Choose from 5,104 Fun Things to Do in St John's
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St. Martin's Cathedral (Dom svateho Martina)
Like many Bratislava churches, St Martin’s was built over the remains of an earlier Romanesque basilica on the edge of the Starý Mesto (Old Town). Today’s three-naved Gothic cathedral was consecrated in 1452, and between 1563 and 1830, 11 Hungarian monarchs—including the much-loved Empress Marie Therese—and their spouses were crowned here, a fact celebrated by the placement of a replica coronation crown on the top of the 279-foot (85-meter) Gothic spire.
The church’s interior is awash with Gothic detailing, from the soaring wooden altarpiece found in St Anne’s Chapel, which depicts the Crucifixion, to the vaulted ceilings in the presbytery, while other ornamentation in the cathedral is variously Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque in style. Along with the vivid colors of the 19th-century Viennese stained-glass windows, highlights include the vibrant equine statue dedicated to St Martin, plus the extravagantly Baroque side chapel of St John the Almsgiver. Below, the cathedral, crypts and burial grounds are being excavated; currently only one is open to explore.
Practical Info
While services are free to attend, admission to the cathedral costs €2. The cathedral is open from Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and again from 1 to 4 p.m., as well as on Sunday from 1:30 to 4 p.m. In April through October, it is open an hour later until 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Mass is held multiple times a day.
Address: Rudnayovo námestie 4549/1, Bratislava 811 01, Slovakia
Hours: Monday-Saturday 9am-11:30am & 1pm-4pm;
Sunday 1:30pm-4pm
Admission: Admission €2 (attending services - FREE)
From $ 14
Stadel Museum (Stadelsches Kunstinstitut und Stadtische Galerie)
The Main River’s south bank is lined with museums, the most impressive being the Städel Museum. The Städel was founded in 1815 by the Frankfurt banker and merchant Johann Friedrich Städel and has grown to contain one of Europe’s finest collections of art. It is also an important historical site; in 1937, many of the museum’s paintings and prints were confiscated after being classified as degenerate art. Nowadays, the Städel’s collection is so extensive that it can only display 600 of the 2,700 paintings it owns.
The museum has a broad and exceptional collection of art, featuring European paintings from seven centuries. The span of artwork begins at the early 14th century, moving into Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque periods and ending in the 19th and 20th centuries. Some notable artists include Botticelli, Dürer, Van Eyck, Rembrandt, Renoir, Rubens, Vermeer and Cézanne.
The museum has a broad and exceptional collection of art, featuring European paintings from seven centuries. The span of artwork begins at the early 14th century, moving into Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque periods and ending in the 19th and 20th centuries. Some notable artists include Botticelli, Dürer, Van Eyck, Rembrandt, Renoir, Rubens, Vermeer and Cézanne.
Practical Info
This impressive collection of fine art is worth a visit for museum lovers. The Städel is located about 10 minutes from the main train station over pedestrian bridge, Holbeinsteg.
Address: Holbeinstraße 1, Frankfurt 60596, Germany
Hours: Tues & Fri - Sun 10am - 6pm; Wed & Thurs 10am - 9pm. Closed on Dec 24 & 31
Admission: Adults: € 7, Children (12yrs and under): Free
From $ 11
St. Peter and St. Paul's Church
Legend says that St. Peter and St. Paul’s Church was built on the site of a former pagan temple, but it is known for certain that this masterpiece of Baroque architecture was built on the remains of a wooden church destroyed in the internecine struggles of the 17th century.
This Roman Catholic Church was commissioned in 1668 by Lithuanian aristocrat Mykolas Pacas to celebrate a victory over the Russians. It was designed by Italian architect Frediani Giambattista with a relatively austere ocher-and-white Baroque façade that belies its fantastical interior – unusual for a Baroque church, the entire interior is decorated in monotones augmented with rare splashes of color.
Master Italian sculptor Pietro Perti worked for 30 years to create the 2,000 snowy-white stucco statues of saints and biblical figures that adorn the nave and aisles, and the macabre Grim Reaper statue and spectacularly ornate central dome should not be missed.
