Choose from 5,104 Fun Things to Do in Thailand
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Aquapalace Prague
Central Europe’s biggest waterpark is 3.75 miles (six km) south of Prague and is a family-centric attraction featuring saunas, a fitness center and a spa as well as swimming pools and water rides. Vodní svět (Water World) is largely undercover and comprises four themed zones, with lap pools, lazy rivers, a coral dome and wave pools as well as rapids and kamikaze twisting tube slides for the more adventurous of families. On offer elsewhere in the park are 14 different kinds of sauna, fitness classes — from Pilates to spinning — gyms equipped with cardio zones and power plates, solariums and a raft of massage options and beauty therapy treatments. There’s a children’s corner for young kids, swimming courses for all levels of expertise, private trainers in the gym and scuba diving classes in the Diving Pit.
Restaurants and bars are scattered throughout Aquapalace and there’s even a four-star hotel for extended stays. Children younger than 12 must be accompanied by an adult when visiting the park; lockers are provided.
Practical Info
Practical information: Pražská 138, Prague Čestlice. Open: Water World Mon–Fri 10am–10pm, Sat–Sun 9am–10pm; Fitness Center Mon–Fri 6am–11pm, Sat–Sun 7am–11pm. Prices start at 215 CZK in Water World and 190 CZK in the Fitness Center. The free Aquabus runs hourly from Opatov metro station on Line C; otherwise take buses 328, 363 or 385 from Opatov metro station or bus 325 from Nádraží Uhříněves.
Address: Pražská 138, Prague, Central Bohemian Region, Czech Republic 251 01, Czech Republic
Hours: Water World Mon–Fri 10am–10pm, Sat–Sun 9am–10pm; Fitness Center Mon–Fri 6am–11pm, Sat–Sun 7am–11pm
Admission: Prices start at 215 CZK in Water World and 190 CZK in the Fitness Center
From $ 25
Arashi Beach
Arashi Beach, one of Aruba’s northernmost beaches, is a secluded spot popular with diehard divers and serious sunbathers alike. Arashi’s clear water, soft sandy bottom, and generally calm surf make it ideal for swimmers and snorkelers as well.
The Basics
Arashi Beach features a few huts for shade, some picnic tables, and soft white sand as far as the eye can see. Arashi is a destination beach for scuba divers, as it is the final resting spot of the WWII German freighter Antilla. Other popular water sports include windsurfing, which makes for a good show from the shore even if you aren’t participating.
Island tours via bus, Segway, or ATV frequently make a quick stop at Arashi, along with other nearby highlights such as the California Lighthouse, Arikok National Park, and the Casibari rock formation. You can book beach-focused guided tours, which typically stop at the nearby Boca Catalina, Malmok Beach, Baby Beach, and the Natural Bridge. Most Aruba island snorkeling and scuba diving tours via boat make stops off Arashi to check out the SS Antilla shipwreck, along with the Natural Pool.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The only amenity here is the Arashi Beach Shack, serving snacks and drinks, located right off the parking lot.
- Bring your own snorkeling gear for safe, independent snorkeling right off the beach.
- Gentle currents and a shallow approach make Arashi a safe option for families with small kids.
- There are no restrooms on-site.
How to Get There
Arashi is located in Noord, on the border of the Palm Beach residential area and just north of Malmok Beach. Most travelers stop here on the way to the California Lighthouse, and both destinations can be reached via L.G. Smith Boulevard. The beach has a large parking area, and the Arubus stops there as well.
When to Get There
The crowd density on the beach depends on the season (January to March is most crowded), the snorkeling and diving conditions of the day, and the occupancy of the few small hotels nearby. Due to its western location, Arashi is a great place to watch the sunset.
The SS Antilla
Sunk off the coast of Aruba in 1939, the German SS Antilla ship was intentionally scuttled by its crew when Germany invaded the Netherlands. It is now home to sponges, coral, hawksbill turtles, and lobsters. One of the Caribbean’s largest wrecks, the Antilla lies in about 60 feet (18 meters) of water and is even visible above the surface at times.
