Choose from 5,104 Fun Things to Do in Thailand
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Bourbon Tunnel (Galleria Borbonica)
Travelers looking to venture back in time can explore the eight ramps that delve some 33 yards deep into the depths of Chiaia on an incredible tour of the Bourbon Tunnel, or Galleria Borbonica. What was once a veterinary laboratory, and even earlier an escape route from the Royale Palace to a barrack in Via della Pace, is today one of Naples' top attractions for history lovers wanting to gain a deeper understanding of the city's culture and heritage.
Visitors can choose from a number of tours designed to highlight this unique attraction that operated as a military hospital during World War II and even as the Hall Judicial Outpost. Guides share in-depth details and stories while visitors navigate the tunnel's depths. Travelers say that while it can be difficult to find, the experience of stepping back in time and far below the Naples' surface is not to be missed!
Practical Info
Galleria Borbonica is located at Vico del Grottone, 4 in Naples. It is accessible by bus or tram to Piazza Vittoria and walking to Domenico Morelli car park, where the entrance to the Bourbon Tunnel is located. Tours take place on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Address: Vico del Grottone, 4, Naples, Italy
Admission: Varies
From $ 12
Concord Falls
This waterfall site has not one but three separate streams to visit—from a 35-foot cascade right as you enter the falls area to two larger waterfalls that require a hike through the forest reserve. The first waterfall is accessible via a paved path with handrails and is worth making the visit to for the sight alone. The natural pools here make for a refreshing swim.
The forests are popular for hiking among large boulders, creeks and trees. The winding path leads through a nutmeg plantation, first visiting the second waterfall named “Au Coin” before finally reaching the farthest waterfall (“Fontainebleu”), which towers 65 feet over the ground below. It takes approximately an hour to reach the final waterfall, and while it is possible to swim in the clear, small pools underneath the falls, visitors are advised to watch the currents.
Practical Info
Concord Falls are on the western side of Grenada, around 2 miles (3km) from the village of Concord. Concord is around 25 minutes from St. George’s by bus.
Address: Grenada
Hours: Daily 9am-5pm
Admission: $5
From $ 65
Commerce Square (Praça do Com ercio)
Still known locally as Terreiro do Paço (Palace Square) thanks to its being the former location of Lisbon’s Royal Palace until its destruction in the great earthquake of 1755, Praça do Comércio was completely rebuilt in the late 18th century and is today an elegant square hugging the banks of the River Tagus.
Thanks to the vision of Portuguese architect Eugénio dos Santos, this vast square was built in a sweeping ‘U’ shape and is full of ornate arches and overblown civic buildings. It is dominated by a massive equestrian statue of King Jose I, while sights around the square include Lisbon’s historic Café Martinho da Arcada, dating right back to 1782 and famous for its coffees, pastries and ports. Lisbon’s main tourist information office is on the north side of the arcaded square, which is largely lined with outdoor restaurants. Along the riverbanks great marble steps lead down to the Tagus and historically formed the main entry to the city.
The Praça do Comércio is close to other downtown Lisbon attractions, including the city’s main public piazza, Rossio Square, and its main shopping street, Rua Augusta, which is entered through a triumphal arch adorned with statues of Portuguese heroes including explorer Vasco da Gama.
Practical Info
Located in Baixa (downtown Lisbon), Commerce Square can be reached by taking the metro to Terreiro do Paço.
Address: Avenida Infante Dom Henrique, Lisbon, Portugal
From $ 6
Community Baboon Sanctuary
The Community Baboon Sanctuary is dedicated to protecting and preserving Belize's black howler monkey population. The 18-square-mile (29-square-kilometer) reserve in the jungle contains about 1,500 monkeys, as well as anteaters, armadillos, iguanas, turtles, deer, and more than 200 different species of birds.
The Basics
Sanctuary visitors, including tour groups and independent travelers, are given tours where guides identify the wildlife and vegetation, and explain the local culture. The on-site visitors' center and natural history museum also provide information about the environment, conservation efforts, and the monkeys themselves. Visitors can follow trails through the forest or take canoe rides on the river to spot black howler monkeys (locally called baboons) and other animals.
Things to Know Before You Go
The entrance fee includes a guided nature walk; most third-party tours cover the fee.
