A 10-minute tram journey north of Piazza del Popolo, MAXXI is a museum of 21st-century art and architecture. Opened to much fanfare in 2010 in a landmark building by the Anglo-Iraqi architect Zaha Hadid, it’s primarily a venue for temporary exhibitions of contemporary art and architecture (though it does have small collections of its own). From iconic landmarks like the Colosseum and the Vatican to hidden gems found in quaint neighbourhoods, Rome seamlessly blends its storied past with a vibrant present. Whether you’re a history buff, an art enthusiast, a food lover, or simply a curious traveller, Rome’s captivating charm is bound to leave an indelible mark on your heart.
Atlas Obscura is about intriguing people to travel with its attractive and quirky guides and travel content. It publishes stories focusing on nature, science, culture, history, food, and hidden wonders. If you love sights that are hidden, weird, or rare, this travel guide is the perfect choice for you.
🍷 The 5 Best Swan Valley Wine Tours 2025 Reviews
Book accommodation as soon as possible, and at least 6-12 months in advance, especially for peak times in July and August. We prefer to pay the higher rate for flexible bookings on both Booking.com and Plum Guide. From your research, you probably have an idea of where you want to go. You may want to visit the popular cities and regions on your first trip; however, each city and region in Italy offers something special.
The name, meaning “hot springs,” comes from the Moors who conquered here in the 8th century. Tours last 2.5 hours and are a great intro to the city and its iconic sights. The Cannaregio neighbourhood may not have any major attractions, but it is a place to stay to experience the atmosphere of Venice. Cannaregio is a less crowded residential neighbourhood that offers a more local and authentic experience.
The Castles and Palaces of Sintra, Portugal
The old-town area west of the Ramblas is known as El Raval (from the Arabic word for “suburb”). In medieval times, it was the site of hospitals, churches and monasteries, but by the twentieth century, it had acquired a reputation as the city’s main red-light district, known to all as the Barri Xinès – China Town. Even today in the backstreets around c/de Sant Pau and c/Nou de la Rambla are found pockets of sleaze, while a handful of old bars trade on their former reputations as bohemian hangouts. Over the last two decades, however, El Raval has changed markedly, particularly in the “upper Raval” around Barcelona’s contemporary art museum, MACBA. Cutting-edge galleries, designer restaurants and fashionable bars are all part of the scene these days, although you’d hesitate to call El Raval gentrified, as it clearly still has its rough edges. If you want to visit Seville Spain with a city break, it is advisable to take at least two full days to visit the city in Spain.
- Use GetYourGuide or Airbnb experiences to find walking tours, or look at this list.
- Athens is a good year-round destination; the weather is best in the spring and fall, but archaeological sites and museums are open throughout the winter, and there is the benefit of lower rates and thinner crowds in the off-season.
- Long-distance buses (called coaches in the U.K.) are the cheapest way to get around.
- Green, clean and keen to please, Slovenia might lack the pulling power of its heavyweight neighbours, but this charming country is rich in rewards for traveller…
- Visitors today enter the Tower along Water Lane, but in times gone by most prisoners were delivered through Traitors’ Gate, on the waterfront.
- A great observing point around Moscow is located nearby on Vorobyovy hills, next to the main building of Lomonosov Moscow State University.
- With its emphasis on economics and consumerism, Hong Kong offers the greatest variety and concentration of shops and shopping on earth, along with a colossal range of cuisines, and vistas of sea and island, green mountains and futuristic cityscapes.
- Our ‘Explore’ section brings to you the glittering array of top sights, picturesque neighborhoods, and atmospheric districts.
- Tolerant of other religions, Mehmet actively encouraged Greek and Armenian Christians to take up residence in the city.
- Discover Britain and Ireland’s top tourist towns for yourself with a self-guided walking tour of these world-famous British and Irish cities.
How many days do you need in Bali?
By the end of the fifteenth century, Torcello was largely deserted – even the bishop lived in Murano – and today fewer than a dozen people remain in residence. Held on the first Sunday in September, the Regata Storica is the annual trial of strength and skill for the city’s gondoliers and other expert rowers. It starts with a procession of historic craft along the Canal Grande course, their crews all decked out in a period dress, followed by a series of races right up the canal.
Los Angeles food & drink guide: 10 things to try in Los Angeles, California
It’s one of the few countries in the world whose national animal is extinct, eradicated by hunting in the seventeenth century. • As there is little industry on the island, Mauritius has the second cleanest air on earth according to the global air quality ranking issued by the World Health Organization (WHO). • Mauritius is around the world’s seventeenth most densely populated country, with just over 1.3 million inhabitants and a density of 644 people per square kilometre. The benefits of Thailand’s economic boom since the 1980s have been concentrated in Bangkok, attracting migration from all over the country and making the capital ever more dominant.
- Treat yourself to authentic Italian gelato, a velvety delight that comes in a myriad of flavours.
- Now you will find a sacred archaeological site that holds wonder and ancient history.
