Choose from 812 Fun Things to Do in Riviera Maya & The Yucatan
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Gare St Lazare
There are few railway stations more photo-worthy than Gare St Lazare—Paris’ busiest train station. Its iconic architecture, sky-high halls and old-world charm have inspired the likes of impressionist painters Edouard Manet and Calude Monet. With 27 platforms servicing more than 100 million passengers a year, this transport hub will likely be a part of any traveler’s visit to the City of Lights. And while the station’s easy eticket system, pay toilets and well-kept grounds are a delight for travelers, visitors should also plan to spend some time taking in the people, the architecture and the energy that inspired an entire generation of artists.
Practical Info
Gare St Lazare is located in the 8th arrondissement near one of the city’s most popular shopping districts. Approximately 1,600 trains depart the station daily.
Address: Paris, France
From $ 87
Avenue of the Volcanoes
South of Quito, two parallel mountain ranges run from north to south along a 124-mile (200-km) route where more than a dozen of Ecuador’s volcanoes are found. German explorer Alexander von Humboldt called it the Avenue of the Volcanoes in the 18th century, and aptly so. Eight of the 10 highest points in Ecuador are found here. The volcanoes — some active, some dormant — are each unique.
Traveling through the Avenue of the Volcanoes provides wonderful views of the countryside and the opportunity to visit tiny villages high in the Andes and shop at local markets. Deer, llama, Andean fox and puma, and 90 species of birds all call this region home.
Along the way, there are some of the finest outdoor adventures anywhere, including horseback riding, biking, and hiking through mountains, valleys and around volcano craters. Hiking around the lakes in the region is also a beautiful way to see the area.
The impressive volcanoes passed on the route include Cotopaxi, a snow-capped cone, which at a height of 19,347 feet (5,897 meters) is one of Ecuador's most-recognizable volcanoes. The summit of Chimborazo, Ecuador’s highest mountain, is the furthest point from the center of the earth. Many of the giant volcanoes in this region have a national park named after them, including Sangay, Chimborazo, Llanganates, Cotopaxi and Cayambe Coca.
The 1.87-mile (3-km) -wide lake at Quilotoa has a distinctive greenish color, and the small town at the summit is worth visiting. Cayambe is considered the highest point on the equator and is also the only point on the equator to have permanent snow cover. The volcano Tungurahua has been active recently, with several eruptions producing large clouds of ash.
Practical Info
Buses leaving Quito follow the Pan-American Highway, which goes through the Avenue of the Volcanoes.
Address: Pan-American Highway, Quito, Ecuador
From $ 66
Baby Beach
Gentle surf and waist-high waters earned Baby Beach its name and reputation as one of the most popular beaches for kids in the Caribbean. Add in soft, sugar-like sand and waters as warm as a bathtub, and it’s no wonder this sheltered man-made lagoon on the southeastern tip of Aruba is popular among locals and visitors alike.
The Basics
Baby Beach is one of the most sought-after spots in the Caribbean paradise of Aruba. Although it’s easy enough to spend a day relaxing on the sand and snorkeling in the Caribbean Sea with a population of angel fish, blowfish, and eels, taking a guided tour offers the addition of informative commentary and exciting touring options. Travelers can explore Aruba on a Land Rover or Jeep adventure that combines a stop at Baby Beach with attractions such as the Seroe Colorado Natural Bridge, California Lighthouse, Arikok National Park, and Ayo and Casibari rock formations, with the added benefit of learning about the island’s history and culture from a tour guide. Many tours include lunch, use of snorkeling equipment, and round-trip transportation from Aruba hotels. Those arriving by cruise ship can book a shore excursion to ensure perfectly timed travel to Baby Beach and other must-see Aruba attractions.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Baby Beach can get crowded; arrive early to find a good spot for your towel.
- There is no public restroom, so bring cash for bathroom access.
- This beach is popular among families with young kids and those who are new to snorkeling.
- Beach chairs, snorkel gear, and windscreens are available to rent.
- There is a restaurant and refreshment stand at the beach.
How to Get There
The easiest way to visit Baby Beach is on a guided tour, which takes you to Baby Beach’s remote location on far end of Aruba and then back to a more central point, or even back to your hotel. Those traveling independently can rent a car for the 45-minute drive from Palm Beach or take a bus from Oranjestad to San Nicolas, and then either walk or find a taxi to the beach.