The sanctuary recommends bringing water, sunscreen, and bug spray.
Several tour options are offered, including a night hike, bird tour, and a river canoe tour.
How to Get There
The Community Baboon Sanctuary is located off Boom-Hattieville Road, about 17 miles (27 kilometers) from the village of Hattieville. There are two major buses serving the Belize River Valley area: the McFadzean and Sons Bus leaves from Amara Avenue in Belize City, and the Russells Bus leaves from Euphrates Avenue. Many ours from Belize City include round-trip transportation.
When to Get There
The sanctuary is open Monday to Sunday, from 8am to 5pm. The best time to visit Belize is between late November and mid-April, during the country’s dry season. This is also peak season, so expect to encounter more tourists while enjoying the most pleasant weather.
Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary
The nearby Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the best bird-watching spots in Central America. It’s home to native and migratory birds, as well as the elusive Jabiru stork. The sanctuary’s wetlands are filled with a diverse mix of plants and animals that you can discover by boat or on foot.
Address: Belize
From $ 62
Borovets Ski Resort
One of Bulgaria’s premier ski resorts, Borovets was purpose-built in the 1980s, although it has its origins way back in the 19th century when a hunting palace was built there for the Bulgarian Royal Family. Today it is a low-rise, largely wooden Alpine-style resort with all modern amenities; it sprawls over the northern flanks of the Musala ridge in the Rila Mountains at an altitude of 1,300 meters (4,265 feet), with the highest runs up at 2,600 meters (8,530 feet).
The ski season lasts from December through to early April and the resort has 24 runs stretching over 58 km (36.25 miles) of marked pistes, ranging from easy blues to extremely challenging black runs, many through scenic pine forest. Borovets also offers two terrain parks for snowboarders as well as 35 km (22 miles) of groomed cross-country trails for Nordic skiers. Ski lifts are modern and efficient, with a mix of gondolas, chair and drag lifts; night skiing is available daily until 10pm. The resort’s family-friendly credentials include two snow parks for toddlers, ski schools, equipment hire, shops and plenty of cafés, restaurants and hotels that cater for kids. Non-skiers are well taken care of with swimming pools, spas, ski-doo snow safaris and horse-and-carriage rides and the late-night après-ski scene is jumping, with bars and clubs open until the wee hours.
Practical Info
The ski season runs between December and early April. Best accessed by car from Sofia, Borovets is 72 km (45 miles) south of the city by road.
Address: Borovets, Sofia, Bulgaria
From $ 35
Brabo Fountain
In pole position at the heart of Antwerp’s lovely, medieval Grote Markt, the Brabo Fountain stands in front of the ornate, pennant‐encrusted Stadhuis (Town Hall) and was created in 1887 by the renowned Flemish sculptor Jef Lambeaux. The flamboyant Baroque statue represents a legend concerning the origins of the city: more than 2,000 years ago Antwerp was a small settlement in the Roman Empire when a Russian ‘giant’ called Druon Antigoon settled on the banks of the River Scheldt and charged ships to sail up the river; if sailors refused to pay the toll, Druon Antigoon cut their hands off in revenge. A Roman soldier named Silvius Brabo – rumored to be a relative of Julius Caesar – refused to pay and subsequently killed the giant in a duel, cutting off his hand and throwing it into the Scheldt. The hand became a symbol of Antwerp’s freedom and still features on the city’s coat of arms; the bronze Brabo Fountain features Silvius Brabo atop a pedestal awash with mythical sea monster, his body twisted in the act of throwing the hand into the river.
Practical Info
Grote Markt. Accessible on foot and 24 hours a day.
Address: Grote Markt, Antwerp, Flanders 2000, Belgium
From $ 15
Comitán
In a country that attracts tourists from around the world, Comitan, a thriving city in the southern state of Chiapas, proves a popular destination for a local set of travelers. Mexicans looking to get away from the day-to-day find Comitan’s charming colonial architecture, clean, narrow streets, perfect temperatures and close proximity to home ideal for a weekend escape. And increasingly, visitors from other parts of the globe are flocking to this unsung destination in search of a more authentic Mexican experience, too.
