Choose from 812 Fun Things to Do in Riviera Maya & The Yucatan
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The elaborate lobby, grand staircase and massive entryway chandelier nod to a day when the cabaret was at its peak and definitely make this institution well worth a visit. See the 1882 Edouard Manet painting of a bar girl peering into a mirror, A Bar at the Folies-Bergère, and bask in the site’s history of risqué performances.
Folies Bergère
Since it first opened its doors back in 1869, the Folies Bergère music and cabaret hall has been a facet in Parisian life and French culture. The famous performance center once showcased legendary acts such as Edith Pilaf and Josephine Baker, while today showing some musical and theatrical productions.
The elaborate lobby, grand staircase and massive entryway chandelier nod to a day when the cabaret was at its peak and definitely make this institution well worth a visit. See the 1882 Edouard Manet painting of a bar girl peering into a mirror, A Bar at the Folies-Bergère, and bask in the site’s history of risqué performances.
Practical Info
Folies Bergère is located at 32 Rue Richer in the 9th Arrondissement. It is accessible via metro from the Cadet and Grands Boulevards stations.
Address: 32 Rue Richer, 9th arrondissement, Paris, France
Hours: Hours vary according to showtimes.
Admission: Tickets: 25€-84€
From $ 35
Fontana del Nettuno
Giambologna’s 16th-century Fountain of Neptune (Fontana del Nettuno), also known as Il Zigànt, or The Giant, is one of the most famous landmarks in Bologna. A bronze Neptune stands watch from atop the ornate Renaissance fountain in Piazza Maggiore, a popular and picturesque gathering spot for locals and visitors.
The Basics
Sitting in the center of the side of Piazza Maggiore known as Piazza del Nettuno, this marble-and-bronze fountain features a muscular statue of Neptune holding aloft a trident—the inspiration for the logo of the Maserati car manufacturer, which was founded in Bologna—set on a base with circular pools, four spouting sirens representing the four continents, and four cherubs representing the winds. The Fountain of Neptune is a top sight in city walking or bike tours that include Piazza Maggiore, Bologna’s main square and home to the massive Basilica di San Petronio. Bologna is also known for its excellent cuisine, so opt for a food tour if you’d like to combine sightseeing with samples of local dishes.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Piazza Maggiore is pedestrian only, so children can explore without the danger of traffic.
- Dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes if joining a bike or walking tour.
- The square and fountain are wheelchair accessible.
- Cafés and restaurants line the square around the fountain, so you can stop for a snack or meal.
How to Get There
The Fountain of Neptune is located in Piazza Maggiore, the main square in Bologna’s historic center. You can easily reach the square on foot from the Bologna Centrale train station or the most important attractions in the city center.
When to Get There
Although it’s lovely during the day, the fountain is particularly beautiful at night, when it’s dramatically illuminated along with the basilica and palaces lining the square.
Piazza Maggiore, Bologna’s Beating Heart
In addition to the Fountain of Neptune, Piazza Maggiore is home to the Basilica di San Petronio and a number of historic porticoed palaces, now filled with bustling restaurant and cafés. Experience Bologna’s vibrant atmosphere with a visit to the square to linger with locals and students over lunch or afternoon drinks.
Address: Piazza del Nettuno, Bologna 40124, Italy
Admission: Free
From $ 17
Armenian Church
Armenian Church of Saint Gregory the Illuminator is the oldest Christian church in Singapore, completed in 1835 by an Irish civil architect key in the construction of the country’s overall infrastructure. A towering all-white structure, the church is adorned with numerous crafted pillars and features an entrance framed with classical pediments.
Aside from admiring the exterior façade, the church is surrounded by an open garden and at the back a peaceful cemetery that was never used as a burial ground. The tombs there were brought over from a site in Bukit Timah when it was exhumed. Even though the last regular services in the church halted in the 1930s, the interior still has alters and between them, a royal red carpet leading up to the nave.
Overall, the church is a standalone example of tranquility in busy Singapore. Every now and then the church is the site for art exhibitions, but other than that it is open for visitors to see.