Other treasures include the vast altar painting of St. Peter and St. Paul by Panciškus Smuglevicius and the glittering Art Nouveau chandelier in the shape of a silver fishing boat suspended above the main aisle in honor of St. Peter, the “fisher of men.”
Practical Info
St. Peter and St. Paul’s Church is open from 6 a.m. until 6:30 p.m. Mass takes place six times a day on Sunday with the last one at 6 p.m., and four times a day Monday through Saturday.
Address: Antakalnio gatvė 1, Vilnius 10312, Lithuania
Hours: Daily 6am-6:30pm
From $ 29
St. Paul's Cathedral
An architectural masterpiece with a magnificent dome, St. Paul's Cathedral is one of London’s most recognizable sites. The 17th-century cathedral boasts a rich history as host of the jubilee celebrations of Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth II, the marriage of Prince Charles and Princess Diana, and the funeral of Sir Winston Churchill.
The Basics
It's possible to visit St. Paul's Cathedral with or without a tour, but you can pre-book fast-track entry tickets to avoid waiting in line. Multimedia guides are available for independent visitors, while guided tours explore highlights such as the nave, the Whispering Gallery, the Golden Gallery, and the crypt. For the best value, opt to combine a visit to this historic landmark with a traditional afternoon tea at the cathedral restaurant, a walking tour, or a hop-on hop-off bus tour of central London. Purchase a London Pass to gain entry to St. Paul's Cathedral and other London attractions such as the British Museum, the Tower of London, and the London Eye.
Things to Know Before You Go
- For security reasons, no large bags or suitcases are allowed inside St. Paul's Cathedral.
- Multimedia guides are available in nine languages and are included with the price of admission.
- Visitor facilities include restrooms, a gift shop, and a café-restaurant.
- St. Paul's Cathedral is wheelchair accessible and concession tickets are available.
How to Get There
St. Paul's Cathedral is located on Ludgate Hill in the City of London. The closest tube station is St. Paul's on the Central Line, but it's also an easy walk from the Mansion House, Cannon Street, and Blackfriars stations. On foot, the most scenic approach is from the South Bank—cross the Thames River by the Millennium Bridge to see lovely views of the cathedral.
When to Get There
The cathedral is open to visitors Monday through Saturday. It can get busy, especially in summer, so plan an early morning visit to avoid crowds. Worshippers are also welcome to attend the daily services, choir concerts, and organ recitals.
The Whispering Gallery at St. Paul's
Located in the iconic dome of St. Paul's and reached by a dizzying 560 steps, this circular gallery is known as the Whispering Gallery because of its unique acoustics. Try it out by standing at one side of the dome and whispering to friends and family at the other end! If you've still got some energy left, scale the 117 steps to the Stone Gallery, followed by 166 steps to reach the Golden Gallery, both of which afford spectacular panoramic views of the city.
Address: St Paul's Churchyard, London EC4M 8AD, England
Hours: Open Mon-Sat during the day, closed for sightseeing on Sundays but open for worship
Admission: Varies
From $ 16
Star Ferry Pier
The Star Ferry Pier in Hong Kong serves as the launching spot for the Star Ferry on the Hong Kong Island side of Victoria Harbour. Located in Central, the current Star Ferry Pier is actually the fourth to bear the name since the Star Ferry first started carrying passengers across the harbor in 1888. The current structure was designed to resemble Edwardian style of the second generation pier, including a clock tower and five bells.
While modern transportation allows commuters and travelers to traverse the harbor via tunnels or the subway, riding the Star Ferry is inexpensive and much more scenic, with views of Hong Kong’s famous skyline on either side of the harbor.
Even if you choose not to ride the Star Ferry, it’s still worthwhile to pay a visit to the pier. Head toward the waterfront restaurant on the second floor of the building and turn right to access a public viewing platform for views of Victoria Harbour and the Kowloon side of Hong Kong.
While modern transportation allows commuters and travelers to traverse the harbor via tunnels or the subway, riding the Star Ferry is inexpensive and much more scenic, with views of Hong Kong’s famous skyline on either side of the harbor.