The city’s popular central town square comes alive at night, when locals and travelers gather in surrounding streets to watch live music and performers dance to traditional beats. Visitors to Comitan can tuck into plates of traditional or continental cuisine at one of the city’s numerous restaurants, or spend a day exploring nary attractions, like Parque Nacional Lagunas de Montebello or Zona Arquelogica de Chinkultic. From art museums to outdoors, travelers agree, Comitan is calling.
Practical Info
Comitan is the fourth-largest city in Chiapas and is located near the border of Guatemala.
Address: Comitán, Mexico
From $ 26
Boyana Church
The three historic buildings that make up the medieval Bulgarian Orthodox icon known as Boyana Church have been attracting visitors for over a hundred years. Each building was constructed in a distinctly different architectural style reflective of the time, taste and period it was created, making a visit to this famous landmark a truly unique experience.
The eastern church, Boyana’s oldest section, is one of the smallest, while the second section, built in the mid-13 century, is a two-floor wonder with tombs, semi-cylindrical vault and quiet family chapel. The final section of the church, which wasn’t built until the 19th century, showcases some of the most contemporary designs. Travelers agree that the architecture and history make Boyana Church a destination, but it’s the 89 frescos with 240 human images painstakingly painted onto interior walls that have placed Boyana at the intersection of religion and art in Bulgaria.
Practical Info
The Boyana Church is a UNESCO World Heritage site located on the outskirts of Sofia in the Boyana quarter. Temperature regulating air conditioning units were installed to protect and preserve the space, but small groups of tourists (between eight and ten people) are permitted to stay inside for only 15-minute periods. Guides are included with admission.
Address: 1-3 Boyansko Ezero St., Sofia, Bulgaria
Hours: April-Oct: 9:30 - 5:30 p.m.
Nov-March: 9:00 - 5 pm
From $ 6
Borusan Contemporary
The aim of Borusan Contemporary in Istanbul is to introduce the Borusan Contemporary Art Collection to a wider audience, and to generate interest in modern art within Turkey overall. Another purpose of the museum is to establish and support educational programs and academic discussions for a variety of age groups.
Situated in a castle-esque red brick mansion (Perili Köşk) built in 1911 and overlooking the suspension bridge that links Europe and Asia, Borusan Contemporary rather fittingly places Turkish art in a wider international context, drawing inspiration from across the globe. The building also houses the headquarters of Borusan Holding, a café, the Borusan Art Store, plus outdoor terraces with views of the Bosphorus.
The works of art at Borusan Contemporary include a varied selection from the Borusan Contemporary Art Collection, as well as individual artist and group exhibitions curated by nationally and internationally acclaimed curators.
Practical Info
Borusan Contemporary is only open at the weekend. Bus numbers 22, 25E, 40, 40T, and 42T all lead to Perili Köşk. It’s also possible to take the ferry, alighting at the Bebek or Emirgan terminals.
Address: Baltalimani Hisar Street, Istanbul 34470, Turkey
Hours: 10am-8pm (Weekends only)
Admission: Adults: 10 TL; Students and over 60s: 5TL; Children: Free
From $ 116
Concon
Travelers in search of picturesque beaches, iconic balnearios and extraordinary nightlife will find the ultimate tropical trifecta in the coastal commune of Concon. Home to three of the nation’s top beaches—Playa Negra, Amarilla and Boca, Concon has plenty of options for holiday visitors on a quest for sun and sand.
In addition to idyllic views of the Pacific, travelers will find towering modern buildings alongside old-school concrete apartments lining the streets of Concon. Expansive public gardens, rundown fishing docks and quiet local villages add character and charm to this popular destination. Visitors looking to dance the night away—even long after the sun goes down—can head to Avenida Renaca and Los Pellines—two of the commune’s most lively neighborhoods.
Practical Info
Concon is located on the Pacific coast of Chile, north of Tenaca, Vina del Mar and south of Quintero. The Aconcagua River ends near the commune as well.
Address: Concon, Chile
From $ 230
Concertgebouw
Whether you’re hoping to hear some of the finest renditions of classical music in Amsterdam or simply marvel at a modern architectural wonder, the city’s famous Concertgebouw is sure to satisfy all your senses.
