since it’s known for being one of Aruba’s most secluded stretches of shore. It is located about 20 minutes from Oranjestad by car.
Address: Aruba
From $ 80
Ancon Hill
Visible from nearly anywhere in Panama City, Ancon Hill stands proudly above everything else in an otherwise flat region, with its immense flag flying high. At 199 meters above sea level, it’s the highest point within the city, and from the top you can see all the main points of interest. It’s possible to see not only the modern part of Panama City, but also the Panama Canal, the Amador Causeway, the Bridge of the Americas and Old City.
In the middle of this bustling city, Ancon Hill serves as a little natural paradise. The forest has plenty of animals—sloths, armadillos, toucan and deer—and a slow walk up the hill provides the chance to see many of them. Once at the top, spend time watching the ships pass through the canal. It’s a pleasant walk from Mi Pueblito, and serious bikers take the challenge of riding up the hill. Go early to beat the heat, and don’t forget your camera!
There’s also history wrapped up here. The name Ancon was used for the first boat that officially crossed the Panama Canal in 1914, and although it was under the jurisdiction of the United States during part of the 20th century, Panama took control in 1977.
Practical Info
Ancon Hill is open from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is accessible via taxi from the city or by foot or bike. There is no charge to visit.
Address: Ancon Hill, Balboa, Panama City, Panama
Hours: Daily, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
From $ 65
Ancient Mycenae
Squeezed between two hills on the arid plains of the northeastern Peloponnese, fortified Mycenae was the major settlement in the powerful Mycenaean civilization that held political and cultural sway over the Eastern Mediterranean from the 15th to the 12th century BC. The Bronze Age city is regarded as the home of the legendary Agamemnon and is UNESCO World Heritage-listed for its profound cultural influence upon later Greek civilizations.
Covering around 32 hectares and at its peak with a population of around 30,000, the ruins at Mycenae were excavated in 1874 by Heinrich Schliemann, who also worked at Troy. Highlights include the Lion Gate, the main entrance into the citadel carved with figures of mythical lions; the Treasury of Atreus – also known as the Tomb of Agamemnon; the scant remains of the Royal Palace; and the Cyclopean Walls, whose massive stone blocks are all that remain of the original fortifications. The true showstoppers, however, are the grave circles, believed to be the burial sites of Mycenaean royalty thanks to the numerous precious gold, silver, bronze and ivory artifacts excavated around the tombs, including a gold funerary mask Schliemann believed to be the mask of Agamemnon. Many antiquities discovered at Mycenae are now on show at the National Archaeological Museum in Athens but the smart, white museum next to the citadel still has three halls stuffed with pottery, burial urns, clay figurines, fragments of fresco and a replica of the death mask of Agamemnon. A model of the ancient site can be found just outside the museum.
Practical Info
Mykines. Open daily 8am–7.30pm. Admission adults €3, seniors, students and under 18 €1.50. At 90 km (56.25 miles) south of Athens, it is best accessed by car or bus from Athens in around 90 minutes.
Address: Mykines, Peloponnese 21200, Greece
Hours: Daily 8am–7:30pm
Admission: Adults €3: Seniors, students and under 18: €1.50
From $ 98
Ancestral Goa Center
The Ancestral Goa Center offers an excellent introduction to Goan life. This living history museum was set up by a local artist. Included are a typical 19th-century Goan village, featuring traditional homes, displays of handicrafts such as pottery and cobbling, and even a replica of a sacred spring, plus lots of activities for kids.
The Basics
This fun attraction, also known as the Big Foot Museum (owing to its dance floor shaped like a huge foot), features carved sculptural depictions of Goan life, including figurines of people engaged in traditional trades, from potters to vegetable sellers. Workshops for kids focus on nature and include painting with natural dyes and a theme park that brings local kids from across economic backgrounds to play together for the day.
Travelers can join a tour that includes a guided visit to the Ancestral Goa Center and other cultural highlights. Some tours may include a traditional lunch featuring regional ingredients.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The museum is largely outside, so wear sunscreen and a hat.