Even if you choose not to ride the Star Ferry, it’s still worthwhile to pay a visit to the pier. Head toward the waterfront restaurant on the second floor of the building and turn right to access a public viewing platform for views of Victoria Harbour and the Kowloon side of Hong Kong.
Address: China
From $ 53
St. Stephen's Cathedral (Stephansdom)
With its dark Gothic spires, intricately tiled roof, and imposing bell tower, St. Stephen's Cathedral is one of Vienna’s star attractions. Centrally located on Stephansplatz square in the city’s UNESCO-listed historic center, the cathedral is architecturally stunning both inside and out. It’s also a site of great historical significance—Emperor Friedrich III and numerous other Habsburg dignitaries were buried here.
The Basics
Peruse a treasury of medieval goldsmith art, see the Pummerin Bell in the North Tower, delve into a system of underground catacombs, and climb 343 steps to the top of the South Tower. Take a hop-on hop-off bus tour and get off at Stephansplatz for a self guided visit of St. Stephens, or take a tour with an expert guide to learn about the cathedral’s storied history. Most Vienna walking tours stop at St. Stephen’s—a good option if you also want to see other notable city attractions.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Entrance to the cathedral is free, but there is an admission fee to climb the tower.
- The main building is wheelchair accessible, but there is no wheelchair access to the towers or catacombs.
How to Get There
The cathedral’s main entrance is on Stephansplatz, in the Historic Center of Vienna. Car travel is difficult in this section of the city, so it’s best to travel on foot or by public transport. The closest U-bahn (subway) station is Stephansplatz.
When to Get There
The cathedral is open daily, year-round. It can get busy, especially in summer, so plan an early morning visit to avoid the crowds. Worshippers are welcome to attend the daily services, but note that it’s not possible to tour the cathedral while services are in progress.
Architectural Highlights of St. Stephen’s Cathedral
Although it dates back to the 12th century, the cathedral’s Gothic makeover began in 1359 at the behest of Habsburg Duke Rudolf IV, who was nicknamed “The Founder”. Today, the last remnants of the original structure are the Romanesque-style Riesentor (Giant's Gate) and the Heidentürme (Towers of the Heathens), while the dominating feature is the skeletal Südturm (South Tower), which was completed in 1433 and stands an impressive 450 feet (137 meters) high.
Address: Stephansplatz 3, Vienna 1010, Austria
Hours: Open Mon - Sat 6am - 10pm, Sun and public holidays 7am - 10pm
Admission: Guided tours: €5.50-17.90
From $ 4
Staatsburgh State Historic Site
Travelers to picturesque Dutchess County will find what is easily recognized as one of the best examples of Gilded Age architecture in the area. Built in 1832, the 25-room mansion was originally the home of Morgan Lewis, a governor of New York, and later was passed down to his great-granddaughter. The home was mostly used for parties and entertaining, since the family more frequently stayed in their Paris, Rhode Island, New York of California homes.
Visitors to this iconic estate will find a massive portico outside the imposing building, complete with regal columns and an impressive façade. The interior is decorated in typical French style, with towering 18-foot ceilings in some areas. Its restored turn-of-the-century charm continues to attract travelers interested in seeing how the Mid-Atlantic’s elite once lived.
Guided tours of the home and grounds are available for those who want to learn more about the architecture, history and lifestyle of the Staatsburgh State Historic Site’s former residents.
Practical Info
The historic site is located at 75 Mills Mansion 6 Road in Staatsburg, New York. It is open to visitors Thursday through Sunday from 11am-5pm.
Address: 75 Mills Mansion 6 Road, Staatsburg, USA
Hours: Open Thursday-Sunday from 11am-5pm
From $ 73
St. Stephen's Green
Once a common used for sheep grazing and public executions, St. Stephen’s Green became public park in 1877. This popular 22-acre (9-hectare) park offers benches and green lawns for relaxing, beautiful flower beds, a lake full of ducks, children’s playgrounds, and busts of prominent Irish historical figures.
The Basics
On sunny days, St. Stephen’s Green is a popular spot for Dubliners and visitors to hang out. For tourists, the park is a pleasant place to rest between bouts of sightseeing or shopping on nearby Grafton Street. Many hop-on hop-off bus tours stop near the park entrance, while walking, bike, and amphibious vehicle tours often pass by the park en route to nearby tourist attractions such as Trinity College and Dublin Castle.