When to Get There
Arrive early in the day for the best chance of scoring a good spot. Aruba is a year-round destination, with January to March being the most popular months. April to August is equally nice but with fewer crowds.
Lago Colony History
The nearby area of Seroe Colorado was once known as the Lago Colony, a small town of primarily United States citizens living in Aruba. The colony was mainly supported by the Lago Oil and Transport Company, which operated for 60 years before closing in 1985. Some original houses still remain in the area.
Address: Seroe Colorado, Aruba
Hours: Daily
Admission: Free
From $ 37
Gardens by the Bay
A surreal mixture of structures, light features, and living plants, the Gardens by the Bay redefine the strolling experience as a fanciful waterfront park. Throughout the site’s three garden settings—Bay Central Garden, Bay South Garden, and Bay East Garden—are dozens of abstract sculptures, plus the iconic Supertree Grove, featuring towering tree-like trunks that work as vertical gardens illuminated after dark. Save time for the famous Cloud Forest, home to an indoor waterfall, and the Flower Dome, a botanic garden housing exotic plant life from around the world.
The Basics
Gardens by the Bay admission tickets include access to the two cooled conservatories (the Cloud Forest and Flower Dome), plus the otherwise-free outdoor gardens, consisting of the Supertree Grove, the Sun Pavilion, the Heritage Gardens, the World of Plants, and Dragonfly and Kingfisher lakes. Visit on a Singapore city tour or a night sightseeing tour. For city views, head to the park’s fee-based OCBC Skyway, a circular walkway amid the Supertree canopy. City sightseeing tours often couple trips to the gardens with stops at other popular Singapore attractions such as Marina Bay Sands SkyPark, the Kranji War Memorial, and Bright Hill Temple.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The outdoor gardens and Sun Pavilion are free to enter, while the Cloud Forest and Flower Dome require fees.
- The site is wheelchair accessible, and wheelchair rentals are available for a fee.
- Smoking is not allowed in the park.
- Free Wi-Fi is available at the Supertree Grove, The Canopy, and The Meadow.
- Fee-based audio tours of the outdoor gardens are offered every 15 minutes Monday through Friday from 9am to 5:30pm.
- More than a dozen eateries dot the park; picnics are allowed in the outdoor gardens.
How to Get There
Gardens by the Bay faces Marina Bay near the Marine Reservoir, just inland from Singapore Strait. The Bayfront MRT Station (via the Circle or Downtown line trains) and the Tanjong Pagar MRT Station (via the East-West line) are both close to the attraction. A fee-based shuttle service runs between Bayfront MRT and the conservatories every 10 minutes from 9am to 9pm daily; the service is free for wheelchair users. Many tours visiting Gardens by the Bay include round-trip transport from Singapore hotels.
When to Get There
The gardens are open daily. The outdoor gardens, including The Canyon and the Supertree Grove, are open from 5am to 2am, while the Cloud Forest and Flower Dome conservatories are open from 9am to 9pm. To enjoy the best of the site, visit on a weekday morning when the conservatories and gardens are cooler and less crowded, and return in the evening for the Garden Rhapsody, a light and sound show within the Supertree Grove (two shows nightly at 7:45 and 8:45pm).
Visiting Gardens by the Bay with Kids
To keep things exciting for kids, head to the Far East Organization Children’s Garden, open Tuesday through Friday from 10am to 7pm. There you’ll find a huge tree house, a playground, educational programs, and a miniature water park with spritzing water features (changing facilities and showers are available). Strollers and lockers are offered for an additional charge.
Address: Singapore
From $ 17
Carcassonne
Although some form of fortification has been on this specific tract of land since the Roman era, the fortified city of Carcassonne as it is seen today was constructed throughout the 12th century. It stayed an impregnable fortress for the next several hundred years and was saved from being dismantled in the mid-1800s through a program of complete restoration.
In the ensuing centuries the city outgrew its walls, and today visitors will find a fully modern French town leading up to the gates. But great care has been taken at this UNESCO World Heritage site to keep the grounds surrounding the fortified city as they were, allowing for spectacular views from many vantages. In fact, while it is tempting to stay in one of the few hotels within the walls, it is recommended that you stay outside and enjoy the view of the city.
