capital of tourist destination

The 13 best things to do in Lima

Nov 9, 2023 • 7 min read

Enjoy the best of what Lima has to offer with our insider tips © Guillermo Spelucin / Getty Images

The coastal capital city of Lima showcases what makes Peru a leading tourist destination: world-class gastronomy, ancient ruins and breathtaking natural landscapes.

Of course, as a metropolitan capital, Lima does it all with a modern and urban style. Start planning your trip now with our insider's list of unmissable experiences.

1. Meander along the malecón

A smoothly paved path that follows the natural curves of Lima’s coastal cliffside, the malecón is an iconic part of Peru’s capital. Covering roughly 10km (6 miles), the malecón extends through a handful of Lima’s most popular neighborhoods .

Rent a bike, go for a jog or simply stroll along this pathway that is dotted with green spaces, art and children’s parks.

Local tip:  Streets in Lima can have several names, so Ave Arequipa is also known as Garcilaso de la Vega or Wilson. Some names reappear in different districts, so be sure to indicate the right neighborhood if you're getting a taxi. To top it off, you'll see tiles indicating colonial street names that are no longer in use. Your best bet is to look for the green street signs and use well-known landmarks for orientation.

2. Tour Museo Larco and sip pisco sour at Queirolo

Less hip than Barranco and not nearly as swanky as Miraflores, Pueblo Libre is like a hidden jewel, quietly waiting to be discovered by tourists.

One of its must-see sites is Museo Larco , an incredible museum that houses 30,000 cataloged ancient pottery artifacts – and a cheeky pre-Columbian erotic ceramics collection. 

After touring Museo Larco (and admiring its lush garden), head over to the legendary Antigua Taberna Queirolo for a proper pisco sour.

3. Paraglide above the spectacular Pacific coast

Take in a bird’s-eye view of the City of Kings and Lima’s coastline on an unforgettable paragliding excursion. In the Miraflores section of the malecón, tourists can find a reputable agency offering tandem (harnessed in with an experienced guide) paraglide sessions every day of the year. The flight time lasts 10 minutes and is a pure adrenaline rush. 

4. Splurge at one of the world’s best restaurants

Lima has been considered a top culinary destination for over a decade and is privileged with access to the bounty of exotic produce and superfoods that derive from all regions of Peru. Set aside a budget to spend at one of the world-renowned restaurants in the city. 

Central and Kjolle offer exciting concepts that focus on tubers, flowers and grains from the Amazon and Andes; discover nikkei (Peruvian-Japanese fusion) at Maido ; or greet the godfather of popular Peruvian gastronomy, Gaston Acurio, at Astrid y Gaston . 

Local tip:  The country’s fusion cuisine, criollo cooking – a singular blend of Spanish, Andean, Chinese and African influences – is without parallel at neighborhood eateries as well as super-chic restaurants. 

5. Take a surfing or paddle board class

Though it was built on top of a desert, Lima’s unique coastal position makes it a haven for aquaphiles.

The only South American capital kissed by the Pacific, visitors to Lima should take advantage of the easy beach access by signing up for a surf or paddle board lesson. Boards, wetsuits and instructors can be found simply by taking a stroll on the beach.

Planning tip: Despite the newspaper warnings about pollution, limeños (inhabitants of Lima) hit the beaches in droves in summer (January through March). Playa Costa Verde in Miraflores (nicknamed Waikiki) is a favorite of local surfers and has good breaks year-round. Serious surfers head to Playa La Herradura in Chorrillos, which has waves up to five meters (16ft) high during good swells. 

6. Follow the locals to the best street food stalls

Thanks to Lima’s street food scene, you can eat out for nearly every meal without breaking the bank. In the mornings, street corners host carts selling quinoa, a warm drink made with the nutritious pseudo-grain, apples and spices like cinnamon and clove.