Aside from admiring the exterior façade, the church is surrounded by an open garden and at the back a peaceful cemetery that was never used as a burial ground. The tombs there were brought over from a site in Bukit Timah when it was exhumed. Even though the last regular services in the church halted in the 1930s, the interior still has alters and between them, a royal red carpet leading up to the nave.
Overall, the church is a standalone example of tranquility in busy Singapore. Every now and then the church is the site for art exhibitions, but other than that it is open for visitors to see.
Address: Singapore
From $ 29
Champagne Reef
You know the way that bubbles rise from the bottom of a glass of champagne? That’s exactly what the water looks like when snorkeling Champagne Reef. Thanks to small, volcanic vents in Dominica’s ocean floor, powerful streams of miniature bubbles emerge from cracks between the rocks and dance their way to the surface. Place your hand on the ocean floor, and it’s even possible to feel the burst of air bubbling up from the Earth. Add in a wealth of colorful marine life and the turquoise, tropical waters, and it’s little wonder why Champagne Reef is one of Dominica’s most popular destinations to explore with mask and snorkel.
Practical Info
Champagne Reef is about a 20-minute drive from Dominica’s capital, Roseau. Because the area is part of a marine reserve, visitors are advised to not step on the coral and no anchoring or fishing is allowed. The beach in front of the snorkeling spot is rocky—so don’t expect to sunbathe—but once you’ve made it out past the waves it’s an easy swim to the reef.
Did You Know? The bubbles are formed by geothermal activity, and of the Caribbean’s 16 active volcanoes, nine are located on Dominica.
Address: Champagne Reef, Pointe Michel, Dominica
Hours: Daylight hours
From $ 75
Arc de Triomphe
An instantly recognizable symbol of Paris, the colossal Arc de Triomphe stands at the epicenter of Place Charles de Gaulle, where 12 of the city’s busiest avenues converge. The Napoleon-commissioned monument, adorned with high-relief sculptures depicting sword-wielding soldiers and inscribed with the names of generals and battles, celebrates French military victories and remembers all those who have fought on behalf of France. The top of the arch, accessible via 284 steps, affords superb views over all of Paris.
The Basics
The Arc de Triomphe is one of Paris’ most visited monuments. Many travelers admire the famous landmark only from ground level, either independently or as part of a sightseeing tour. However, it’s well worth climbing to the arch’s viewing terrace at 164 feet (50 meters) to enjoy sweeping views of the city and its top sights, including Sacré-Coeur, the Eiffel Tower, the Grande Arche de la Defense, and the tree-bordered Champs-Elysees, which leads all the way down to the Louvre.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Use the pedestrian underpasses beneath Place Charles de Gaulle to reach the arch. Do not attempt to cross the roundabout—Paris’ busiest traffic circle—on foot.
- The viewing terrace is not wheelchair accessible. An elevator goes part way up the arch, but visitors must still climb 46 steps to access the top.
- Book skip-the-line tickets in advance to beat the crowds.
- Be sure to bring a camera to capture the Parisian skyline.
How to Get There
The Arc de Triomphe is located on Place Charles de Gaulle at the top of the Champs-Elysees, about a 30-minute walk from Place de la Concorde at the famous avenue’s opposite end. Metro lines 1, 2, and 6, as well as the RER A line, all connect to Charles de Gaulle–Étoile, the nearest station.
When to Get There
Visibility is best during summer, when skies are most likely to be clear. The best views can be had at dusk, when the cream-stone cityscape appears to glow gold under the light of the setting sun. Sunset is, however, also the busiest time. To avoid the crowds, go earlier in the day.
See the Flame Lighting at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
Time your Arc de Triomphe visit for 6:30pm to witness the lighting of the eternal flame at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The solemn ceremony takes place at the base of the monument, where an unidentified World War I soldier is buried.
Address: Place Charles-de-Gaulle, France
Hours: Open daily 10am - 10:30pm
Admission: €12 per adult
From $ 14
Fontvieille Park and Princess Grace Memorial Rose Garden
Fontvieille Park leads from the Circus and Heliport to the Columbus Hotel and opens out onto the Princess Grace Memorial Rose Garden. The Fontvieille District is constructed on land reclaimed from the sea in the 1970s, built to combat the chronic land shortage in the densely populated principality. Designed by Italian architect, Manfredi Nicoletti, the district is located in the Western part of Monaco and features a port and heliport.