Designed by architect Adolf Leonard van Gendt, the 19th-century building, located right in front of the Rijksmuseum, was inspired by the famous 18th-century Gewandhaus concert hall in Leipzig. Fashioned mostly in a Dutch Neo-Renaissance style, the impressive building includes a classic monumental facade and a gilded lyre atop its roof. Today, the concert hall is the home of the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra and is renowned for both its outstanding acoustics and propensity for diversity – Led Zeppelin, The Who and Pink Floyd all performed there in the ‘60s, and Jazz and World musicians continue to take the stage, as well as Classical orchestras.
To fully experience the Concertgebouw’s spectacular interiors and acoustic prowess, attend one of the 445 annual concerts held in the main hall, or better still, couple your evening entertainment with a Theatre Tour where you can learn more about the intricate architecture before soaking up the atmosphere of a live performance. Those on a budget can get a taster of events to come by attending the free 30-minute rehearsal slots held at midday, each Wednesday between September and June.
Designed by architect Adolf Leonard van Gendt, the 19th-century building, located right in front of the Rijksmuseum, was inspired by the famous 18th-century Gewandhaus concert hall in Leipzig. Fashioned mostly in a Dutch Neo-Renaissance style, the impressive building includes a classic monumental facade and a gilded lyre atop its roof. Today, the concert hall is the home of the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra and is renowned for both its outstanding acoustics and propensity for diversity – Led Zeppelin, The Who and Pink Floyd all performed there in the ‘60s, and Jazz and World musicians continue to take the stage, as well as Classical orchestras.
To fully experience the Concertgebouw’s spectacular interiors and acoustic prowess, attend one of the 445 annual concerts held in the main hall, or better still, couple your evening entertainment with a Theatre Tour where you can learn more about the intricate architecture before soaking up the atmosphere of a live performance. Those on a budget can get a taster of events to come by attending the free 30-minute rehearsal slots held at midday, each Wednesday between September and June.
Address: Concertgebouwplein 2-6, Amsterdam 1071 LN, Netherlands
From $ 12
Bosingak Belfry
The Bosingak Belfry refers to an ornate pavilion in central Seoul that houses a bell with a history that dates all the way back to the 14th century. Located opposite the modern Jongno Tower, the original bell was constructed in 1396 and used during the Joseon Dynasty to keep time and act as an alarm to alert people of fires and other emergencies.
Back then, the bell rang out 33 times (for the 33 Buddhist heavens) every morning at 4am, and the gates to the city were opened for the day. Each night at 10pm, they rang out 28 times (representing the location of the stars of constellations), to signal the closure of the gates and the start of the nightly curfew.
The original bell melted in a fire and was replaced in 1468. For preservation purposes, this bell now sits in the gardens of the National Museum of Korea, and the current bell you can see today is a replacement made with contributions from the public that was mounted in the same spot in 1985.
In a ceremony that starts at 11am, the guardsmen who patrol the tower ring the bell 12 times at noon from Tuesday through Sunday. A small-group walking tour is a great way to visit Bosingak Belfry, allowing you to take in other attractions in Seoul, such as Gyeonghuigung Palace, Daehamun, Cheonggyecheon Plaza, and the various landmarks of Jongno.
Insider’s Tip: If you happen to be in Seoul over New Year’s Eve, head down to the Bosingak Belfry, where a huge event is organized and the bell is rung 33 times at midnight.
Practical Info
The Bosingak Belfry is located along Jongno, the major financial and cultural center of Seoul, and is easily walkable from Gwanghwamun Square. Alternatively, take subway Line 1 to Jonggak Station and use exit 4.
Address: 54 Jong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Hours: 24 hours
From $ 47
Botanical Gardens of Nevis
Step into tropical serenity at the Botanical Gardens of Nevis. Created to showcase and preserve tropical plants and animals from around the world, the gardens overflow with sculptures, fountains and fragrant flowers. The centerpiece is the Rainforest Conservancy. Modeled after the Palm House in England’s Kew Gardens, the lush garden has parrots, butterflies and a cornucopia of brightly colored flowers blooming around a Mayan-style temple and waterfall.
After strolling the cactus, fruit and orchid gardens, stop for a meal at the on-site Oasis Restaurant, where the Thai-inspired flavors come straight from the nearby herb garden. Or have an al fresco meal among the blooms at one of the many secluded picnic spots around the grounds. The restaurant and gift shop can be found within the replica great house, designed in the Nevisian colonial style, complete with a massive second-floor veranda offering incredible views.