Practical Info
The walled city of Carcassonne is within walking distance of the Carcassonne train station, as well as the Canal du Midi, for those traveling by barge. There is plenty of parking outside the walls.
Address: Carcassonne, France
From $ 35
Canal St-Martin
The streets of Paris are filled with romance and excitement, but for travelers looking to escape the hustle of the city, a wander along the scenic Canal St-Marin, located near the River Seine, offers a welcome respite from the typical urban energy.
Visitors can stroll along the picturesque waterway where quaint storefronts and tiny homes nod to another era. Travelers can relax at one of the numerous café tables and sip on glasses of fine wine under a quiet city sky or float along the waterway in one of the city’s famous riverboats. Travelers agree that some of the best shopping is to be had along Canal St-Martin, making it an ideal place to spend a late afternoon in the open air.
Practical Info
The Canal is accessible using the Paris Metro. The closest stations are Stalingrad, Republique, Bastille, Jaures, Oberkampf, Goncourt, Richard-Lenoir, and Quuai de la Rapee.
Address: Paris, France
From $ 23
Carenage
The Carenage is St. George’s lively waterfront promenade, which winds around Grenada’s inner harbor. Its name is derived from the French word carenage, meaning “safe anchorage.” Lined with colonial-era buildings, the inlet offers shops, seafood restaurants, and cafés, plus it’s near Grenada’s bustling open-air market.
The Basics
This marina is busy with fishing boats, yachts, and barges, as well as the ferry to Carriacou. Whether you visit Grenada with a tour or independently, it’s a pleasure to grab a meal at one of the many seafood restaurants, or rum at a local bar, and snap photos of the quaint Georgian buildings that line the waterfront. Shop here for souvenirs, spices, preserves, local crafts, and more.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Water taxis run from here to the popular beach at Grand Anse.
- Grenada is a big producer of cinnamon, cloves, ginger, bay leaf, turmeric, and nutmeg, so be sure to visit the local spice market.
- English is the official language of Grenada, making it easy to chat with vendors.
How to Get There
From the cruise ship terminal, it’s a short walk (less than 10 minutes) to the Carenage. If you drive, park outside the marina area and walk to the waterfront, because parking is limited and navigating the roads can be tricky. Public minibuses are available around the island; from the central bus station in St. George’s, it’s 15–20minutes’ walk to the Carenage.
When to Get There
Grenada is known as the Spice Island, so a visit to the open-air spice market is a must. Located inland from the Carenage, near the Esplanade Mall, the shopping area is open daily, but Saturday mornings are the busiest because that’s when farmers and vendors from across the island come to sell their produce.
Nearby Fort George
From the Carenage, head up to Fort George to take in picturesque views of the town and harbor. The battery dates back to 1705 and was named in honor of King George III when the British took control of Grenada. The viewing section features plaques indicating important landmarks, along with several canno
Address: Grenada
From $ 191
Azraq Wetland Reserve
A tranquil oasis hidden between the vast sands and sandstone cliffs of Jordan’s deserts, the Azraq Wetland Reserve offers a welcome change of scenery, and it’s an easy day trip from nearby Amman.
The expanse of lush wetlands, glittering blue pools and seasonally flooded marshland is undeniably scenic, but the main attractions for visitors are the wildlife spotting opportunities. Around 150 species of migratory birds pass through the reserve, while native species include water buffalo and the rare Azraq Killifish.
Practical Info
The Azraq Wetland Reserve is located around 100km east of Amman and is open daily from 9am-6pm.
Address: Jordan
Hours: Open daily from 9am-6pm
From $ 106
Bago
Bago lies about 85 kilometers north of Yangon and was founded in 573 AD. The city was one called Pegu by the British and used to be the capital of the powerful Mon Kingdom for centuries. According to records, Bago was then still connected to the ocean and was actually known as Burma’s largest seaport. Travelers from far and near boasted about its size and beauty when returning home from their journeys. These days, the power of the once important empire can only be guessed at by visiting the many sights Bago has to offer. Among those are many small and big Buddha statues, pagodas, ceremonial items and gardens.