Fontvieille Park offers a charming green space in the district, with many small lakes and ponds bordered by verdant palms and olive trees, ducks and swans swimming in the crystal water.
Walk along the Sculpture Path over four hectares to discover 100 contemporary and local monumental art works, by artists like Arman, Blake, Botero, Calder, César and more. Look out for “The Washerwoman,” (Renoir - Guino 1917) in one of the the beautiful pools of the Fontvielle Gardens, just by the circus tent and the unfurling angel wings of “The Messenger” by Blake.
The nearby Princess Grace Rose Garden is an oasis of calm and serenity where the scent of some 4,000 roses perfumes the air. Visit a pantheon of exotic birds and animals in the Zoological Gardens, ride the merry go round or experience the dazzling panorama of the Cote d’Azur on a helicopter ride.
Fontvieille Park offers a charming green space in the district, with many small lakes and ponds bordered by verdant palms and olive trees, ducks and swans swimming in the crystal water.
Walk along the Sculpture Path over four hectares to discover 100 contemporary and local monumental art works, by artists like Arman, Blake, Botero, Calder, César and more. Look out for “The Washerwoman,” (Renoir - Guino 1917) in one of the the beautiful pools of the Fontvielle Gardens, just by the circus tent and the unfurling angel wings of “The Messenger” by Blake.
The nearby Princess Grace Rose Garden is an oasis of calm and serenity where the scent of some 4,000 roses perfumes the air. Visit a pantheon of exotic birds and animals in the Zoological Gardens, ride the merry go round or experience the dazzling panorama of the Cote d’Azur on a helicopter ride.
Address: 13 Avenue des Papalins, 98000, Monaco
Hours: Sunrise until sunset every day.
From $ 27
Fort Canning Park
Fort Canning Park spans 18 hectares of forested greenspace in the midst of Singapore’s business district—more than just towering Kapok and Madras Thorn trees, trails and a popular community event space, though, it is also a historical landmark. The park’s iconic raised hill once provided a desirable vantage for 14th‐ century fortresses of Malay kings and may have served as an important trading hub. Ongoing archaeological excavations continue to unravel stories of its past.
During WWII, Battle Box, an underground bunker and command center within the present‐day park, was the site of Singapore’s decision to surrender to the Japanese. Today the bunker with Japanese Morse code on its walls welcomes tourists as a museum detailing events of the Battle of Singapore. Also on the park’s grounds are impressive gothic gates; a spice garden with cloves and nutmeg—remnants from the city’s first botanical garden; the new Fort Canning Arts Center, the first Asian offshoot of popular Paris museum Pinacothèque de Paris, featuring rotating exhibits and standard collections of classical works by artists, such as Monet and Rembrandt, rarely seen in Southeast Asia; the former British Command Far East Headquarters, now the five‐star Hotel Fort Canning; and a sculpture garden.
Practical Info
The park does not keep regular hours, but some of the attractions like the Battle Box Museum (9 a.m. til 4:30 p.m.) and the art museum (10 a.m. til 7:30 p.m. or 8:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays) do—admission also required. The park is on the MRT and a short walk from both the Clarke Quay and Dhoby Ghaut stops. Regular outdoor shows and festivals run from early spring through summer and include Shakespeare in the Park, Ballet Under the Stars and Films at the Fort.
Address: River Valley Road, Singapore
Admission: Admission required for museums
From $ 24
Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum
The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum is perhaps the best place in Singapore for a look at Chinese Buddhism. Located in the heart of Chinatown, the temple is believed to house a sacred relic of the Buddha, housed within a gold stupa inside the temple.
While the temple exhibits Tang Dynasty architectural elements, it was actually built in 2007. In just a few short years, it has become a major landmark in Chinatown and a popular destination for both tourists and worshipers.