Practical Info
The Botanical Gardens of Nevis are located at Montpelier Estate, about 15 minutes from Charlestown. Hours are Monday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., closed on Sundays, public holidays and some weekdays during the summer low season. Admission is $13 for adults, $8 for children.
Address: Montpelier Estate, Nevis, St Kitts and Nevis
Hours: Monday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., closed on Sundays, public holidays and some weekdays during the summer low season.
Admission: Adults: $13, Children $8
From $ 48
Bowmore Distillery
Founded back in 1779, the Bowmore Distillery holds the prestigious title of the Isle of Islay’s oldest distillery and the first of the island’s eight renowned distilleries is often the starting point for whisky-tasting tours. The distillery now has holiday cottages for guests onsite, as well as an award-winning visitor center and a tasting area within the legendary Bowmore No. 1 Vaults - the underground maturation warehouse, where the whisky is aged in oak casks.
Tours of the Bowmore Distillery are also possible and visitors can learn all about the whisky distillation process, watch as the grain is milled and the malt is smoked used a traditional peatfired kiln, and discover how the distillery produces 2 million liters of whisky each year, before sampling a dram of the celebrated Single Malt.
Practical Info
The Bowmore Distillery is located in Bowmore on the island of Islay in the Scottish Hebrides. The distillery visitor center is from April to September, Mon-Sat 9am-5pm, Sun 12pm-2pm; October-March Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 9am-12.30pm; and Jan-Feb by booking only. Tours start from £6 per person.
Address: School Street, Bowmore, Scotland
Admission: Tours start at £6
From $ 526
Bosphorus Bridge
The Bosphorus Bridge in Istanbul is one of three continent-spanning bridges over the Bosphorus Strait, connecting Europe and Asia. When it opened in 1973, the 5,118-foot (1,560-meter) bridge was the fourth-longest suspension bridge in the world. And though it has since slid down the rankings, it is still an impressive sight to behold.
The Basics
The Bosphorus Bridge, officially known as 15 July Martyrs’ Bridge, is only open to vehicles. The bridge can be seen from Ortaköy Mosque on Istanbul’s European side and from Beylerbeyi Palace, an imperial Ottoman summer retreat, on its Asian side.
The best way for visitors to view the bridge is to take a Bosphorus cruise. Many cruises begin at the Golden Horn, from which you can see the minarets of the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia before venturing into the Bosphorus Strait, cruising past Dolmabahçe Palace and under the bridge. Some cruises include lunch or dinner on board.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Bosphorus Bridge is an emblem of Istanbul and one of the Turkish city’s most photo-worthy sights.
- While you can admire the bridge from land, be aware you can’t cross it on foot.
- Note that it is a toll bridge and tolls can’t be paid with cash or card. If you are driving in a rental car, make sure it is equipped with a toll transponder.
How to Get There
To reach the Ortaköy side of the bridge from Sultanahmet, take the T1 tram to Kabatas, where you can connect to Ortaköy using local buses or taxi. Alternatively, take the ferry from Eminönü to Ortaköy; note that ferries don’t run on Sundays. To get to Beylerbeyi Palace on the Asian side, take the ferry from Eminönü to Üsküdar, then connect to local Beylerbeyi Palace–bound buses.
When to Get There
One of the best times to view the bridge is at night, when the structure is lit by colorful LED lights. If you want to cross the bridge on foot, sign up for the Istanbul Marathon—Turkey’s biggest marathon—which usually takes place in November. The marathon route crosses over the bridge, and this is the only time pedestrians are allowed.
The Best Views of the Bridge
For excellent views of the bridge, head to Ortaköy, a former fishing village turned chic Istanbul suburb on the European side of the Bosphorus. Explore the area around Ortaköy Pier, which offers particularly good views of the baroque-style Ortaköy Mosque with the modern bridge in the background, showing off Istanbul’s old-meets-modern cityscape.
Address: Turkey
From $ 15
Bourke's Luck Potholes
Located within Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, Bourke’s Luck Potholes were formed by centuries of swirling whirlpools at the confluence of the Treur and Blyde Rivers, eroding away the sandstone bedrock. Named after Tom Bourke, an unsuccessful gold prospector working in the area, this natural attraction comprises a series of interconnected cylindrical pools divided by sandstone outcrops.