One of the biggest and oldest reclining Buddhas in the world, which was only rediscovered in 1881, when workers started clearing the jungle for a new train route from Yangon to Bago can be found in the city. Even older are the four 27-meter-tall Buddhas, which were built by King Migadippa in the 7th century, sitting back to back at the entrance to the city. They guard Bago rigidly, greeting people who enter and leave from all directions. Food for thought offers the Kya Khat Wine Monastery, where the 1,000 monks line up soundlessly and in orderly queues every morning at 11am for the last meal of the day. When witnessing the monks exact routine, speaking and interfering is not allowed and visitors have to adhere to a strict observing only policy. During the afternoons though, the monastery is a lot less crowded and might appeal more to people who like the tranquil setting.
Practical Ingo
Bago lies about 80 kilometers northeast of Yangon in the Bago Division of Myanmar. Busses to Bago leave from the corner of Strand and Sule Pagoda Road and from the Aung Mingalar Bus Terminal in Yangon. To get around in Bago you need a Taxi, a motorbike with driver or a bicycle, as the sights are too far apart for walking.
Address: Bago, Myanmar
From $ 53
Disneyland Paris
From riding Space Mountain to flying with Peter Pan and snapping a selfie with Mickey Mouse, few theme parks serve up as much fairy-tale magic as Disneyland. With some 14 million annual visitors, Disneyland Paris is Europe’s biggest and busiest theme park, boasting adrenaline-fueled rides, state-of-the-art movie sets, and spectacular shows and parades that make it a fantasyland for kids and adults alike.
The Basics
Two theme parks make up Disneyland Paris—the Disneyland Park and the Walt Disney Studios Park—and a variety of ticket options are available. Choose from single-day and multi-day passes, hopper tickets that allow full-access to both parks, and FASTPASS® tickets that offer skip-the-line entrance to the most popular rides and attractions. It’s impossible to see everything on a day tour, so if you only have a one-day pass, plan your schedule carefully to ensure you don’t miss the shows, parades, and rides that most interest you. To ensure a hassle-free vacation, pre-book a one-way or round-trip transfer to Disneyland Resort Paris from your Paris hotel or Charles de Gaulle Airport.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Bring comfortable shoes and be prepared to do lots of walking.
- Be prepared to wait in line for up to two hours for popular rides at peak times, especially in the busiest months of July and August.
- Disneyland Paris is wheelchair accessible, priority access is offered to many rides and attractions, and full accessibility maps are available.
- Wheelchairs, strollers, and pushchairs are available for rent inside the park.
- Families with young kids can take advantage of Baby Switch, which allows one parent to wait with younger children, without having to get back in line for their turn.
- Budget travelers can save on costs by bringing a refillable water bottle (drinking water fountains are located around the park), a packed lunch, and snacks—eating out in the Disney Village can be pricey.
How to Get There
Disneyland Paris is located 20 miles (32 kilometers) east of Paris in Marne-la-Vallée. The RER A train from central Paris takes about 40 minutes to reach the Marne-la-Vallée/Chessy station, and regular shuttle buses run to and from the Orly and Charles de Gaulle airports. Private transfers and taxis typically take about an hour, depending on traffic.
When to Get There
Disneyland Paris is open year-round, and most attractions, shows, and parades run even in low season. The busiest and most crowded times are the summer and Christmas holidays, when lines are long but opening hours are extended. Those on a budget can find deals by visiting in the low season (November to March) or midweek rather than on weekends, but be aware that there will be fewer shows. For an extra dose of Disney magic, visit during special events such as Halloween, Bonfire Night (early November), New Year’s Eve, or Christmas.
Must-Do Experiences at Disneyland Paris
At Disneyland Park, the most popular rides include Big Thunder Mountain, Space Mountain: Mission 2, Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Peril, and Pirates of the Caribbean. The top rides at Walt Disney Studios Park are Ratatouille: The Ride, Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith, and Flying Carpets Over Agrabah. Other must-do experiences include meet-and-greets with Disney characters, the Disney parades, a ride on the Disneyland Railroad, and the chance to have dinner with Mickey Mouse.