Things to Know Before You Go
- St. Stephen’s Green is a refuge for tired sightseers.
- The park features two children’s playgrounds, and a Garden for the Blind with tactile aromatic plants and braille signage.
- The park’s paved paths are accessible to wheelchair and stroller users.
- The nearby Little Museum of Dublin hosts walking tours of the park every Saturday and Sunday morning.
How to Get There
Fusiliers’ Arch, the main entrance to St. Stephen’s Green, is situated at the south end of Grafton Street, a busy pedestrian shopping area. To get there, ride the Green Line Luas tram to the St. Stephen’s Green stop.
When to Get There
The park is open to the public year-round from morning until dusk. It’s best enjoyed when the weather is warm and dry, though it is more crowded on sunny days. Go in the early morning to see the park at its most tranquil.
What to See in the Park
The park is dotted with monuments and sculptures of famous figures from Irish history. Look for a bust of Ulysses author James Joyce, and a bronze statue of Constance Markievicz, an Irish nationalist politician and suffragette. Lord Ardilaun, better known as Sir Arthur Guinness, the man responsible for opening up St. Stephen’s Green to the public, is also remembered with a memorial statue at the west side of the park.
Address: Dublin, Ireland
From $ 23
Stamford Bridge Stadium
The official home of Chelsea Football Club since 1905, Stamford Bridge Stadium has a long legacy and watching a match at the iconic stadium is a popular choice for football fans. The 42,000-capacity stadium is even more impressive since undergoing £100 million worth of renovations back in 2001 and the complex now includes 2 hotels, a number of restaurants and the Chelsea FC museum, where interactive displays and exhibitions chronicle the rise of West London’s top football club.
Chelsea home matches are held biweekly at Stamford Bridge Stadium during the annual football season, but fans can also peek behind-the-scenes on a stadium tour, allowing access to the changing rooms, the players’ tunnel, the dugouts and the press room.
Practical Info
Stamford Bridge Stadium is located in Fulham in West London and the nearest London Underground (tube) station is Fulham Broadway. The Chelsea Museum is open daily from 9:30am to 5pm.
Address: Fulham Rd, London, United Kingdom SW6 1HS, England
From $ 29
Stadium of Domitian
The Stadium of Domitian was built in 80 AD as a venue for sporting events and was the first of its kind. It was designed in an elongated U-shape using a Greek architectural style, and it could hold between 15,000 and 20,000 people. In the 15th century, the stadium was paved over to make Piazza Navona, which is a popular square in Rome today. The square is almost the exact same size and shape as the stadium was. Some pieces of the original stadium can still be seen above ground, but much of the remains are underground.
Today visitors can see parts of the archaeological site and get a glimpse of Rome's past. Graphs, photos, and videos explain the history of sport as well as the history of the stadium itself. Much of what lies underground is off limits and can only be accessed with special permission, but the parts that are visible are spectacular. The stadium is one of many examples of the many layers of history that exists in Rome.
Practical Info
Stadium of Domitian is located at Piazza Navona. Several buses stop at Piazza Navona, or it's a 15 minute walk from Trevi Fountain. Opening hours are 10am to 7pm Sunday to Friday, and 10am to 8pm on Saturdays. Admission is 8 euros.
Address: Piazza Navona, Rome, Lazio 00186, Italy
Hours: 10am to 7pm Sunday to Friday, and 10am to 8pm on Saturdays
Admission: 8 euros
From $ 9
St. Mungo Museum of Religious Life and Art
Named after Glasgow’s patron saint, St. Mungo Museum of Religious Life and Art focuses on six major world religions—Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Islam, and Sikhism—and the sacred art they’ve spawned. The museum is set in a reproduction of a medieval building on the site of Bishop’s Castle and features a own Zen garden.