Address: Noord, Aruba
Admission: Free
From $ 41
Apsley House (Wellington Museum)
Apsley House has long been thought of as the grandest address in London. The Georgian building hasn’t changed much since 1815, when its inhabitant—the 1st Duke of Wellington—led British troops to victory against Napoleon at Waterloo. Today the house holds the Wellington Collection, known for its paintings, sculpture, porcelain, and silver.
The Basics
Built in 1778, the Apsley House—known locally as Number One London—was originally home to Arthur Wellesley, the 1st Duke of Wellington. Today the stately mansion, which is open to the public, is sumptuously decorated with palatial, gilded interiors. Its impressive Wellington Collection includes nearly 3,000 Spanish, Dutch, and Flemish paintings and sculptures by well-known artists such as Goya, Velázquez, Van Dyck, and Pieter Bruegel, as well as other pieces of fine art.
Entrance to the museum is included on some art-themed and comprehensive London tours. Holders of the Overseas Visitors Pass receive reduced admission, as do children aged 5 to 17 years.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Apsley House is ideal for art, design, and history enthusiasts.
- Group tours are available for parties of 11 or more.
- Multimedia touchscreen guides, included with admission, are available in English, German, Spanish, and British Sign Language.
- The on-site shop offers myriad items related to the First Duke of Wellington, art, architecture, and the Battle of Waterloo.
- Limited, free parking is available on-site for disabled visitors and must be arranged in advance.
- The museum is not wheelchair accessible, as there are five steps to the front door (no ramp) and no accessible bathrooms. Once inside, there is an elevator with eight steps down to it.
How to Get There
Apsley House is located in the southeast section of Hyde Park. Parking near the park is limited, so it’s recommended to use public transport. Many buses stop near Hyde Park, and the Piccadilly line’s Hyde Park Corner tube station is about a 1-minute walk from the museum.
When to Get There
Apsley House is open year-round; check the website for current opening hours. In London’s warmer spring and summer months, you can take advantage of Hyde Park’s many picnic spots before or after a museum visit.
Wellington Arch
Located in Hyde Park, across the street from Apsley House, Wellington Arch was originally built as an entrance to Buckingham Palace. It later became a victory arch commemorating Britain’s victory against Napoleon. Visitors are treated to spectacular panoramic London views from the arch’s balconies, and there is a permanent museum on the ground level. The arch, which is open most days (check the website for hours), has an elevator and is wheelchair accessible.
Address: Hyde Park Corner, London SW1X 7TA, England
From $ 90
Aqaba
As Jordan’s only coastal city and a busy seaport, Aqaba makes a popular stop for cruise ships and a scenic base for exploring Petra and Wadi Rum, encircled by desert mountains and fronting the glistening Red Sea. Recent developments have seen a string of luxury resorts spring up along Aqaba’s coastline, along with the manmade lagoons of the Ayla Oasis Project, which also boasts a marina, golf course and shopping complex, but the town’s main draw is still its natural assets.
Aqaba’s warm waters mean that it’s possible to swim almost all year round and the 5 public beaches form part of the Aqaba Marine Park—a top destination for scuba divers with its expanse of colorful coral reefs and more than 507 species of fish.
Practical Info
Aqaba is located on the southwestern coast of Jordan at the northeastern tip of the Red Sea.
Address: Aqaba, Jordan
From $ 94
Ara Pacis Museum (Museo dell'Ara Pacis)
Since opening its doors in 2006, the Ara Pacis Museum has caused more than its fair share of controversy, with its modernist glass and travertine façade splitting public opinion. The futuristic building, the work of architect Richard Meir, was one of Rome’s first major post-war architectural works and was built to house one of the city’s most significant ancient artworks.