By late afternoon, carts in Parque Kennedy are stocked with the fixings to put together a pan con chicharron (fried pork sandwich) and picarones (fried squash doughnuts drizzled in chancaca syrup).

Local tip:  If you want an encyclopedic primer on Peruvian cooking, look no further than Gaston Acurio's Peru: The Cookbook, published in 2015. It features 500 traditional home cooking recipes from the country’s most acclaimed and popular chef. 

7. Stroll the olive groves of Bosque el Olivar

It doesn’t take long to feel your nature-loving side stifled by the concrete jungle that is Lima. Get a breath of fresh air and visit the picturesque Bosque El Olivar in San Isidro. Stroll amongst 1500 olive trees that were planted four centuries ago, gaze upon the koi pond or simply spread out a blanket and enjoy a good book. 

8. Visit galleries and boutiques in Barranco

Bohemian, trendy, artsy – Barranco is bestowed with numerous adjectives that paint it as one of (if not the) most popular districts in Lima. Luckily, you can immerse yourself in the creative scene for free by visiting galleries and boutique shops such as Las Pallas , Dédalo  and Crisis Galeria .

Full of street art as well, there is no shortage of art and culture in Barranco, an extremely walkable district.

9. Explore South America’s largest collection of catacombs

Do you dare to walk a network of subterranean passageways lurking beneath the streets of Lima’s Historic Center? Before the first cemetery in Lima was built, 25,000 crypts were put to rest just below the 16th-century Monasterio de San Francisco . A bit eerie, a guided visit to the Lima catacombs can be followed up with a tour of the Historic Center.

10. Splash around at the Magic Water Circuit

Couples, families and those young at heart will delight in a visit to the colorful Magic Water Circuit . The open-air park is best visited at night when a rainbow of lights reflects upon the active water fountains.

If visiting during Lima’s summer months, a day visit is less colorful but all the more refreshing as you walk beneath a tunnel of fountains to cool off. 

Local tip:  Some good news if you're traveling with kids – this is a very family-oriented society and children are treasured. However, the city streets can be chaotic. If your family isn't used to navigating a busy city and you need to take refuge, head to LarcoMar Mall in the Miraflores district.

11. Visit the incredible Huaca Pucllana, a pre-Inca pyramid

Tucked in the heart of bustling Miraflores, Huaca Pucllana once served as an administrative and ceremonial center for the ancient Lima culture. Built around 400 CE, the mud-brick pyramid predates Inca masterpieces like Machu Picchu.

To add to its mystique, a group of mummies was discovered on site as recently as 2010. Daily tours are available.

Local tip : It's incredible by day but time your visit so you can experience both day and night. There’s also a celebrated restaurant here which offers incredible views of the illuminated ruins at night. 

12. Sample the flavors of Peru in Surquillo’s market

As the capital of Peru, Lima is a melting pot of ingredients indigenous to the coast, jungle and highlands of Peru.

Feast your eyes on a rainbow of produce in the Surquillo market, one of the best examples of district food markets in Lima.

The vendors are happy to explain where curious fruits like chirimoya (custard apple) and granadilla derive and to discuss the nutritional value of seeds like sacha inchi that have been consumed since the time of the Incas. This is also a great place to dig into incredibly fresh ceviche. Just look for the stall with the most locals.

13. Indulge your tastebuds with Peru’s best chocolate

Tucked in the charming district of Barranco, El Cacaotal is like an edible museum of cacao products from all regions of Peru. The shop sells Peruvian craft chocolate and specialty coffee curated by certified tasters who are happy to tell you the full story and process behind each bar and bean.

Hop in and ask them about their tasting courses for a fun and educational Lima experience. 

This article was first published April 2022 and updated November 2023

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Paris, capital of France , is one of the most important and influential cities in the world. In terms of tourism, Paris is the second most visited city in Europe after London. In this travel guide, you’ll find out about the city’s top attractions , as well as useful travel advice on how to get to Paris and how to save money whilst traveling .