The Basics
St. Mungo Museum holds an eclectic collection of religious objects, artwork, and artifacts, from Celtic crosses and Buddha statuettes to Christian icons and Islamic prayer rugs. The exhibits, which focus on different faiths and religious communities in Glasgow and Scotland as a whole, are designed to be self-guided. Some visitors go to the museum as part of private guided tours around Glasgow, stopping at other nearby attractions such as George Square, Glasgow Cathedral, and the People’s Palace.
Things to Know Before You Go
- This award-winning museum is a must-visit for history buffs, art lovers, and theology enthusiasts.
- Free Wi-Fi is available at the museum.
- Bring a packed lunch to enjoy in the outdoor picnic area or order some food at the museum café.
- The museum is wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
The St. Mungo Museum of Religious Life and Art is located on Castle Street in Glasgow’s Cathedral Precinct, about 5–10 minutes from High Street train station. First Bus routes 19, 19A, 38, 57, and 57A all stop near the museum, as do hop-on hop-off tour buses.
When to Get There
The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday, year-round. Summer weekends are busiest, with most sightseers arriving between noon and 3pm. Get there for opening or an hour or two before closing to beat the crowds.
What to See Nearby
St. Mungo Museum of Religious Life and Art is just a stone’s throw from some of Glasgow’s other must-see historic sights. The Gothic-style Glasgow Cathedral, with its magnificent stained glass and tomb of St. Mungo, is just steps away, while the medieval Provand’s Lordship, Glasgow’s oldest house, is across the road.
Address: 2 Castle Street, Glasgow G4 0RH, Scotland
Admission: Free
From $ 19
St. Peter's Basilica Dome
St. Peter’s Dome, one of Italy’s most famous monuments, doesn't technically stand on Italian soil—it sits atop St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City. Michelangelo’s architectural masterpiece is a symbol for Catholics around the globe and, as the highest dome in the world, offers spectacular views across St. Peter’s Square and Rome.
The Basics
St. Peter’s Dome is one of the most popular sights in Rome, so booking a skip-the-line St. Peter’s Basilica (Basilica di San Pietro) tour is essential to avoid waiting in long lines, especially in the busy summer months. Tours of the dome and basilica are also included in most Vatican tours, which typically include access to the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, and the Vatican gardens. The entrance to the dome is at the portico of the basilica, and views are both internal over the basilica’s main altar and external over the city of Rome.
Things to Know Before You Go
- You must pass through a security check to access the dome—banned items include pocketknives, corkscrews, and umbrellas.
- The dress code in the basilica and dome requires that shoulders and knees are covered.
- The dome is partially accessible to wheelchair users. There is an elevator to the roof level (or you can climb the 320 steps), but only a spiral staircase provides access to the cupola at the highest point of the dome (another 200 steps).
- Views are dizzying from the top of St. Peter’s Dome, so visiting the top is not recommended for anyone afraid of heights.
- Kids especially enjoy the invigorating climb and views, so consider joining a small-group tour tailored to families if traveling with children.
How to Get There
St. Peter’s Basilica is located on St. Peter’s Square (Piazza San Pietro) in Vatican City. The closest metro station is Ottaviano.
When to Get There
The dome is open to the public daily. Early morning is the best time to visit, both to beat the crowds and to catch the optimal light for photographing the view.
St. Peter’s Dome History
Like Rome, St. Peter’s Dome wasn’t built in a day. Work began on the basilica in 1506, initially overseen by Roman architect Donato Bramante and later passed on to successors such as Raphael and Bernini. Yet it was Michelangelo who took on the task of completing the dome, proposing a design based on those of previous architects. After his death, his assistants continued the work and, in the end, it was Giacomo della Porta and Domenico Fontana, under the appointment of Pope Sixtus V, who saw the completion of the dome in 1590.
Address: Piazza San Pietro, Vatican City, Italy
Admission: Varies
From $ 23
Stained Glass Museum
Operating as Krakow’s homage to stained glass, the city's Stained Glass Museum combines art exhibits with a 1902 stained glass workshop, where visitors can learn about the centuries-old production process of creating stained glass, in addition to exploring the preserved workshop's various rooms, furnishings and equipment. Museum guides share interesting stories of the many pieces on display, one of which was forgotten for decades when it was hidden away in the basement for protection during World War II.