Whatever your opinion of the museum itself, there’s no disputing the magnificence of its star exhibit – the Ara Pacis, or Altar of Peace, which dates back to 9 BC. The elaborate Roman sculpture is a gigantic marble altar towering over 35 feet (11 meters) high and built by the Emperor Augustus to symbolize peace in the Roman Empire. Today, the protected monument is preserved and displayed in its full glory, with the original structure augmented by reproductions of the panels already on display in the Villa Medici, the Vatican and the Louvre.
Practical Info
The Ara Pacis Museum is located on Lungotevere in Augusta in central Rome and is open daily from 9:30am to 7:30pm. Adult admission is €10.50.
Address: Museo dell Ara Pacis, Lungotevere in Augusta, Rome 00100, Italy
Hours: Daily 9:30am–7:30pm
Admission: €10.50
From $ 45
Appian Way and the Aurelian Wall
The Appian Way (Via Appia Antica) was the first and most important Imperial Roman road, stretching from Rome to Brindisi. The cobblestone road—built in the fourth century BC to transport supplies and soldiers to strategic points throughout the Roman Empire—still exists today, lined with archaeological sites and impressive ruins.
The Basics
Named for architect Appius Claudius Caecus, the Via Appia Antica was one of Rome’s main highways for centuries. As the empire began its decline in the third century and Rome experienced barbarian attacks, the Aurelian Wall was erected around the city’s seven hills for protection. This defensive wall had a number of gates, including Porta Appia (Porta San Sebastiano), which today contains a museum about the Aurelian Wall.
A guided walking or bike tour down the Appian Way from the Aurelian Wall through the Ancient Appian Way Regional Park and Caffarella Park is the perfect way to explore this historic road and the ancient sites along its route through the Roman countryside. Appian Way tours include stops at sites like the thermal baths of Caracalla, the early Christian San Callisto Catacombs, the Circus of Maxentius, the tomb of Caecilia Metella, and the ancient Roman aqueducts. You can also join a guided small-group bus tour to explore the ancient road from central Rome.
Things to Know Before You Go
- If you are joining a hiking or cycling tour, be sure to wear comfortable clothing and shoes.
- Via Appia Antica and sites along its route are all open-air, so bring a hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water.
- Some of the archaeological sites along the route require an entrance fee.
How to Get There
Metro line A has a stop at Parco Appia Antica, close to the entrance for Via Appia Park.
When to Get There
The Appian Way and its sights are almost entirely outside, so it’s best to visit in the spring and fall when the weather is mild. It takes anywhere from a few hours to an entire day to explore the route on foot or bike, so plan on setting off in the morning.
Parco Regionale della Via Appia Antica
The initial stretch of the Appian Way, just outside Rome’s city center, is part of a regional park, and many of the archaeological sites along the route are located within the park’s confines.
Address: Via Appia Antica, Italy
From $ 19
Arab Street
Arab Street is a small area of Singapore, not far from the busy Bugis Junction in the Kampong Glam district. The area is full of unique shops and a vibrant street life. Many visitors discover Arab Street when visiting the grand Sultan Mosque (Musjid Sultan), a large and beautiful building built in 1924.
In the surrounding streets, keen shoppers can find the most wonderful selection of fabric; find yourself some gorgeous sari material or wonderfully textured linens and have it sewn up by the tailors located upstairs. There are plentiful cafes, great Middle Eastern food and even luxurious spa treatments available.
Other popular goods for purchase include spices, woven baskets and fresh fruit. The more ambitious can try a shisha (hooka-style pipe) in one of the many late-night cafés, or listen to the live music at venues such as Blue Jazz.
It’s not all laid back and traditional in this area though. Head to Bali Lane for hardcore punk music and gothic glam clothing!
Address: Singapore
From $ 35
Aranjuez
In the 16th century the royals of Spain liked to take their holidays in Aranjuez, 29 miles (48km) from Madrid. Phillip II developed a small holiday lodge into a magnificent palace, which was given its final majestic appearance by Charles III.