Address: Marne-la-Vallée 77777, France
Hours: Open daily, 10am - 6pm
Admission: Varies
From $ 14
Disney Village
From getting your adrenaline pumping on Space Mountain and flying with Peter Pan, to snapping a selfie with Donald and Mickey, and hunting down all your favorite characters, a visit to Disneyland Paris can be exhausting! Thankfully, there’s also the on-site Disney Village with its myriad of shops and restaurants, where you can take a break from the action and refuel in preparation for the next round of shows and rides.
Of course, the Disney fun doesn’t end just because its lunchtime and many of the restaurants continue the fantastical theme. Tuck into a Tex-Mex buffet at Billy Bob's Country Western Saloon; join the gang for brunch at Café Mickey; picnic in the wilderness at the Rainforest Café; or book an extra special Disney dinner show (don’t worry, there’s old favorites like Starbucks, the Hard Rock Café and McDonalds, too). Once you’ve finished eating, get your credit card ready for a tour of the official Disney souvenir stores, where you can pick up adorable toys, exclusive collectables and Disney-inspired fashions to transform your little ones into real-life pirates and princesses.
Disneyland© Paris
Disneyland© Paris
Practical Info
The Disney Village is located at Disneyland Paris, 32 km east of central Paris, and can be reached by train from the city or shuttle bus from the Orly and Charles de Gaulle airports.
Address: Avenue Paul Séramy, Marne la Vallee, France
Admission: Varies
From $ 28
Cantacuzino Castle
The sprawling Cantacuzino Castle was completed in 1911 to plans drawn up by architect Grigore Cerchez; it was designed as a hunting lodge for Prince Gheorghe Grigore Cantacuzino, who was twice Prime Minister of Romania in the 1900s. Surrounded by forested hills, the mansion has an ornate stone-and-brick façade adorned with colonnaded loggias and towers in an exotic style known Neo-Romanian; it is open for guided tours of the decorative interior, where flourishes of Art Nouveau, patterned marble floors, stained glass, mosaics and embellished carved wood abound. A rare collection of Cantacuzino coats of arms is on display and the castle is host to occasional art exhibitions as well as summertime musical concerts known as Prahova Classic Nights.
After exploring the inner courtyard, the Cantacuzino family church and the hunting tower, there are grottoes and fountains to discover in the gardens and views towards the Bucegi Mountains. Family activities available at the castle include horseback riding, archery, zip lines and an adventure course for young kids. Costs for these sports are additional to admission prices but full instruction and safety gear are provided. Visiting Cantacuzino can be combined with a tour of fairytale Peles Castle in nearby Sinaia.
Practical Info
Strada Zamorei 1, Busteni. Admission adults RON 20; seniors & students RON 15; children younger than 18 RON 10; children younger than 12 RON 6. Open Mon–Thur 10am–7pm, Fri–Sun 10am–8pm. Busteni is off the motorway between Brasov and Bucharest, 83 miles (134 km) north of the capital city. There is free parking just outside the main entrance to the castle.
Address: Strada Zamorei 1, Busteni, near Prahova, Muntenia 105500, Romania
Hours: Mon–Thur 10am–7pm, Fri–Sun 10am–8pm
Admission: adults RON 20; seniors & students RON 15; children under 18 RON 10; children under 12 RON 6.
From $ 72
Baalbek
Set 53 miles (85 kms) outside of Beirut in the fertile Beqaa Valley, the ancient city of Baalbek is inarguably Lebanon’s greatest Roman treasure. An architectural pinnacle of empire known to the Romans as Heliopolis, this UNESCO World Heritage site has served as a center of worship for a staggering number of millennia.
Civilizations as old as the Phoenicians worshiped here and themselves built massive stone structures to “Baal”, revered Phoenician deity and possible subject for the town’s name of Baalbek. With the arrival of the Romans in 64 BC, Baalbek was converted to a pagan center of worship and work was begun on the massive Temple of Jupiter, a hulking structure of granite columns which would eventually become the largest temple ever built in the history of the Roman Empire. While many of the columns have crumbled and eight were even relocated to the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, six columns still remain standing and provide a relevant framework for the sheer size of the ancient Roman ruins.
Confounding to scholars at the Temple of Jupiter are the dimension and weight of the stones which are used in the platform of the temple. While many of the stones comprising the foundation already weigh in excess of 450 tons, three gargantuan stones 14 ft. high and 64 ft. in length are believed to weigh over 1000 tons. These are known as the Trilithon, and they are one of the most mysterious elements of ancient architecture found anywhere in the world.