The churches of Krakow are renowned for their sparkling stained-glass windows, an art form that reached its peak in the Art Nouveau years at the start of the 20th century. At that time, many famous Polish stained-glass craftsmen—including Józef Mehoffer and Stanisław Wyspiański—created their swirling, colorful and patterned masterpieces at this workshop, opened by Polish artist SG Żeleński in 1902. In the exhibition space, travelers will find both historical and contemporary pieces, some of which are from the most renowned artists of the Polish Art Nouveau period.
Practical Info
The Stained Glass Museum is located at Aleja Krasińskiego 23 and open Tuesday to Saturday from noon to 6pm. Guided tours in English showcase today's artisans at work and are held at every hour. The museum is a short walk from Krakow’s Old Town.
Address: aleja Zygmunta Krasińskiego 23,, Krakow 31-111, Poland
Hours: Tues–Sat noon–6pm
From $ 10
St. Paul's Church (Paulskirche)
After WWII destroyed much of Frankfurt’s historic center, it was the late 18th-century St. Paul's Church (Paulskirche) that was rebuilt first – a fitting tribute to the symbolic significance of the holy building. The landmark church is renowned as more than just a center of worship – it was also the seat of the first freely elected German parliament and the location of the German National Assembly inauguration on 18th May 1848.
Since reopening in 1948 to mark the parliament’s 100th anniversary, St Paul’s has ceased to be used for church services but remains an important symbol of democratic Germany, hosting a number of ceremonies and exhibitions in its public halls. Most notable is the large-scale circular mural ‘The Path of the Representatives to St. Paul’s Church’, completed by Berlin artist Johannes Grützke in 1991, which chronicles the history of united and democratic Germany. The building itself is equally impressive – a dramatic oval-shaped structure, crafted from red sandstone and fronted by a lone bell tower.
Address: Paulsplatz 11, Frankfurt 60311, Germany
From $ 11
Stanley Park
Vancouver’s Stanley Park enjoys a stellar natural setting, surrounded on three sides by the Pacific Ocean and laid out against the backdrop of the snow-capped North Shore Mountains. At nearly 1,000 acres (405 hectares) in size, it’s a mix of coastal red-cedar forest, lakes and lagoons, and scenic meadows. A walk along the public park’s seawall is an essential part of experiencing Vancouver.
The Basics
Visitors can see Stanley Park as a part of a Vancouver sightseeing tour, or dive in deeper with a guided tour along its wooded trails. Those interested in history will want to check out the First Nations Interpretive Walking Tour, which explains the local indigenous history and culture. Guided photography tours take a closer look at the beauty of the area’s temperate rain forest, while fans of the outdoors will enjoy the park’s natural beauty—and a verdant escape from the city—along its winding cycling and hiking paths. Families with kids can stop at the Vancouver Aquarium (Canada’s largest) and the Stanley Park Miniature Train, a replica of the Canadian Pacific Railway engine made famous for pulling Canada’s first transcontinental passenger train into Vancouver in the late 1880s.
Things to Know Before You Go
- A free shuttle bus travels around the park, though many bike or walk to get around.
- Old-fashioned horse-drawn carriages offer one-hour tours and are a great—and romantic—way to get an overview of the area.
- Restaurants and cafés are scattered throughout the park.
How to Get There
Stanley Park is located at the west end of downtown Vancouver. The park’s information booth is near the Georgia Street entrance, along the seawall. Walking and cycling paths lead from downtown to the peninsula where the park is located. The TransLink #19 bus and Skytrain are public transport options, or you can park your car easily using a daily parking pass.
When to Get There
The park is open year-round; March to November bring the mildest weather, and it can get quite cold in the winter. To have the park (relatively) to yourself, the best times to visit are typically early morning and mid- to late afternoon.
Where to Find Stanley Park’s Best Views
Certainly one of the best views in Stanley Park is from the seawall looking back at the Vancouver skyline and Coal Harbour. For natural beauty, it’s tough to beat the views of the surrounding mountains, but the rose garden and beaches come close. There’s also the wildlife, including bald eagles, beavers, and birds. Culturally, the First Nations art and totem poles are a must. Other scenic spots worth seeing include the Lost Lagoon, Hollow Tree, and Beaver Lake.