The most striking features of the Palacio Real de Aranjuez (Royal Palace in Aranjuez) are the red and white façade, the Rococo staircase and the Porcelain Room which has walls lined with porcelain.
The gardens are world-famous and include the Museo de Faluas Reales (Museum of the Royal Barges); in which you can see how King Charles IV and King Ferdinand VII of Spain traveled as well as maritime instruments and paintings. The whole complex is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
One of the nicest ways to reach the palace is on The Strawberry Train. Departing for the first time in 1851, this was only the second railway in Spain. You can ride the restored train, complete with fresh strawberries to eat, from Madrid Railway Museum to Aranjuez on weekends from May to June and September to November.
The most striking features of the Palacio Real de Aranjuez (Royal Palace in Aranjuez) are the red and white façade, the Rococo staircase and the Porcelain Room which has walls lined with porcelain.
The gardens are world-famous and include the Museo de Faluas Reales (Museum of the Royal Barges); in which you can see how King Charles IV and King Ferdinand VII of Spain traveled as well as maritime instruments and paintings. The whole complex is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
One of the nicest ways to reach the palace is on The Strawberry Train. Departing for the first time in 1851, this was only the second railway in Spain. You can ride the restored train, complete with fresh strawberries to eat, from Madrid Railway Museum to Aranjuez on weekends from May to June and September to November.
Address: Spain
From $ 67
Apoyo Lagoon Natural Reserve (Laguna de Apoyo)
A crystalline lagoon just a short drive from Granada, Apoyo Lagoon Natural Reserve (Reserva Natural Laguna de Apoyo) is one of the most popular natural attractions in Nicaragua. Get away from the city for a few hours of kid-approved water sports, or hang out and relax all day in a lounge chair poised on the rim of this beautiful crater lake.
The Basics
At Laguna de Apoyo, you can swim in thermally heated waters, rent kayaks or scuba diving equipment, or enjoy views of the lake and surrounding forest from a lakefront bar or restaurant. Though it’s possible to spend the night, most people find that a day trip from Managua or Granada is the easiest way to visit for just the right amount of time. Most day trips also include such nearby attractions as the Mirador de Catarina or Masaya Volcano.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Laguna de Apoyo is a top pick for visitors to Nicaragua.
- Bring your camera to capture views of nearby Mombacho volcano.
- Sun protection can be hard to find at the lagoon, so bring your own.
How to Get There
Laguna de Apoyo is centrally located roughly 20 minutes from Granada and Masaya and just over an hour from Managua. The easiest way to visit is with private transportation, a taxi, or on a guided tour, as most daily public buses stop about a 1.5-hour walk from the lagoon.
When to Get There
Thanks to thermal vents inside the crater, Apoyo Lagoon remains at a pleasant swimming temperature year-round. Plan to visit early in the morning before the crowds arrive and the sun gets too strong.
Forested Shores
Laguna de Apoyo Natural Reserve is part of a tropical dry-forest ecosystem with a diverse wildlife population. The reserve is home to more than 500 species of plants and tropical dry trees, as well as more than 200 documented birds species.
Address: Laguna de Apoyo, Granada, Nicaragua
From $ 139
Aquaventure Waterpark
Brave water rides, see marine animals, and much more at the Aquaventure Waterpark in Dubai. One of the Middle East's biggest and best water parks, it sits next to Atlantis, The Palm resort on Palm Jumeirah island. Visit for record-breaking slides, river rides, multiple pools, and a private beach spread over 42 acres (17 hectares) of seafront.
The Basics
Aquaventure offers everything from daredevil flumes, such as the near-vertical Leap of Faith, to the world’s biggest waterslide, kids’ areas, pools, and a super-long zipline. Visitors can relax between rides at the beach, restaurants, and shops, and enjoy an optional range of marine encounters.
You can choose a standard all-day admission ticket or combine your entry with a marine encounter, such as a shark safari or ray-feeding adventure, or admission to the Lost Chambers Aquarium at Atlantis. Other options include city tour and park admission combos and ticket-and-transfer deals that include return transport to the park.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Aquaventure is a must for water- and thrill-loving families, couples, and groups.