- The Ancestral Goa Center is well-suited to families with kids or anyone with an interest in local culture.
- Don't miss the center’s Sant Mirabai statue, which, at 14 meters long, is the largest laterite sculpture in the country.
How to Get There
This attraction is located in the inland town of Loutolim, in South Goa. It's about an hour away from Panaji by car, or a half-hour from Vasco da Gama, where the airport is located. The closest city is Margao, a 15-minute drive south of the museum. It’s hard to get to the Ancestral Goa Center via public transportation, so travelers should arrive by taxi or join an organized tour.
When to Get There
Goa is a year-round destination, though it’s definitely less crowded during the rainy monsoon season. As the museum is largely outside, it’s best to visit when the weather is dry. Travelers may want to arrive early to avoid the midday.
Goan Handicrafts
Goa offers all sorts of traditional crafts, though many locals have taken up newer, sometimes imported trades (such as batik) to keep up with demand from tourists. You’ll also see plenty of merchants from the Himalayan region of Kashmir selling jewelry, papier-mâché crafts, and clothing. Popular finds include wooden toys and kitchenware, brass work, terracotta pottery, and coconut carvings.
Address: Big Foot, Loutolim, Goa 403718, India
From $ 52
Ancient Ostia
Ancient Ostia (Ostia Antica), one of the best-preserved archaeological sites in Italy, was once a thriving port city of roughly 100,000 inhabitants conquered by Rome. As the Roman empire expanded, its capital city needed a larger port, and Ostia was eventually abandoned and buried under silt as the course of the Tiber River changed. This layer of mud protected the ancient Roman town from the ravages of time. It is considered by some to be the “better Pompeii."
The Basics
There are a number of important sights in the Ostia Antica archaeological park, including the necropolis, the Baths of Neptune, the amphitheater, the Forum, the Collegiate Temple, and Via Casa di Diana, a main street lined with original apartment buildings and taverns. Given the historical importance of the port city and the collection in its archaeological museum, visiting on a private tour with in-depth explanation adds another layer to any experience. If visiting with kids, consider booking a family-friendly, small-group guided tour. The site is most often visited on half-day tours from Rome.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Bring a hat and sunblock as the archaeological park is outdoors and the area gets hot in summer.
- Ostia Antica is quite close to Rome, making a half-day tour an easy side trip.
- It takes about 2.5 hours to visit the archaeological park with a guide on foot, so wear comfortable clothes and shoes.
How to Get There
If not taking an Ostia tour that includes transportation from Rome, the best way to reach Ostia Antica is by train. Take Rome's metro to the Piramide stop, which is also the Roma Porta San Paolo train station. Follow the signs to Lido, and take a train to Ostia Antica.
When to Get There
Ostia Antica can get hot midday in summer. From June to October, visit in the early morning or late afternoon to beat the heat. No matter when you go, keep in mind that the site is outside—dress accordingly.
Visiting Ostia Beach
Modern Ostia, near the Ostia Antica site, is a popular resort town that’s perfect for a beach break. Visit the archaeological ruins in the cool morning hours, then relax on one of the town's beaches in the afternoon.
Address: Viale dei Romagnoli 717, Ostia Antica 00119, Italy
Hours: Open Tues - Sun 8:30am - 4:30pm and from 6pm-7pm
Admission: Adults: € 8
From $ 60
Andong Hahoe Folk Village
Hahoe means “enveloped by water,” the name given Andong Hahoe Folk
Village due to its position at the bend of the Nakdong River in the
foothills of the Hwasan Mountains. Far from the modern skyscrapers of
Seoul or Busan, the village offers visitors a glimpse at a Korea of old.
The
village, one of several that comprise the UNESCO-listed Historic
Villages of Korea, dates back to the 10th century, when members of the
Ryu clan began settling there; descendants of the clan still live in the
historic homes today. The village is unique in that commoners and the
upperclass coexisted there, and you’ll notice that the tile-roofed
houses of the elite toward the village center gradually give way to
thatched homes toward the outskirts.