Address: Georgia Street West, Vancouver, Canada
Admission: Free
From $ 27
Standing Stones of Stenness
Old Norse for “Stone Headland,” the towering Standing Stones of Stenness are truly giant, some shooting up to 19 feet tall. Recent research suggests that the stones, only four of which remain, could date back to 3300 BC, making them quite possible the oldest standing stones in the British Isles.
Pronounced “Stane-is” in the lilting Orcadian dialect, the standing stones are less than a mile from the younger Ring of Brodgar, both of which are part of the Heart of Neolithic Orkney UNESCO World Heritage site.
On a narrow strip of land between the lochs of Harray and Stenness, the Stone Age function of Stenness is still unknown, but it is thought that the stone circle may have been used in ceremonies to celebrate the relationship between the living and past communities.
Practical Info
Entrance to the Standing Stones of Stenness is free, and the site is open all day every day, perfect for those sunset silhouette photos. The site is about a 10-minute drive from Stromness along the B9055, and in summer, there are Stagecoach buses from Kirkwall and Stromness to the standing stones.
Address: Stenness, Orkney, Scotland
Hours: All year
From $ 91
Star Mosque (Tara Masjid)
Though most are used to seeing stars only at night, a visit to Star Mosque—known by locals as Tara Masjid—is filled with plenty of celestial sights. This stunning mosque was built in the first half of the 19th century, and both its interior and exterior are covered in hundreds of colorful mosaic stars that have given it its name.
A white reflecting pool surrounding a massive white star is stationed in front of the mosque’s impressive exterior. Nearly a dozen archways guide travelers and worshipers alike to the stunning white marble domes of this iconic religious structure that is certain to be a highlight of any visit to Old Dhaka.
Practical Info
The mosque is located about 350 meters north of the Armenian Church in Old Dhaka. Though the mosque is typically closed outside of prayer times, non‐Muslims can ask the caretaker to open the gates for a visit. Women should be prepared to cover their shoulders, knees and hair on a visit to the mosque.
Address: Abul Khairat Road, Dhaka, Bangladesh
From $ 75
Stanley Market
Stanley, a former fishing village on the quiet south side of Hong Kong Bay, has become one of the area’s top destinations for shopping. Its famous open-air market, a maze of streets running down toward the water, is crammed with cut-price clothing, souvenirs, silks, crafts, art, Chinese costume jewelry, and bric-a-brac.
The Basics
While Stanley Market’s popularity means prices aren’t as cheap as they once were, it still deserves a spot on a Hong Kong itinerary both for the shopping and the surrounding neighborhood. Both private and group tours offer half- and full-day outings here; head to the market with the intent to bargain, and then relax afterwards with a tasty lunch at one of the many restaurants in the area.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The market is a must-see for shoppers.
- Stanley Market is an excellent introduction to Hong Kong markets before tackling the Ladies Market or Temple Street night market.
- Haggling is accepted but not expected, and prices are generally fair.
- Many of the vendors speak English.
How to Get There
Stanley is on the south coast of Hong Kong Island. Double-decker buses leave from the Exchange Square bus terminal in Central on the island. It’s a scenic 40-minute trip, so grab a seat upstairs at the front for the best views.
When to Get There
The best time to visit the market is on a weekday morning, before the sun starts to blaze and the crowds arrive. Expect weekends to be extremely busy with both locals and tourists perusing the wares.
Things to Do in Stanley
While Stanley Market has long been the main draw to the village, there’s plenty more to do while you’re in the area. Catch some sun on Stanley Beach, tour the Murray House (a British military building dating back to 1844), see Stanley Plaza and Tin Hua Temple, visit the Hong Kong Maritime Museum, or grab a bite to eat along the waterfront promenade.
Address: Main Street, Hong Kong, China
Hours: Open daily, 9am - 6pm approximately
Admission: Free
From $ 30
St. Peter's Square
The heart of Rome's Vatican City is St. Peter's Square, the grand space that provides a magnificent approach to St. Peter's Basilica. Designed by Bernini in the 17th century, Piazza San Pietro is lined by semicircular colonnades four columns deep on either side that seem to reach out and enfold visitors in an embrace.