- You can also save your favorite places and experiences in a destination and view them on a map.
- Download your trip plan and access it anytime, even without an internet connection.
- Ask also to be shown filling points for oil, water and petrol and check that all the keys do what they are supposed to do – we’ve left Kampala before with a car we later discovered could not be locked!
- Demand increased for more and more Rough Guide content; they released a guidebook series for people who were eager for more.
- The city is sprawling and traffic can be relentless, so staying somewhere with easy access to the Skytrain (BTS), subway (MRT), or river ferries will save you a lot of time.
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We go through what clothes you need to pack, as well as toiletries, medication, travel accessories, essentials, things for kids, and even what type of luggage to use. Where will I find the best ice cream, and what do I do if it rains? Our blog, available in German and English, is definitely the best guide for all your Berlin-related questions and needs – at least according to the staggeringly high click rates. Bali is a paradise because of the whole package it offers, and not because it looks like a “white sandy beach coconut tree postcard” wherever you go.
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The park boasts a diverse range of ecosystems, including dense forests, savannahs, and pristine beaches. Inland Ubud and its surrounding area form Bali’s cultural heartland, home to a huge number of temples, museums and art galleries. The town hosts Balinese dance shows nightly and has a wealth of craft studios that provide absorbing shopping, too. Only devotees are allowed to climb the stairway carved from the rock face and enter the compounds – everyone else is confined to the grey beach beneath the rock (which gets submerged at high tide).
Rome Travel Guide
Shortly before going to print in late 2019, the revived national carrier Uganda Airlines announced it intends to resume flights between Entebbe and several other cities in eastern and southern Africa. None of this, though, should provide a practical obstacle to gay and lesbian travellers visiting Uganda, provided they are willing to be discreet about their sexuality. Some, however, might well regard it to be an ethical stumbling block. To celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday in 2017, we jumped in an SUV and drove across Canada for 150 days to experience some of the best things to do in Canada while interviewing people about what makes Canada special. We drove coast to coast to coast, starting in Newfoundland, going all the way up to the Arctic Ocean, down to the Pacific, and back to our home province of Alberta. It was spectacular and we’d love to show you what it was like in our videos.
For first-timers, areas like Sukhumvit, Silom, and Riverside offer a good balance of convenience, comfort, and access to top attractions. For a more local vibe with great street food, consider staying around Ari or Victory Monument. And if you’re here for temples and culture, the Old City puts you near the Grand Palace and Wat Pho. With no railways, public transport on Bali is mainly buses and bemos (minibuses on set, long-distance routes).
- However, to ensure a reliable internet connection and avoid dependence on Wi-Fi, it is recommended to buy a Vietnamese SIM card.
- Now, however, you can reach the opera house from a passageway in the corner of the arcading.
- We’re also rolling out the red carpet for a new UK City of Culture, celebrating 250 years of an iconic British writer (inspiration for many a rom-com) and showcasing rugby’s top talents.
- In Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens you’ll find a large segment of greenery that separates wealthy west London from the city centre.
- Read our first-timer’s guide to India, and get yourself The Rough Guide to India to start planning your trip.
- Across Tokyo Bay, connected by the striking Rainbow Bridge, sits Odaiba.
- The Troubles took their toll on the economic life of Belfast, but the past ten years of peace have returned much prosperity while the genuine friendliness of the city never left.
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Even in those rare cases where you can use public transport to reach a park, you’ll almost certainly need some sort of vehicle to explore it once you’re there. The Alaska parks are mostly howling wilderness, with virtually no roads or facilities for tourists – you’re on your own. This guide has been written by travellers like yourself and is designed to help you plan your stay in Rome, so that you get the most out of the city as possible, whether you’re staying for 2 days or a month. Find out what the top attractions and the best places to eat are, which museums are worthwhile, https://softfootprints.com/ and where to stay in Rome.
It wouldn’t win any prizes for design in Europe, but in Seoul the towering spire and red brick walls are appealingly incongruous. Nearby is the Bank of Korea Museum (한국 은행 화폐금융 박물관), though the notes and coins on display are less interesting than the building itself, which was designed and built by the Japanese in the first years of their occupation. Stretching north from the shores of Lake Huron and Lake Superior, northern Ontario is almost entirely flat, give or take the odd ridge and chasm, an endless expanse of forest and lake pouring over the mineral-rich rocks of the Canadian Shield.
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Find real and unique Scottish experiences on our Scotland travel blog. From crashing waves on our rugged coastlines to live trad music in our local pubs, step away from the everyday and experience a true Scottish welcome. Turkey’s coastline is a paradise of clear blue waters, ancient ruins, and charming seaside towns. Cruise on a traditional gulet, swim in hidden coves, or explore Lycian tombs along the way.
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Taxi – Taxis are not cheap here, but you’ll rarely need to use one. The base rate is 4 EUR, and it’s an additional 2 EUR per kilometer afterward. There are also over one hundred bus lines around Berlin that get you anywhere you need to go, especially on weeknights after the trains shut down. There are a handful of tram lines around Berlin’s central neighborhoods, but they’re not as fast or efficient as the trains.