Practical Info
To experience the village at its best, plan your visit for a weekday morning. On weekends, the village gets overrun with visitors and loses a bit of its charm.
Address: Andong Hahoe Folk Village, South Korea
Hours: Daily
From $ 130
Angel Falls
Venezuela's Angel Falls isn't just any waterfall—it's the world's highest uninterrupted waterfall. For scale, imagine Niagara Falls...now multiply that by 15. Angel Falls measures 3,212 feet (979 meters), with the longest single plunge coming in at a lengthy 2,648 feet (807 meters). Set in Venezuela's Guayana Highlands, the massive natural wonder drops over the edge of Auyantepui mountain in the Canaima National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The mountain's mesa (called a Tepui by the natives) is one of more than 100 of its kind in the highlands. The massive table mountains are formed from sandstone and are being continually eroded and changed by the area’s heavy rainfall.
The falls weren’t actually named for any celestial messengers but for a James ('Jimmie') Crawford Angel, an adventurous pilot from Missouri who saw the waterfall while searching for gold in 1933. A few years later, he tried to land his plane there and failed, making an 11-day trek to civilization and drawing plenty of scientific and tourism interest to the region in the aftermath of his adventure.
Practical Info
Canaima National Park is located in southeastern Venezuela, south of the Orinoco River. The park is made up of 7.5 million acres (3 million hectares), making it the second largest protected area in Venezuela (and the sixth largest in the world).
Address: Gran Sabana, Venezuela
From $ 1,115
Amsterdam Red Light District
Most famous for its streetside brothels, Amsterdam's Red Light District (De Wallen) also houses scenic canals, bustling restaurants, bars, and plenty of shopping. While this controversial neighborhood may not be for everyone, its winding cobblestone streets and narrow alleys evoke Amsterdam’s rich history and laid-back culture.
The Basics
The Red Light District is best explored on foot or by bike. Walking tours typically provide a deep-dive into the neighborhood’s history and culture, while bike tours provide a broader overview of the city and allow you to visit the Red Light District along with attractions such as the Van Gogh Museum or New Market Square. Depending on your preference you can choose to visit by day or by night, when the district is especially lively.
Some tour options include admission to popular attractions such as the Sex Museum, the Red Light Secrets museum, Madame Tussauds Amsterdam, or one of the Netherlands’ legendary coffee shops. Opt for a walking tour led by a former police officer to learn about the district’s storied police history, or take a group pub-crawl tour to explore local watering holes.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Although the area's once-dangerous streets are now much more welcoming, be aware of your surroundings as pickpockets are still common.
- Taking photographs of sex workers in the windows is strictly forbidden. If you do, you may find yourself fishing your camera out of a canal.
- Nearby, the commercial thoroughfares of Warmoesstraat and Zeedijk are filled with shops and restaurants.
How to Get There
Also known as De Wallen (the Walls) or De Walletjes (the Little Walls), Amsterdam’s Red Light District is located just south of Centraal Station. While guided tours allow you to avoid the hassle of navigation, it’s also possible to arrive via tram or bus.
When to Get There
You can visit the Red Light District year-round—just don’t forget your rain jacket if you’re headed there during winter. Arrive after dark to see the area’s bustling nightlife.
Alternative Amsterdam
The famous laid-back Dutch attitude is very prevalent in the Red Light District, especially in the form of cannabis and sex work. While smoking marijuana is illegal in the Netherlands, it is widely tolerated, and you may purchase or possess up to five grams. You may be surprised that this carnivalesque neighborhood is also where families, young couples, and senior citizens reside and socialize.
Address: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Admission: Free
From $ 10
Andrássy Avenue
The elegant boulevard of Andrássy Avenue was completed in 1885 as part of the expansion of Budapest under Emperor Franz Joseph I to celebrate the thousand-year anniversary of the state of Hungary. It connects the Pest-side city center at Erzsébet Square to the City Park (Városliget) and as a masterpiece of urban planning was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2002, along with Heroes’ Square.