After visiting the main temple and viewing the various Buddha statuary, make sure to check out the museum on the third floor. Here, you’ll find a collection of Buddhist relics, artifacts and works of art. Also of interest is the History Gallery that outlines the conceptualization and construction of the temple. Admission to both the museum and temple is free, and guided tours in English are available twice per week.
While the temple exhibits Tang Dynasty architectural elements, it was actually built in 2007. In just a few short years, it has become a major landmark in Chinatown and a popular destination for both tourists and worshipers.
After visiting the main temple and viewing the various Buddha statuary, make sure to check out the museum on the third floor. Here, you’ll find a collection of Buddhist relics, artifacts and works of art. Also of interest is the History Gallery that outlines the conceptualization and construction of the temple. Admission to both the museum and temple is free, and guided tours in English are available twice per week.
Practical Info:
Routes to take by transit: Bus: 61, 166, 197, 80, and 145.
Address: 288 S Bridge Rd, 058840, Singapore
Hours: Daily: 7am - 7pm
From $ 17
Flower Dome at Gardens by the Bay
When the seasons in Singapore are changing, travelers can still voyage into a constant springtime at the popular Flower Dome at Gardens by the Bay. Lush tropical foliage and colorful Mediterranean flowers and are in perpetual bloom. Visitors can explore desert plants from around the world, wander through the expansive Flower Field and get up close with baobabs, succulents and a variety of tree species from South Africa, Australia and the Americas.
Brilliantly colored blooms and changing floral displays, like the wintry wonderland and spring sensation are just part of what makes a trip to Flower Dome so enchanting. The impressive 1,000-year-old olive tree is homage to the highly-valued fruit of Spain and hands-on exhibits and galleries are perfect for the younger crowd.
Practical Info
The Flower Dome is located at 18 Marina Gardens Drive in Singapore. It is a short walk from the Helix Bridge and Art Science Museum, but travelers can also access the gardens via the Circle, Downtown or East-West bus and train lines. Outdoor gardens are open from 5 a.m. until 2 a.m. daily and the Cooled Conservatories and Skyway are open from 9 a.m. until 10 p.m. daily.
Address: Singapore
Hours: Daily 9am-10pm
Admission: Adults $12, Seniors & Children $8
From $ 17
Bugis Street
One of the most famous shopping areas in Singapore, Bugis street is the home of some 800 busy shops, but it is perhaps the history there which makes it one of the more interesting landmarks in the country.
In the 1950s, Bugis Street gained notoriety as a place where transgendered locals would come down to hang out, driving a tourism boom that made it ideal for grabbing some push-cart, or hawker, food while enjoying a variety of inexpensive merchandise.
Today, the area is much more tamed and where the retail scene is still very much alive, but less of a scandalous place than it once was. Nonetheless, visitors still enjoy going to Bugis to listen about the history as well as get their hands on great local foods, candy and some of the most fashionable clothes in Singapore.
In the 1950s, Bugis Street gained notoriety as a place where transgendered locals would come down to hang out, driving a tourism boom that made it ideal for grabbing some push-cart, or hawker, food while enjoying a variety of inexpensive merchandise.
Today, the area is much more tamed and where the retail scene is still very much alive, but less of a scandalous place than it once was. Nonetheless, visitors still enjoy going to Bugis to listen about the history as well as get their hands on great local foods, candy and some of the most fashionable clothes in Singapore.
Address: Singapore
From $ 25
Ariana Museum (Mus ee Ariana)
In a leafy park along the scenic banks of Lake Geneva is the Ariana Museum–a palatial, three-story mansion home to over 20,000 glass and ceramic objects. The museum features a private collection of ceramic vases, cups, statues, stained glass windows and paintings, plus a room of contemporary ceramics on the second floor and a display of temporary exhibitions in the basement. Though most descriptions are in French, the free museum is still worth a visit for its beautiful surroundings.
Held in an impressive, Baroque-meets-classical-style building, the museum gives way to high-vaulted ceilings, rich burgundy walls, massive columns and an accessible balcony overlooking the Parc de l'Ariana. There's also a tea room (similar to a cafe) and an outdoor patio offering lunch (though you'll need reservations).