In addition to the Temple of Jupiter visitors can walk among the ornately designed Temple of Bacchus as well as the smaller Temple of Venus, the three of which comprise the triad of deities that Baalbek was centered around: Jupiter, Venus and Mercury.
Humbling in their size and stupefying in their architectural history, the ancient ruins of Baalbek are on par with any other ruins and wonders of the ancient world.
Civilizations as old as the Phoenicians worshiped here and themselves built massive stone structures to “Baal”, revered Phoenician deity and possible subject for the town’s name of Baalbek. With the arrival of the Romans in 64 BC, Baalbek was converted to a pagan center of worship and work was begun on the massive Temple of Jupiter, a hulking structure of granite columns which would eventually become the largest temple ever built in the history of the Roman Empire. While many of the columns have crumbled and eight were even relocated to the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, six columns still remain standing and provide a relevant framework for the sheer size of the ancient Roman ruins.
Confounding to scholars at the Temple of Jupiter are the dimension and weight of the stones which are used in the platform of the temple. While many of the stones comprising the foundation already weigh in excess of 450 tons, three gargantuan stones 14 ft. high and 64 ft. in length are believed to weigh over 1000 tons. These are known as the Trilithon, and they are one of the most mysterious elements of ancient architecture found anywhere in the world.
In addition to the Temple of Jupiter visitors can walk among the ornately designed Temple of Bacchus as well as the smaller Temple of Venus, the three of which comprise the triad of deities that Baalbek was centered around: Jupiter, Venus and Mercury.
Humbling in their size and stupefying in their architectural history, the ancient ruins of Baalbek are on par with any other ruins and wonders of the ancient world.
Address: Lebanon
From $ 49
Avenue des Champs-Elys ees
The Arc de Triomphe looks down upon the grand tree-lined boulevard that is Avenue des Champs-Elysées: one of Paris’ most memorable sights and one of the world’s most famous avenues. It’s not just the striking architecture that captivates visitors—the shopping street is lined with designer boutiques, luxury hotels, and fine restaurants.
The Basics
No Paris sightseeing tour is complete without visiting Avenue des Champs-Elysées, and the best way to soak up the atmosphere is on foot. Opt for a guided small-group or private walking tour, admire the illuminations on an evening city excursion, or visit independently on a Paris hop-on, hop-off bus tour. Alternatively, discover Paris’ most beautiful boulevard on a bike or Segway tour, a romantic horse-drawn carriage ride, or from the passenger seat of a classic French 2CV car.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes—it takes at least 30 minutes to walk from one end of the boulevard to the other.
- Paris’ main tourist information center is located along the Champs-Elysées, close to the Arc de Triomphe.
- The Champs-Elysées is wheelchair accessible, as are many of the shops and restaurants along the boulevard.
How to Get There
Avenue des Champs-Elysées stretches 1.3 miles (2 km) through the heart of Paris’ 8th arrondissement, from the Arc de Triomphe on Place Charles de Gaulle all the way to Place de la Concorde on the banks of the Seine River. Metro stations located along the Champs-Elysées include (from north to south) Charles-de-Gaulle Etoile (Line 1), George V (Line 1), Franklin Roosevelt (lines 1 and 9), Champs Elysees-Clemenceau (lines 1 and 13), and Concorde (lines 1, 8, and 12).
When to Get There
As one of Paris’ busiest thoroughfares, the Champs-Elysées attracts crowds at all hours. Shoppers wanting to dodge the crush are advised to avoid weekends and holidays, while those driving should stay away from the morning and evening rush hours. The most dazzling views are found after dark, when the boulevard is spectacularly illuminated.
The Champs-Elysées is also an integral part of Parisian celebrations, and some of the most memorable visits are timed to see the incredible Christmas light displays, the annual Bastille Day military parade, or the grand finish of the Tour de France.