- Choose from multiple tickets: from all-day access to admission combined with experiences, such as ray feeding.
- Life vests are supplied, but bring your own swimwear and towels.
- Wear swimwear that’s respectful of local customs: See-through swimsuits, for instance, aren’t allowed.
- Don’t bring selfie sticks—they’re not permitted on any rides.
- Save time by prebooking tickets to avoid the often-long lines at the main ticket counter.
How to Get There
Aquaventure neighbors Atlantis, The Palm hotel, on the outer crescent of the Palm. Drive here along Crescent Road and The Avenues, or hire a cab from the nearest metro station, the Mall of the Emirates. Alternatively, ride the monorail here from Al Sufouh’s Gateway station, or book a tour that includes entry and round-trip transport from Dubai hotels.
When to Get There
Aquaventure is great for cooling off year-round. It’s busiest during Dubai’s peak November–April season, but whenever you visit, it’s sensible to arrive early to reduce waiting times. The park opens at 10am daily and closes at sunset—usually between 5:30pm and 7pm.
Finding the Top Attractions at Aquaventure
Thrill-seekers should hotfoot it to Aquaventure’s high-speed slides. Plunge down the Leap of Faith into a tube surrounded by sharks, and brave Poseidon’s Revenge: hurtling through a trapdoor into a 75-foot (23-meter) slide. Find the Leap of Faith at the Tower of Neptune and Poseidon’s Revenge further on, at the Tower of Poseidon.
Address: Crescent Road, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Admission: Varies
From $ 30
Appleton Estate
Largely regarded as one of Jamaica’s best rum distilleries, Appleton Estate has been producing the liquor since 1749, making it the country’s oldest sugar cane estate and distillery. With its sprawling sugar cane plantations and modern facilities, the estate covers a vast 11,000-acre plot in the fertile Nassau Valley, hemmed in by the Santa Cruz Mountains and the Black River. Today, the historic estate produces about 10 million liters of rum per year, including a variety of gold, white and aged rums.
The Appleton Estate is open to the public, and touring the distillery makes for a popular day trip from Negril or Montego Bay. As well as tasting an array of different rums, visitors can gain insight into the traditional distillation methods using 200-year-old copper pot stills, try their hand at time-honored methods of cane-juicing and sugar boiling, visit the barrel houses where the rum is aged and sample fresh sugar cane juice, while learning all about how rum is produced.
Practical Info
The Appleton Estate rum distillery is located in the Nassau Valley, on Jamaica’s South Coast. It is open to the public by guided tour only.
Address: Appleton Estate, St. Elizabeth, Jamaica
Hours: Monday - Saturday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
From $ 50
Appenzell
The village of Appenzell is the capital of the canton Appenzell Innerrhoden in eastern Switzerland. It is situated in the valley of Sitter, surrounded by green hills and dominated by a rural character. Appenzell isn’t a typical close-packed village and instead, is made up of free standing houses loosely grouped around the inner core. The parish church with the Gothic choir and massive tower rises over other stately homes such as the city hall, monasteries and other historical buildings. Hotels, cafés, traditional craft shops and stores located in brightly painted houses line the car-free main street. Especially impressive is the facade of the Löwen, which is painted with a huge variety of medicinal herbs. Just like the town houses, even the farm houses and adjoining barns in the region are known for being extremely colorful, often having bright yellow walls, red doors and green shutters. This tradition goes back centuries, when wealth was shown by being able to afford paint for ones facades.
Tradition and customs are held in high esteem in Appenzell and apart from many cultural events, Appenzell is especially worth a visit during the yearly alpine ascent and descent of cattle. At the beginning of spring and at the end of summer, farmers don colorful traditional garb and lead their cattle either up the mountains to the lush alpine pastures or back down into the valley. The ceremonial processions are a festive occasion and many people from near and far line the streets to watch the decorated farmers and cows, hear the singing and listen to the melodious clang of the heavy bells.