Elegant townhouses lined the avenue and it became the preserve of wealthy bankers and the aristocracy. In order to conserve Andrássy’s architectural harmony, the city fathers decided to build a train line underneath the avenue. And so the Millennium Underground Railway opened, the first in continental Europe; it was first used to transport people from the city center to Városliget, which was the focus of the millennium celebrations in 1896.
Today the Art Nouveau architecture competes for attention with sleek cafés and bars and upscale shopping. In its 1.5-mile (2.5-km) march through Pest, Andrássy is punctuated by the vast octagonal square of Oktagon and is home to the Hungarian State Opera House, the House of Terror Museum in the old headquarter of the secret police, and Budapest’s gloriously grand and much-loved Gerbeaud Café.
Elegant townhouses lined the avenue and it became the preserve of wealthy bankers and the aristocracy. In order to conserve Andrássy’s architectural harmony, the city fathers decided to build a train line underneath the avenue. And so the Millennium Underground Railway opened, the first in continental Europe; it was first used to transport people from the city center to Városliget, which was the focus of the millennium celebrations in 1896.
Today the Art Nouveau architecture competes for attention with sleek cafés and bars and upscale shopping. In its 1.5-mile (2.5-km) march through Pest, Andrássy is punctuated by the vast octagonal square of Oktagon and is home to the Hungarian State Opera House, the House of Terror Museum in the old headquarter of the secret police, and Budapest’s gloriously grand and much-loved Gerbeaud Café.
Practical Info
The Millennium Underground Railway (M1) has several stops along Andrássy Avenue, including ones at Oktagon and Heroes’ Square.
Address: Andrássy Avenue, Budapest, Hungary
From $ 17
Anafiotika
Sprawling up the northern slopes of the Acropolis and peeking above the rooftops of Plaka, Anafiotika is a tiny enclave of steep, cobbled alleyways lined with squat, whitewashed stone houses reminiscent of villages in the Greek Islands. The area was developed by skilled craftsmen from the Cycladean island of Anafi, who arrived in Athens in 1843 to work in the building boom that followed independence from the Hellenic Republic. Taking advantage of an ancient decree that allowed people to keep their property if they could build it between sunset and sunrise, the islanders worked on grand neo-classical palaces by day and their own cramped quarters by night.
Part of Anafiotika was torn down in the 1950s and now only around 50 of the artisan dwellings remain, tucked between the miniscule churches of Agios Georgios tou Vrachou and Agios Simeon, both also the work of the Anafi islanders. Their descendants still live in their mini-homes, amid splashes of color from scented gardens and balconies awash with bougainvillea and pots of scarlet geraniums.
Practical Info
Anafiotika is part of pedestrianized Plaka. Take the metro to Monastiraki or Acropoli.
Address: Athens, Greece
From $ 20
Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall
The 20th century Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall (or Ananta Samakom Throne Hall) in Bangkok is a less visited destination, but well worth it. Serving a museum and every now and then a state-house, the building is a two-storey marble strewn centerpiece located at the Royal Plaza in Dusit.
Designed using neo-classical renaissance style, the building was completed under the orders of King Rama V in 1915 with the help of two Italian architects. Beneath a large central dome the hall was used to house the first Thai Parliament after it was completed.
As a museum, the building now showcases several permanent exhibits featuring the works of national artists as well as handicrafts designed by students of the Chitralada Vocational Center. Guided tours are available on most days. Just be mindful that as a royal establishment, a strict dress code applies.
Designed using neo-classical renaissance style, the building was completed under the orders of King Rama V in 1915 with the help of two Italian architects. Beneath a large central dome the hall was used to house the first Thai Parliament after it was completed.
As a museum, the building now showcases several permanent exhibits featuring the works of national artists as well as handicrafts designed by students of the Chitralada Vocational Center. Guided tours are available on most days. Just be mindful that as a royal establishment, a strict dress code applies.
Address: Dusit, Bangkok 10300, Thailand
From $ 69