The Ariana Museum is located alongside the entrance to the Palace of United Nations and opposite the Red Cross Museum, so you'll be able visit all three attractions in just a few hours. Visitors with a Geneva Pass can enter the museum for free, with the added benefit of free, unlimited public transportation and admission to over 40 other city attractions, including the Red Cross Museum.
Practical Info
The Ariana Museum is located in Parc de l’Ariana on avenue de la Paix in Geneva. It is accessible by train (Genève-Sécheron station, line R) and by tram (Nation station, line 15) as well as by car. From central Geneva, follow Quai du Mont-Blanc and Avenue de France; there is a paid parking lot (Parking des Nations) on Rue de Varembé.
The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10am to 6pm, and is closed on Monday. Entrance to the permanent exhibition is free, while admission to the temporary exhibits (including the contemporary exhibit) is 10 CHF. The museum is free on the first Sunday of each month, and to anyone holding a Geneva Pass.
Did You Know? The museum's neoclassical architecture seems fit for royal living, but the mansion was commissioned by founder Gustave Revilliod in 1877 to house his extensive glass collection. The museum is named after his mother.
Address: 10 avenue de la Paix, Geneva 1202, Switzerland
Hours: Sun, Tues–Thurs: 10am–6pm; closed Monday
Admission: Varies
From $ 27
Bukit Melawati
Bukit Melawati (Melawati Hill) served as a stronghold for the Selangor Sultanate during the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. Remnants of the fort still dot the landscaped park now occupying the hill, including sections of wall, grave sites, a few cannons and a flat stone that was once used for beheadings.
Today the park attracts not only history buffs, but nature lovers and other visitors who come to take in the panoramic views of the Selangor coastline from the top of the hill. On a clear day the Straits of Malacca are visible in the distance. A lighthouse, built in 1910 by the British, sits at the summit, through it’s not open to visitors.
Silver-leafed monkeys and long-tailed macaques often hang around the park, hoping for a meal of peanuts or stolen snacks from unwary visitors.
Practical Info
A trail from the edge of town spirals up the hill to the top of Bukit Melawati. The walk takes about 20 minutes.
Address: Kuala Selangor 45000, Malaysia
Hours: 9am to 6pm
From $ 62
Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Regimental Museum
Housed in the Old Building of Stirling Castle, the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Regimental Museum offers a fascinating insight into one of Scotland’s most important military regiments. Trace the history of the 91st Argyllshire Highlanders and the 93rd Sutherland Highlanders, who merged in 1881 to become the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders and have since battled both on home soil and overseas.
An impressive ode to the regiment’s military evolution, achievements and losses, visitors to the museum can follow the personal stories of soldiers from the Boer War to the WWI trenches to some of WWII’s most notorious battles. A sizable collection of artifacts and memorabilia is also on display, including photographs, uniforms and official documents, alongside medals, weapons and ceremonial bagpipes.
Practical Info
Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Regimental Museum is located in the King’s Old Building of Stirling Castle and is open April to Sept daily from 9.30am to 6pm, and October to March daily from 9.30am to 5pm. Castle and museum admission is £14.50 for adults and £8.70 for children.
Address: Stirling Castle, Castle Esplanade, Stirling FK8 1EJ, Scotland
Hours: April – Sept daily 9.30am-6pm, Oct-March daily 9.30am-5pm.
Admission: Adults: £14.50, Children: £8.70, including entrance to Stirling Castle
From $ 19
Arikok National Park
With deserted beaches and rocky coves, dusty plains dotted with cacti, and ancient limestone caves, Arikok National Park feels worlds away from the luxurious resorts of Aruba’s north coast. Covering almost 20 percent of the island, the park, one of the best reasons to venture south, offers a spectacular backdrop for outdoor adventures.
The Basics
The most popular way to explore Arikok National Park is on an ATV or UTV excursion. A half-day tour is enough to take in the highlights, including the Aruba Natural Pool, and active types can choose from a variety of different hiking trails, swim or snorkel along the coast, or tour the bushlands on horseback. Alternatively, visit Arikok as part of an Aruba sightseeing tour and zip around the island in an open-air jeep, stopping at sights like Arashi Beach, Baby Beach, Alto Vista Chapel, and California Lighthouse.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Arikok’s entrance fee goes toward conservation efforts.