Practical Info
Appenzell is located in eastern Switzerland and can be reached by train from Zürich in just under two hours. A change of trains to the S23 is necessary in Gossau. From St. Gallen, the journey takes roughly 45 minutes.
Address: Appenzell, Switzerland
From $ 117
Aquatopia
Right across the road from Antwerp’s other great family attraction, the zoo, Aquatopia is housed in a biscuit-colored Art Deco building and aims to educate and entertain kids on life in our oceans. With seven, maze-like themed marine habitats from rainforest to mangrove swamp, it provides a stimulating way to teach children about the amazing natural world beneath the sea. More than 10,000 fish and reptiles from over 250 species – from sea horses to sharks to iguanas – are housed in 40 aquariums with interactive presentations providing information on each tank; glass tunnels lead underwater so youngsters can get up close to the rays, eels and striking angel fish, enjoy the colors of the coral and watch turtles lumbering through the water.
Practical Info
Prams are not permitted in the museum; there is safe storage by the entrance. Aquatopia is close to Central Station and easily accessed on foot from the city center; several buses and trams also stop close by. Combination tickets can be bought with Antwerp Zoo.
Address: Koningin Astridplein 7, Antwerp, Flanders 2018, Belgium
Hours: Daily 10am–6pm
Admission: adults (over 13) €14.95; children aged three–12 €10; family ticket from €32
From $ 15
Aquaria KLCC
Located on the concourse level of the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre in the middle of the Golden Triangle, Aquaria KLCC houses some 5,000 aquatic and marine creatures representing more than 150 species. The 60,000-square-foot (5,574-square-meter) aquarium explores the marine and freshwater flora and fauna of the Malaysian region and the world. Highlights include a 295-foot (90-meter) glass tunnel with a moving walkway, where visitors pass beneath giant stingrays, sand tiger sharks, sea turtles and schools of fish, as well as a wave tank and simulated glass bottom boat.
Throughout the day, the oceanarium’s team of scuba divers drop into the tanks for interactive animal feeding shows. Those who want a closer look at the animals can sign up for Dive with Sharks or Cage Rage experiences.
Practical Info
Aquaria KLCC is open daily until 8pm. Check feeding times online before you go so you don’t miss seeing your favorite animals chowing down.
Address: Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre Complex, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Hours: Daily 10:30am–8pm
From $ 15
Apple Museum
Found in the tangle of streets between Charles Bridge and Wenceslas Square in Prague’s spectacular Staré Město (Old Town), the Apple Museum sits neatly inside the Pop Art Gallery in a revamped 12th-century townhouse. The museum opened in December 2015 and is billed as the ‘largest private collection of Apple products in the world’. The displays in this homage to all things Apple include more than 470 original Apple products, and also highlight the backstory of the legendary founders of the company, Steve Jobs, who died in 2011, and his visionary sidekick, Steve Wozniak.
From the curiously toy-like Apple Mac from 1984 through the multi-colored iPods of the early 21st century to the MacBooks introduced 2012, the development of one of the world’s biggest brands is laid out in sleek displays guaranteed to appeal to kids and adults alike. Exhibits from Steve Jobs’ life include his college yearbooks, sneakers and his distinctive black roll neck jerseys; and after walking in his footsteps through the museum, there’s also a raw vegan restaurant where his favorite dishes are on offer.
Practical Info
Open daily 10am–10pm. Admission for adults is 245 CZK; students are 190 CZK; children are 110 CZK; family tickets are 595 CZK. All profits go to charity. The museum is about a five-minute walk from the Stare Mesto in a pedestrianized area.
Address: Husova 21, Prague 1, Central Bohemian Region 110 00, Czech Republic
Hours: Daily 10am–10pm
Admission: adults 245 CZK; students 190 CZK; children 110 CZK
From $ 6
Aquarium Sea Life Paris Val D'Europe
Housed inside the huge Val D'Europe shopping mall, the Aquarium Sea Life Paris makes an easy side-trip from Disneyland Paris and with more than 350 sea creatures to marvel over, it’s both fun and educational for the whole family.