Paris Monuments Along the Champs-Elysées
A great number of Paris highlights are located on and around the Champs-Elysées, starting with the imposing Arc de Triomphe. After taking in the views from the 19th-century monument, stroll past Charles De Gaulle’s statue, Grand Palais, and Petit Palais to Place de la Concorde, with its beautiful fountains and Egyptian obelisk. For an extended tour, continue through the idyllic Tuileries Garden (Jardin des Tuileries) along the right bank of the Seine River until you reach the Louvre museum, Palais Royal, and the Pont des Arts pedestrian bridge that crosses the Seine.
Address: Avenue des Champs-Elysées, Paris 75008, France
Hours: Open 24 hours a day
Admission: Free
From $ 13
Diamond Botanical Gardens
Deep in a sheltered gorge at the foot of the Pitons, the Diamond Botanical Gardens is part of the Soufriere Estate, one of the oldest and best-preserved estates on the island, still owned by the original family to whom the land was granted by King Louis XIV in 1713. The gardens sit at the edge of the Sulphur Springs Park, and the rich volcanic soil nourishes an incredible collection of tropical plants and flowers.
In addition to walking trails flanked by a lush mix of flora and fauna, the garden is home to a historic mill, a waterwheel and the Diamond Waterfall, one of the most colorful falls in the Caribbean with mineral-laced water that gives it a rainbow-like appearance. Proximity to the sulphur springs means these grounds also boast volcanically heated mineral baths that have been used as relaxing soaking tubs since King Louis XVI built his troops a bathhouse here in 1784.
Practical Info
Diamond Botanical Gardens sits about 1.2 miles from Soufriere, which sits along the southwest coast, about 25 miles (40 km) from Castries. The entrance fee costs $7 (children enter for half price), and opening hours are Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday (and public holidays) 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Address: Soufriere, St Lucia
Admission: $7
From $ 55
Ayo and Casibari Rock Formations
The Ayo and Casibari rock formations are popular stops on many Aruba tours, despite the fact that they are basically piles of rocks woven with cacti. These natural structures offer a unique view of the volcanic forces on Aruba. Some intrepid travelers clamber on top of them to score panoramic views of the island.
The Basics
Northeast of Hooiberg, Aruba, the Ayo and Casibari rock formations were purportedly used by the indigenous Arawak people to listen for approaching thunderstorms. The Arawak also carved paintings (known as petroglyphs) into the rocks during religious rituals. The formations are free to visit, and make a good spot to give the family a fun geology lesson. These structures are often included as a stop on island tours.
Things to Know Before You Go
- There are walking trails and steps to make exploring easier.
- Wi-Fi is available at the Casibari rock formations, along with on-site food and drink.
- Restrooms are available for a fee.
How to Get There
The Ayo formations are located near Ayo village, about 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) from the Natural Bridge toward Casibari, and about 20 minutes’ drive from the cruise ship terminal. The Casibari Formations are about 2 miles inland, between the Natural Bridge and Oranjestad; they’re on the way to Ayo, about 15 minutes from the terminal.
When to Get There
The formations are free to visit anytime, but if you want to avoid crowds and heat, it’s best to go early in the morning or late in the evening. In general, Aruba’s weather is warm year-round, with an average temperature of 82°F (28°C), so any time is the right time, but attractions will be more crowded during winter months when tourists want to escape colder climes.
Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins
A quick 7-minute drive north of the Ayo formations, the Bushiribana Gold Mill ruins are the remains of an ancient gold smelter built by prospectors in the late 1800s. The ruins are free to visit and explore, and offer a different perspective on Aruba, where gold was mined during the 19th century.
Address: Hooiberg, Aruba
From $ 40
Gare du Nord
Gare du Nord is one of the six major train stations in Paris, with service to London, Brussels, Amsterdam and other destinations north of the French capital. Strictly speaking, Gare du Nord is the busiest railway station in Europe and the busiest in the world outside Japan with over 700,000 passengers every day for a grand yearly total of 190 million.
Because of the role it plays in Paris’ daily transports, Gare du Nord was featured in many movies, including Ocean’s Twelve, the Bourne Identity and The Da Vinci Code.
The train station itself was built in the 1860s and comprises 36 platforms, including a separate terminal for the Eurostar trains which require security and customs checks. The U-shaped terminal is made out of cast iron and stone, including the statues that decorate the main entrance – each representing destinations outside of France.