- There are several parking areas, but access to most of the trails is by 4WD only and there’s a speed limit of 12 mph (20 kph) throughout.
- Bring comfortable shoes, sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water, especially if you plan on hiking.
How to Get There
Arikok National Park is located along the southeast coast of Aruba and is only accessible by 4WD. Most visitors visit with a guided tour or hire their own transport.
When to Get There
You can visit Arikok National Park year round, but popular attractions can get crowded during peak season (January to March). The park’s typical opening hours are 8am to 4pm, and it’s best to get an early start to avoid both the crowds and the midday heat.
Things to do in Arikok National Park
In addition to the Aruba Natural Pool, the park’s top attraction, other highlights include Arikok and Jamanota hilltop, which offer incredible views of the island and Caribbean Sea; the sandy beaches of Dos Playa and Boca Prins, which are famous for the sea turtles that nest onshore; and Quadirikiri and Fontein caves, which are known for their Arawak tribe rock art.
Address: Santa Cruz, Aruba
Admission: Varies
From $ 47
Fontaine Saint-Michel
Fontaine Saint-Michel was sculpted by Gabriel Davioud in 1860 and gives its name to the square where it’s located, Place Saint-Michel. The monumental fountain, located between boulevard Saint-Michel and Place Saint-Andres-des-Arts was commissioned by Baron Georges-Eugene Haussmann as part of Napoleon III’s plans to bring more light and air to the city of Paris.
The fountain depicts the archangel Michael vanquishing Satan, a controversial political symbol at the time hinting at Napoleon vanquishing the revolutionary fervor of the neighborhood. Unlike many of Paris’s fountains, Fontaine Saint-Michel was made from various colors of materials, including red and green marble, blue and yellow stone, and bronze. Place Saint-Michel is a popular meeting spot among both the city’s youth and foreign visitors.
Practical Info
Fontaine Saint-Michel is located in the Latin Quarter near the metro stop Saint-Michel.
Address: Place Saint-Michel, Paris, France
From $ 29
Fontaine-de-Vaucluse
Famous for sitting on the underground source of the emerald-green River Sorgue, Fontaine-de-Vaucluse is a photogenic village squeezed into a lush, narrow valley backed by soaring 230-meter (755-foot) cliffs.
A mystery surrounds the village as no-one has yet been able to discover the underground spring that leads into the Sorgue; what is known is that the river is fed via a multitude of underground channels that are calm in summer, allowing a natural pool to form above ground for swimming. However, the pool quickly floods after heavy rainfall in autumn and again following the spring snow melt from the mountains of the Luberon. At these times the underground spring becomes much more powerful and water is thrown up from the subterranean depths at such a speed that rapids form on the river.
Thanks to its remote location, many of the buildings in Fontaine-de-Vaucluse are little changed since medieval times and today it is one of the most popular visitor spots in northern Provence, its cobbled streets lined with souvenir stalls, bars and terraced restaurants. In addition to its natural beauty, a ruined castle perches above the village, which also has a couple of interesting small museums and a printmaker still powered by ancient water wheel.
Practical Info
Fontaine-de-Vaucluse is 25 km (15.5 miles) east of Avignon and is best reached by car; take some change to pay for parking (around €4 per day). Visitor information is found at Résidence Jean Garcin, open daily from 9:30am to 12:30pm and from 1:30 to 5:30pm.
Address: Fontaine-de-Vaucluse, France
From $ 45
Archaeological Crypt of Notre Dame
Hidden below one of the most admired attractions in Paris is the Archaeological Crypt of Notre Dame Cathedral and a 262-foot (80-m) descent into the history of Paris' city center. The result of more than a hundred years of excavations, the crypt reveals the city's architectural layers, including ancient ruins from the Gallo-Roman town of Lutetia—the predecessor of present-day Paris. Follow one of two itineraries through the ruins to see 3rd-century homes, a 4th-century bathhouse, and the ancient port on the River Seine. Also inside the crypt are the remains of a two-story, 12th-century home, an 18th-century hospital, and shops built along the rue Neuve Notre Dame in the second half of the 12th century.