Viewing platforms and bridges cross above some of the best formations, and depending on the time of day, river levels and mineral content in the water, the view of the holes and multi-colored sandstone changes.
Practical Info
Bourke’s Luck Potholes are located along the Panorama Route through the park, about 22 miles (35 kilometers) north of Graskop.
Address: Kruger National Park, Blyde River Canyon Reserve, South Africa
From $ 76
Concha y Toro Winery
Open since 1883 and ranking among South America’s largest wine producers, Concha y Toro Winery is one of Chile’s most famous winemakers. The winery has vineyards all over the country and produces a huge variety of wines, including the world-renowned Don Melchor cabernet sauvignon. Its Pirque winery is a favorite Maipo Valley destination for oenophiles.
The Basics
In addition to its award-winning cabernet sauvignon, Concha y Toro is well known for its other reds—syrah, merlot, malbec, pinot noir—as well as chardonnay and rosé wines. Guided tours of the winery allow wine lovers to stroll through the vineyards and Grape Variety Garden, visit the wine cellars, and enjoy an expert-led wine tasting. Wines are paired with cheeses and tapas at the on-site wine bar, and the well-stocked shop has wines at all price points.
Most visitors arrive from Santiago, and many day trips combine a visit to Concha y Toro with a drive through the Maipo Valley vineyards, a stop at the El Yeso Lagoon, or wine tasting at other regional wineries such as Undurraga, Santa Rita, or Cousiño Macul.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The legal drinking age in Chile is 18. Children can also join the winery tours, without taking part in the wine tasting.
- Concha y Toro winery tours take around an hour, including wine tasting.
- Advance booking is required for winery tours and tastings, and tours are conducted in Spanish, Portuguese, and English.
- The winery and parts of the vineyards are wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
The Concha y Toro winery is located in Chile’s Maipo Valley, close to the village of Pirque, about a 45-minute drive south of Santiago. The closest train station is Las Mercedes station, which has direct connections to Santiago. Outside the station’s Concha y Toro Oriente exit, minibuses run the short distance to the winery every 30 minutes.
When to Get There
Winery tours are possible all year, but advance bookings are highly recommended. The annual harvest typically runs from the end of March to May, and it’s a popular time to visit, thanks to the cooler weather and autumn leaves adding a touch of color to the landscape.
Chile’s Maipo Valley
Less than an hour’s drive from Santiago, the Maipo Valley is one of Chile’s most renowned wine-growing regions. Sheltered by the Andes Mountains to the west and with a warm, dry climate, the area has an ideal terroir for wine growing. The Maipo Valley is famous for its French-style wines, most notably its fruity cabernet sauvignons, but there are also some fine syrah, carménère, and merlot wines, as well as a growing selection of chardonnay and sauvignon blanc. Along with Concha y Toro, other top wineries in the region include Santa Rita, Santa Carolina, and Undurraga.
Address: Ruta G-45 (Avenida Virginia Subercaseaux), Pirque, Chile
Admission: Varies
From $ 25
Boudhanath Stupa (Bodhnath Stupa)
One of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world, Boudhanath is a major pilgrimage point near Kathmandu. Every day, Buddhists fill the square to light incense, turn prayer wheels, and perform kora—clockwise circumambulations—around the monument. Rebuilt after the 2015 earthquake, the stupa is one of Nepal's most unmissable attractions.
The Basics
Nepal has been an important base for Tibetan Buddhism since the 1950s, when streams of Tibetan refugees were exiled from China. But Buddhism has always held a vital role in Nepali cultural life. The stupa of Boudhanath dates back to the 14th century. Along with Lumbini—the birthplace of the Buddha—and the hilltop temple of Swayambhu, it is one of the country’s standout Buddhist sites.
Visitors of all backgrounds can join processions around the stupa and spin the prayer wheels that surround the monument. Tibetan jewelry, handicraft, and thangka painting shops surround the bustling public square—actually a circle—and the city’s best Tibetan restaurants are located nearby. Most guided tours cover the stupa along with several other attractions (like Pashupati or Swayambhu) in the same day, making an ideal introduction for first-time visitors. There are private, small-group, and larger group excursion options available.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Boudhanath stupa is one of the most important religious sites in the Kathmandu Valley.