Brave a walk through the 360-degree underwater tunnel where you can come face-to-face with 13 different species of shark; spot giant stingrays, menacing piranhas and a rainbow of colorful fish swimming in the 50 tanks; or journey through the 8 themed zones, including a peek into the waters of the Seine River and Nemo's Reef. Additional highlights include the majestic Green Sea Turtles and the touch pools where you can get up close to starfish and seahorses, while you can also watch the animal feedings, join a guided tour or follow a quiz trail to keep the younger members of the family entertained.
Practical Info
The SEA LIFE Aquarium is located in the Val d’ Europe shopping mall in Marne-la-Vallee, 32 km east of Paris and can be reached by high-speed train from central Paris. The aquarium is open daily from 10am-5:30pm.
Address: 14 Cours du Danube, Marne-la-Vallée, France
Hours: Open daily from 10am-5:30pm
Admission: Adults: 17,50€; Children (3-11) 13,90€
From $ 23
Apparition Hill
Located southwest of Mostar close to the Croatian border, Apparition Hill is a popular Catholic pilgrimage site and the famous home to sightings of apparitions of the Virgin Mary. Officially called Podbrdo Hill, it now draws more than a million visitors each year, making it the third most popular apparition site in Europe.
The Statue of Our Lady was built on top of the hill to mark the 20th anniversary of the first apparitions, which occurred in 1981. There are also 15 bronze reliefs representing the rosary that line the rocky path leading up the hill. In addition to its religious importance, the hill offers panoramic views around the valley below.
Apparition Hill is often visited on a day tour of Medjugorje from Dubrovnik or Split in Croatia. Choose a tour that includes time for a mass at St. James Church or a visit to the Kravice Waterfalls for a more tailored experience.
Practical Info
The nearest village to Apparition Hill is Medjugorje, located about 25 kilometers southwest of Mostar. You can arrive to Medjugorje from Mostar via the 48 bus, which runs throughout the day and is about a 45-minute ride. There is also a daily bus from Split and Dubrovnik in Croatia. For those wishing to stay overnight in Medjugorje, the town experienced a development boom after the Bosnian War and now has more than 1,000 hotel and hostel beds available for visitors.
The site includes a steep and rocky footpath up to the top of Apparition Hill, and is not accessible to wheelchairs. The hike may be challenging to beginning hikers, and it is not recommended to climb if there is a decent chance of rain, as the hike gets very slippery. If visiting the site in June and August, consider taking an early morning tour to avoid the high temperatures.
Address: Podbrdo Hill, Medjugorje, Bosnia and Herzegovina
From $ 199
AquaDom & SEA LIFE Berlin
AquaDom & Sea Life Berlin is an interactive aquarium with more than 5,000 underwater creatures and 37 displays. Ride an elevator through the AquaDom—a massive free-standing fish tank holding 264,172 gallons (1 million liters) of saltwater—and see animals such as giant Pacific octopus, manta rays, and sharks in the aquarium’s exhibits.
The Basics
Visit Sea Life Berlin with skip-the-line tickets to save time, and see a feeding-time demonstration at the massive AquaDom tank. You can also stop by the aquarium on a hop-on, hop-off city tour or experience Berlin’s top kid-friendly destinations with a combo ticket to Sea Life Berlin along with Legoland Discovery Centre Berlin, Madame Tussauds wax museum, Little Big City, and the Berlin Dungeon.
Things to Know Before You Go
- AquaDom & Sea Life Berlin is a must-see for families with kids.
- Most visitors spend one to two hours exploring the aquarium.
- A number of restaurants and coffee shops can be found near the aquarium.