- In Lisbon, stroll through the labyrinth of streets covered in colorful tiles.
- Explore this historic and artistic neighborhood with its cobblestone streets and colonial houses.
- Chinatown and the Bugis/Waterloo Street area are places where you might stumble upon performances.
- Unlike restaurants, bars and clubs generally stay open throughout August.
- Even without climbing, the presence of the mountain and the serene Fuji Sengen-jinja shrine provide a memorable experience.
- It may be a bit rainy, but you can still enjoy the city without much inconvenience.
Traverse its corridors, and envision the roars of the crowd and the valour of gladiators. To delve deeper into its history, consider a guided tour that unravels the tales concealed within these mighty walls. Immerse yourself in the vibrant pulse of Rome by exploring its markets. Campo de’ Fiori, a bustling square during the day, unveils a vibrant market scene offering fresh produce, fragrant flowers, and artisanal goods. But it’s at night that Campo de’ Fiori truly comes alive, becoming a focal point for dining and socializing.
Costa Dorada culture: from ancient sites to modernist architecture
Places like Antalya and Fethiye blend relaxation, adventure, and history, making the coast an unforgettable escape. Recently recognised as being one of the top 10 gardens in the world, Mount Stewart is a rich tapestry of planting plant life and stunning walking trails. The house dates back to the 19th century, and was the Irish seat of the Vane-Tempest-Stewart family.
Bali
While it’s not the most pleasant experience, the benefits you’ll receive afterward will enable you to understand why Russians are loyal to their banya. However, if you have driven in New York City, Rome or Athens before, then it’s not that hard to get accustomed to Moscow traffic. Just don’t try to drive across the city during rush hours or you can be stuck for as long as 3 hours in traffic jams. Check one of the many traffic jam information websites before you start your journey. MCD (reads as Em-Tse-De) service of frequent trains – similar to Berlin’s S-Bahn or Paris’ RER – started on two lines, so some railway rides can be paid by Troika card.
In Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens you’ll find a large segment of greenery that separates wealthy west London from the city centre. East of the City, the East End and Docklands are equally notorious, but in entirely different ways. Traditionally working-class, the East End is not conventional tourist territory, but its long history of immigration is as fascinating as is its more recent emergence as a bolthole for artists. See the “mother of all parliaments” at work from the public gallery; book in advance to attend Question Time or take a summertime guided tour. If you’re planning a day out to our historic sites, why not make a cycle ride there, back or between sites part of the fun?
For sightseeing, tours, hiking, and exploring the best months to go to Greece are late March to early June, and late September to and early November. Travel to the Greek Islands is not recommended between November and March; the weather will be gray, windy, and often rainy, and many most hotels and restaurants will be shuttered for the season. Athens is a good year-round destination; the weather is best in the spring and fall, but archaeological sites and museums are open throughout the winter, and there is the benefit of lower rates and thinner crowds in the off-season.
The most invigorating American expeditions are often those that take in more than one region. Unless you’re travelling to and within a centralized location such as New York City, you’ll need a car – that mandatory component of life in the USA. The Berardo Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art has a wide selection of works by Warhol, Picasso, Dali, Duchamp, Bacon, Pollock, and many other masters. Its permanent and temporary exhibits have works representing dozens of modern movements from the past century.
The original border post on Friedrichstraße between former East and West Berlin remains, complete with a soldier’s post and border crossing sign. The museum has exhibits on the history of the Berlin Wall along with displays about people who attempted to escape to the West. You do have to pay to visit the museum and audio guides and photo permits are an extra fee. This travel guide to Berlin can help you plan your trip, save money, and ensure you have an amazing time in this lively metropolis.
Kuta’s reputation among the young and wild, mostly coming from Australia, is legendary. In high season and in November Kuta feels at times like a spring break fantasy. Seminyak offers the widest range of places to go out, also more upbeat and classy, while Canggu is catching up, even though the vibe in Canggu is more relaxed and less “crazy”. You might have heard in the news, that Bali’s former Governor Koster issued a decree, forbidding climbing Bali’s mountains. This came as a response of several social media posts, were tourists gravely misbehaved, disrespecting the holy sites and Bali’s cultural integrity overall. Yet, this decree has not been enforced and as it turned out, was not based on legal ground.
Obviously, you know Tripadvisor, famed for both its usefulness and weird reviews. It is a one-stop place to read travel guides, get advice and tips, make reservations, and plan trips. Its travel guidebooks, available in both digital and print form, come under a variety of categories such as regions, countries, cities, hikes, treks, etc.
So it’s important to plan well and know what kind of trip you want to make. You can also travel by train for most of the trip and only rent a car for a few days when you really need it. Mumbai’s local trains carry an estimated 7.5 million commuters each day between downtown and the sprawling suburbs in the north. Carriages are packed for most of the day, with passengers dangling precariously out of open doors to escape the crush.