Paris Travel Guide

• General Information
• Top Attractions
• Getting to Paris
• Money-saving tips
• Where to Eat
• Where to stay in Paris
• 2-Day Paris Itinerary

Why Visit Paris?

The capital of France seems to have been designed specifically for the enjoyment of its visitors . Its streets, squares , buildings, gardens , and monuments  beckon tourists to return, and indeed, many do.

Some of the most memorable things to do in Paris include visiting the Eiffel Tower , the Arc de Triomphe , and Notre Dame Cathedral . During the evening, experiencing one of the legendary Moulin Rouge cabaret shows,   strolling through some of the most picturesque neighborhoods , like Montmartre , or climbing the  Montparnasse Tower is a must.

It's always a good time to visit Paris. Depending on where you fly from, you can either make the most of the low-cost airlines flying into the city from other European cities or take one of its direct flights from further away destinations. If you have children, why not surprise them with a trip to Disneyland ?

How to Organize Your Trip?

Before traveling to this unique city, we suggest reading a little about its history and discovering useful information  about Paris, which will certainly help you organise your stay. 

Once you find out about the top attractions in Paris , the must-see museums , the best areas to stay,  and the typical French cuisine , all you’ll have to do is pack your suitcase and prepare to discover one of the most romantic cities in the world.

Need Accommodation?

If you still don't have accommodation booked, we recommend you visit our search engine, where you’ll find all types of hotels, hostels, and apartments  with the best rates guaranteed (with up to 75% discount). Besides, in most cases, you'll only have to pay once you get to your destination. 

• Hotels in Paris - Find the best deals online

top activities

Seine River Cruise Drift down the Seine River on a sightseeing riverboat during the day or at night—an unforgettable experience that offers unparalleled views of Paris .

Moulin Rouge Official Tickets Experience the glamour of Moulin Rouge with tickets to the spectacular Féerie show . Enjoy French champagne and dazzling performances at this world-class venue.

Ticket to the Musée d'Orsay Manet, Renoir, Monet... Buying a ticket to the Musée d'Orsay will give you the chance to see some of the most famous impressionist paintings in the world.

Lunch at Madame Brasserie, The Eiffel Tower's Restaurant At this  lunch at Madame Brasserie you'll enjoy an exquisite menu in the restaurant on the first floor of the Eiffel Tower , with Paris at your feet!  

Disneyland Day Trip Discover the magical world of Disneyland Paris on this day trip from Paris! The tour includes return transportation and entry to 1 or 2 of the parks .

Private Tour of Paris By booking our private walking tour of Paris, a professional guide will be exclusively at the service of you and your friends or family.

Paris Hop On Hop Off Bus, Big Bus A Paris Big Bus tour is one of the most comfortable & enjoyable ways to explore the city. Discover the city hopping off & back on at any of its stops .

Palace of Versailles Day Trip + Train Tour the halls of France's most famous palace with this Palace of Versailles Day Trip + Train. The guide will also show you around the impressive gardens.

Arc de Triomphe Ticket Visit one of the most emblematic monuments in Paris with the official-price ticket to the Arc de Triomphe . You'll have access to the viewpoint and exhibition !

Day Trip to Bruges Bruges is the most visited city in Belgium and one of the most fascinating medieval cities in Europe . Discover the city on a walking tour and on a canal cruise.

Tour of the Palace of Versailles Discover Versailles , a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the world’s most famous palace on this half-day trip from Paris. See the iconic palace gardens!

Eiffel Tower 3rd Floor Entrance This entrance to the 3rd floor of the Eiffel Tower gives you access to one of the best viewpoints in Paris. You'll get spectacular views of the City of Light .

Free Walking Tour of Paris Immerse yourself in "The City of Lights" with  a guided tour around the French Capital , discovering the Louvre, the Seine and Notre Dame. What's more, it's free!

Montmartre Free Walking Tour Take a free tour through the narrow streets of the most cultural and artistic of Paris' districts , where Picasso and Van Gogh sought out inspiration.