How to Get There
AquaDom & Sea Life Berlin is located in Berlin Mitte, the city’s central borough, and is easy to reach by public transit. The U-Bahn (lines 2, 5, and 8) and S-Bahn both stop at nearby Alexanderplatz station, and many buses and trams are convenient to the aquarium. The attraction’s central location makes it a good jumping-off point for visiting popular sites such as the Brandenburg Gate (Brandenburger Tor), Alexanderplatz, and Museum Island (Museumsinsel).
When to Get There
The aquarium is open daily and you can visit year-round. To avoid crowds, go on a weekday or opt for an early morning or late afternoon visit. If you would like to watch animal feeding demonstrations, check the schedule prior to your visit.
Exhibits at Sea Life Berlin
Stop by the Octopus Garden to see the giant Pacific octopus along with related species such as cuttlefish and nautilus. At the Interactive Rockpool, you can learn about animals that live in rocky coastal areas and touch creatures such as sea stars and crabs. In the Atlantic Ocean exhibit, watch sharks swim among schools of wreckfish and eagle rays.
Address: Spandauer Strasse 3, Berlin, Germany
Admission: Varies
From $ 15
Aqua Fantasy Aquapark
Opened in June 2000, the Aqua Fantasy Aquapark near Selcuk is Turkey’s top water park, accommodating up to 5,000 guests every day. The park may be best known for its Super Combo four-in-one ride, considered by many to be one of Europe’s best designed water slides. Other popular rides include the Screamer, which provides the feeling of a vertical freefall while sliding and the Xtreme slide, where guests reach speeds up to 80 kilometers per hour. Other activities include water volleyball on an artificial beach, a wave pool with 10 different kinds of waves, an adult pool with a swim up bar and Jacuzzi, and the relaxing Blue Lagoon and Lazy Adventure River. And of course, there is a kids’ pool for the little ones.
Practical Info
The Aqua Fantasy Aquapark is located about 15 minutes southwest of Selcuk and 20 minutes north of Kusadasi. For those wishing to stay overnight, the Aqua Fantasy Hotel is adjacent to the water park. Facilities in the park include a food court, lockers and showers. Cash cannot be used within the park; visitors must load money onto a “splash card” obtained at the entrance.
Address: Ephesus Beach, Selcuk, Turkey
Hours: Varies seasonally
Admission: Adults: €30; Children 10+: €24; Ages 4-9: €17; Under 3: Free
From $ 28
Arad Fort
Strategically located overlooking a number of sea passages, Arad Fort is one of Bahrain's most important fortified castles, and is a classic example of Islamic fort architecture in the 15th and 16th centuries. It used to guard a separate island of its own, but the fort has since been connected to Muharraq Island.
Arad Fort was used as a defensive fortress throughout various phases of Bahrain’s history, and was the site of many conflicts, including the country’s occupation by the Portuguese in the 16th century. It has undergone various construction phases throughout the years and is now open to the public to visit, as well as playing host to a number of seasonal festivals.
History and military buffs, as well as those interested in architecture, will be particularly enchanted, with three archeological layers of the fort to explore. Among the site, there’s a trench, two wells, a canal, plus lookout towers at each of the fort’s four corners with passages that connect them.
A visit to Arad Fort can be combined with other attractions in the area to make for a fun and informative day out for all ages. A full day tour to discover the highlights of Bahrain might include visiting Al Fateh Grand Mosque, the Bahrain National Museum, Al Areen Wildlife Park, and Bahrain International Circuit.
Practical Info
The fort is located in Arad, near Muharraq, around a 15-minute drive from the capital city of Manama. It is also only a five-minute drive from Bahrain International Airport.
Did You Know? Arad Fort was restored in the 1980s using only traditional materials, such as coral stone and tree trunks, so as to maintain the historic authenticity of the structure.
Address: Road No. 4233, Muharraq, Bahrain
Hours: 7am-2pm, Sunday to Wednesday / 9am-6pm, Thursday and Saturday / 3pm-6pm, Friday
Admission: BD0.2
From $ 107