- Wear comfortable footwear if you plan on making kora around the stupa—108 is the holiest number.
- Unable to walk? Visitors can still partake by lighting incense or a butter candle.
- Don’t miss a taste of traditional Tibetan noodle dishes in a local eatery.
How to Get There
Most tours offer complimentary hotel pickup in Kathmandu—a short distance away. Otherwise, taxi rides can be arranged. Although entirely pedestrian, the stupa of Boudhanath is easily reached by a main roadway.
When to Get There
On a typical day, most Buddhist worshippers arrive at dawn to circumambulate around the stupa. To soak up the most spiritual ambiance, time your visit with local monks, nuns, and Tibetan residents. In February or March, Boudha hosts the Tibetan New Year festival of Losar, and Buddha Jayanti (Buddha’s birthday) is celebrated in April or May during the full moon, an auspicious time for Buddhists.
Get an Eyeful of Tibetan Art
The intricately hand-painted devotional images, known as thangka paintings, are for sale in handicraft shops surrounding the stupa. Colorful and vibrant, they depict Buddhists deities or cosmic realms, painted with an astonishing attention to detail. Pick up your own souvenir painting, or wander the shops to get a firsthand peek at the centuries-old Tibetan art form.
Address: Kathmandu 44600, Nepal
From $ 19
Botanical Gardens
Established in 1921 during the Japanese occupation of Taiwan, the Taipei Botanical Gardens displays more than 2,000 species of plants throughout its 17 garden districts and 20 acres (8 hectares). Walking paths take visitors past nine ponds and through two buildings, both registered historic sites. The first, built in 1888 was once a Qing-dynasty administrative building that currently houses the National Museum of History, and the other currently serves as a herbarium.
Apart from the mundane gardens -- bamboo, succulents, ferns and the like -- the Botanical Gardens maintains some interesting themed areas as well. Learn about plants used for daily life in the Economic Crops Garden, and see the hundreds of varieties of plants mentioned in ancient Chinese literature, like Journey to the West, in the Chinese Classical Literature Botanical Garden. Be sure to stop by the Sensory Garden, a space filled with plants you can touch and smell.
You might assume spring is the best time for a visit, but the botanists at the Botanical Gardens have carefully curated plants to ensure a year-round show of color.
Apart from the mundane gardens -- bamboo, succulents, ferns and the like -- the Botanical Gardens maintains some interesting themed areas as well. Learn about plants used for daily life in the Economic Crops Garden, and see the hundreds of varieties of plants mentioned in ancient Chinese literature, like Journey to the West, in the Chinese Classical Literature Botanical Garden. Be sure to stop by the Sensory Garden, a space filled with plants you can touch and smell.
You might assume spring is the best time for a visit, but the botanists at the Botanical Gardens have carefully curated plants to ensure a year-round show of color.
Address: NO.53, Nan-Hai Road, Taipei 10066, Taiwan
Hours: Daily 4:00am - 10:00pm
From $ 129
Boyana Waterfall
One of the most notable natural landmarks around Sofia, the Boyana Waterfall can be spotted from the city center on a clear, sunny day. The waterfall drops more than 15 meters on Vitosha Mountain just south of Sofia and is known as the largest and most beautiful waterfall on the mountain. The water flows with the most force in the spring when the snow is melting, but is a stunning sight all year round.
A visit to the waterfall makes a great day trip from Sofia and can easily be combined with a stop at the medieval Boyana Church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that dates to the 10th or 11th century. The church provides a starting point for a hike up to the waterfall, with two possible paths. One follows the Boyana River steeply uphill while the other follows a more gradual incline, passing by the Boyansko Lake.
For extreme adventurists, the waterfall can also be visited in the winter months for ice climbing, with up to eight possible climbing routes.
Practical Info
The Boyana Waterfall is located on Vitosha Mountain, near the suburb of Boyana just south of Sofia. To get to Boyana, take bus 64 from the Hladilnika bus station, which is a 10-minute walk from the James Bourchier metro station. Alternatively, hire a taxi or join one of several tours leaving from the center of Sofia. Most tours also include a stop at the Boyana Church.
Address: Sofia, Bulgaria
From $ 52