The Basics
At the center of the square, a soaring Egyptian obelisk and two marble fountains—one by Carlo Maderno dating from 1613 and the second designed by Bernini to match in 1675—break up the sweeping cobblestone space. Within the colonnade, formed by massive Doric columns and topped by 140 statues of the saints, lies the security check for entry to St. Peter's and, on the other side, the Vatican post office. The square is the site of large public Masses on the main Catholic holidays and for papal audiences, when it is packed with pilgrims from all over Italy and the world.
St. Peter's Square is best visited with a tour guide as part of a small-group tour that touches on all the Vatican highlights, including the Vatican Museums and Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Basilica, the Vatican Gardens, and the Vatican Grottoes containing the tombs of former popes. The Vatican is a vast repository of art and history; savor it as part of a private tour with skip-the-line tickets to avoid wasting time in the Vatican's notoriously long queues.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Vatican is its own municipality and issues stamps; visit the post office under the colonnade in St. Peter's Square to send your postcards directly from Vatican City.
- If you would like to see Pope Francis, it is imperative to book papal audience tickets in advance.
- The square is accessible to wheelchair users.
- There is a dress code to enter St. Peter's Basilica that requires clothing that covers the shoulders and knees; there is no dress code for the square.
How to Get There
The most spectacular way to enter St. Peter's Square is by foot, crossing the Emperor Hadrian's Ponte Sant'Angelo over the River Tiber to Castel Sant'Angelo (Hadrian's Tomb) and walking up the grand Via della Conciliazione. Otherwise, use one of two metro line A stops: Ottaviano–S.Pietro–Musei Vaticani or Cipro.
When to Get There
The square is crowded with visitors during the opening hours of St. Peter's Basilica, so consider booking a night tour or an early-entry basilica tour to see St. Peter's Square in relative peace.
The Swiss Guards
St. Peter's Square, along with the rest of the Vatican, is protected by the historic Swiss Guards, established in the 16th century and still sporting their colorful Renaissance-style uniforms.
Address: Piazza san Pietro, Vatican City 00120, Italy
Hours: Open daily
Admission: Free
From $ 3
Stadthuys
This 16th-century landmark in Melaka (Malacca)—believed to be the oldest Dutch building in Asia—was modeled after the Hoorn city hall in the Netherlands. It once served as the Melaka town hall and residence of the Dutch governor, and today houses several small museums, including the Museum of History and Ethnography.
The Basics
The Stadthuys, also known as Red Square or Dutch Square, is one of Melaka’s most popular meeting points and photo op spots. Just about every sightseeing tour, including day trips from Kuala Lumpur, of the UNESCO World Heritage–listed city stops at the Dutch colonial building. The collection housed within the museums includes costumes and relics from Melaka’s centuries-long history, including musical instruments, wedding costumes, kitchenware, weapons, stamps, and currency that paint a picture of what life was like for the trade port’s various communities throughout its history.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Stadthuys is a must-see for history buffs and first-time visitors to Melaka.
- Admission to the building includes entry to all of the museums within.
- Day tours from Kuala Lumpur that include the Stadthuys often last upwards of eight hours.
- Don’t forget to bring sun protection; the square isn’t well shaded.
- The Stadthuys is not accessible to wheelchair users, as there are many level changes but no ramps or curb cuts.
How to Get There
Stadthuys, standing just beside Christ Church and opposite Jonker Street, is centrally located and well known in Melaka, so just about anyone can point you in the right direction. If you’re not visiting as part of a guided tour, the easiest way to get there is by taxi.
When to Get There
The Stadthuys is open daily, with extended hours Friday to Sunday. For the best photos without big crowds in the way, plan to visit early in the morning.
Dutch Architecture in Melaka
The Dutch ruled Melaka from 1641 to 1825—longer than any other foreign power. You can see the influence in the architecture. Aside from the Stadthuys, another fine example is the Christ Church, built in 1753 in a typical Dutch style.
Address: Jalan Gereja, Melaka, Malaysia
From $ 28