Practical Info
Gare du Nord is located on Rue de Maubeuge in Paris’ 10th arrondissement. It is possible to get there by car via Boulevard de Magenta (there is an underground parking on Rue de Compiègne), and by metro, with service on lines 4, 5, and RER B and D. The station concourse is open every day from 4:30am to 1:00am.
Address: 112 Rue de Maubeuge, Paris, Ile-de-France 75010, France
Hours: Daily from 4:30am to 1:00am
From $ 10
Gardel Plaza
Carlos Gardel was a famous tango musician whose music and voice thrilled lovers of tango all over the world. In 1935, while touring Colombia, he was involved in a tragic airplane accident in Medellin that took his life. That event sparked the love of tango in Medellin, and to this day that love is kept alive.
One of the places it lives on is at the same airport where Gardel lost his life, the Enrique Olaya Herrera Airport. A plaza and sculpture were erected in 2003 to remember Gardel, his life and his works. The statue, made by artist Salvador Arango from the state of Antioquia, shows the elegantly dressed Gardel singing and playing the guitar while a couple dances tango behind him.
Tango events take place at this site during the year, and visitors come from around the world to appreciate the art of this beloved singer and musician.
Practical Info
The Olaya Herrera Airport is located at Carrera 52 # 14 A-82, Medellin. The best way to get to the airport is by taxi.
Address: Carrera 52 # 14 A-82, Medellin, Colombia
From $ 59
Baden-Baden
Set in the Black Forest region near the border between France and Germany, Baden-Baden offers a charming blend of cultures with grand Art Nouveau villas, modern boutiques, and chic cafés. The town’s thermal waters and ancient Roman baths are its main attractions, including the famous Friedrichsbad spring and Trinkhalle pump room.
The Basics
Take a dip or drink from the refreshing thermal springs, explore 2,000-year-old ruins, visit the Belle Epoque spa, lay down some cash at the extravagant Casino Baden Baden, or peruse the Frieder Burda or Faberge museums. Walking tours are a good way to explore the small spa town and often include a stroll along Lichtentaler Allee—a street lined with the city's best sights. Regional day trips typically depart from Frankfurt and often combine a visit to Baden-Baden with stops at Heidelberg and other Black Forest highlights.
Things to Know Before You Go
- While age limits for young children vary at Baden-Baden’s thermal baths, some spas have onsite babysitting services.
- Most baths and attractions in Baden-Baden are accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
- Free Wi-Fi is available throughout much of the town.
How to Get There
In addition to guided tours that depart from Frankfurt, travelers can also opt to arrive independently by train or plane. The train station has connections to Mannheim, Basel, Stuttgart, Paris, Strasbourg, and Paris, while the airport is located just six miles (10 kilometers) from the city center and serves destinations in Germany and around Europe.
When to Get There
Winter, when the Black Forest is snowy, is a great season for spending hours in the thermal baths. If you’d prefer to see the town’s many gardens and stroll along the Oos River, visit in July and August—the region's warmest months.
The Wine Region
Germany’s Rhine Valley and France’s Alsace wine regions aren’t far from Baden-Baden, and many wine tours include stops at all three spots, plus wine tastings at local vineyards.
Address: Baden-Baden, Frankfurt, Germany
From $ 229
Bad Homburg
Renowned as one of Germany’s wealthiest postal codes, the 19th-century spa town of Bad Homburg makes a popular day trip from neighboring Frankfurt, less than 30 minutes away. Owing its fame to its 14 natural mineral springs, Bad Homburg markets itself as a town of ‘champagne air’ and has nurtured a thriving wellness center for over 170 years, surrounded by the idyllic forests and lakes of the Taunus Mountains.
A visit to Bad Homburg has to include a dose of pampering and the lavish Kur-Royal Day Spa is its most famous bathhouse, a 27,000-square-foot complex housed in the Neo-Renaissance style Kaiser-Wilhelms-Bad, which dates back to 1887. There’s more to the town than mud-wraps and massages, though. Visit the 17th-century Landgräfliches Schloss (Count’s Castle), once the summer residence of the German Emperors; stroll around the enormous Peter Joseph Lenne designed Kurpark, home to the opulent Spielbank Casino and a number of impressive temples and monuments; or explore the UNESCO World Heritage listed ruins of the Saalburg Roman fort.
Address: Frankfurt, Germany
From $ 261