Multimedia exhibits inside the crypt guide visitors through centuries of historical development in Paris, making it a must-see for archaeology- and history-buffs. The crypt also contains an exhibit on the construction of Notre Dame Cathedral, and can be visited free of charge with the Paris Museum Pass.
Practical Info
The crypt is located under the square in front of the Cathedral of Notre Dame, and is accessible by metro, train, and bus. Take metro line 4 to the Cite ou Saint-Michel stop, the RER train to the Saint-Michel Notre-Dame stop, or buses 21, 24, 27, 38, 47, 85, or 96. Audio guides in English, Spanish, and French are available for 5 euro. The crypt can be visited in 30-45 minutes. There are no toilets or coat-checks inside the crypt.
The crypt is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 6pm, with the last admission at 5:30pm. Admission costs 8 euros, but is free to visitors holding the Paris Museum Pass.
Address: 7 Parvis Notre Dame Pl., Paris, France
Hours: Tues–Sun: 10am–6pm
Admission: 8 EUR
From $ 95
Chamarel Waterfall
Mauritius is a country rich with pristine beaches, diverse cultures and colonial charm, and if that isn't enough, it’s also home to some of the most breathtaking natural beauty in the world. Chamarel Waterfall, located in the southwest reaches of the island, is the nation’s highest waterfall. Its thundering waters plunge some 300 feet (100 meters) into crystal clear pools, and travelers say a trip to the top of this scenic spot proves one of the best photo opportunities in the country. Visitors can hire a car to navigate the lush landscape that surrounds the falls. It’s then a relatively easy walk to the top—complete with stairs—where travelers can see for themselves what Mark Twain once called “paradise.”
Practical Info
The falls are spectacular any time of year, but travelers looking to catch Chamarel at its best should visit between December and April, when heavy rains cause water levels to rise.
Address: Mauritius
From $ 75
Champagnerie Mercier
Home to the best-selling champagne in France, the Champagnerie Mercier ranks as one of Champagne’s most popular champagne houses and the iconic family brand has been producing quality bubbly since 1858. The historic cellars in Epernay opened their doors in 1869 and tours now offer visitors the chance to not only sample the legendary champagne but to learn about the years of tradition and innovation that have shaped the champagne making process.
Descending via a panoramic lift and stepping on board a mini train, visitors explore the labyrinth of 47 tunnels that house the champagne cellars, an impressive 18-kilometers of chalk caves burrowing 30-meters beneath the ground and embellished with artwork by sculptor Gustave Navlet. Additional highlights of a visit include viewing the Mercier Cask, the world's largest wine cask, and of course, visiting the tasting room, where guests can sample various champagne blends and vintages, available to purchase at the on-site shop.
Practical Info
The Champagnerie Mercier is located in Epernay, Champagne, and is open daily from March to mid-December. Tours are available from 9.30-11am and 2-4pm and must be booked in advance.
Address: 70 Avenue de Champagne, Epernay 51200, France
From $ 172
Fort Beekenburg
Unlike Curacao’s more popular colonial-era fortresses, like Rif Fort and Waterfort, Fort Beekenburg is largely abandoned. For many years it was inaccessible, sitting on private property owned by an oil company. But today it’s accessible, and free, to visitors any time. The fort was built in the early 1700s on the south end of the island, where it successfully repelled numerous invaders trying to land in Caracas Bay. Visitors can explore on their own throughout the fort, including the top of the tower, which still holds a handful of cannons and offers great views. But be prepared for a workout, as there are a number of stairs and ladders to climb along the way.
Practical Info
Fort Beekenburg is free and open to visit any time. It’s only about 15-minutes’ drive from the capital of Willemstad, making for an easy, short adventure. Head out in the morning, and you can take a brisk hike, explore colonial-era ruins, and photograph the panoramic views, while still making it back to town for lunch.
Address: Curacao
From $ 65