Paris Crazy Horse Cabaret Ticket Be enthralled by an unforgettable show and book your Paris Crazy Horse Cabaret Ticket. You'll experience Paris' most famous and glamorous cabarets.

Paris Pantheon Ticket Discover the fascinating Paris Pantheon, the final resting place of Victor Hugo, Voltaire, Alexandre Dumas and other distinguished French citizens.

Dinner Cruise on the Seine Admire the remarkable monuments of Paris lit up while you savor a gourmet dinner on a panoramic Seine cruise  – an unforgettable experience!

Louvre Museum Guided Tour Explore the most-visited museum in the world  and find out about its greatest artworks with a professional English-speaking guide.

Opera Garnier Ticket By booking a ticket to the Opera Garnier in Paris , visitors will explore the interior of this beautiful Neo-Baroque building at their leisure– a must-see!

Paris Catacombs Ticket Discover the underground galleries around one of the most disturbing cemeteries in the French capital with this Paris Catacombs Tour.

Claude Monet's House & Gardens in Giverny Tour Giverny is a picturesque village located one hour away from Paris. Visit Claude Monet’s house and beautiful garden and dive into the Impressionism movement.

Bel Canto Dinner + Opera Show Looking for different plans in Paris ? At this dinner with an opera show at Bel Canto  you'll be treated to a delicious  menu while enjoying  opera performances!

Sainte-Chapelle & Conciergerie Ticket Visit two of the most beautiful monuments in Paris on the same day and  save money with this ticket to the Sainte-Chapelle and the Conciergerie .

Montmartre: Lost Lovers Puzzle Hunt On this Lost Lovers Puzzle Hunt in Montmartre , you'll solve puzzles on an app that'll take you on a walking tour through the bohemian district of Paris!

Access  the Eiffel Tower and admire breathtaking views over Paris . You'll be able to go up to the 2nd floor and take in the immense beauty of this city!

Conciergerie Ticket A royal medieval palace turned into a prison during the French Revolution : discover the history of the Conciergerie during your visit!

Paris Open-Top Big Bus Night Tour On this open-top Big Bus night tour of Paris , you'll have a spectacular view of the City of Light. You'll see the city's most iconic monuments lit up!

Eiffel Tower Tickets and Seine Cruise With priority access , climb directly to the Eiffel Tower’s observation decks and admire breath-taking views over Paris and then enjoy a relaxing cruise.

Saint German des Prés Classical Music Concert Enjoy the best classical music with a concert in the church of Saint Germain des Prés , located in the heart of the historic centre of Paris.

In this perfume workshop in Paris , we'll teach you how to make your own Eau de Toilette following the techniques of Fragonard experts.

Mont Saint Michel Day Trip Visit Mont Saint Michel : a UNESCO World Heritage site, place of pilgrimage and one of France’s most popular and emblematic landmarks.

Sacré-Coeur Basilica Guided Tour Discover one of the most iconic landmarks in Paris , located in Montmartre, with this Sacré-Coeur Basilica Guided Tour. An architectural work of art awaits!

Vincent Van Gogh Walking Tour On this guided tour you'll walk in the footsteps of Vincent van Gogh . We'll visit Auvers-Sur-Oise to discover the place where the painter spent his final year . 

Paris Hop-On-Hop-Off Boat Sail along the Seine River on board a Batobus , Paris’ hop-on hop-off boat, and disembark and embark as many times as you wish for 24 or 48 hours .

Centre Pompidou Tickets With your Centre Pompidou tickets , you'll see one of the best collections of modern and contemporary art in the world. Dive into Paris' rich art culture!

Stade de France Tour This Stade de France tour takes you to Saint-Denis, where you can find this icon of sport which has played host to World Cup finals in both Football and Rugby.

Musée du quai Branly - Jacques Chirac Ticket With this ticket to the Musée du Quai Branly - Jacques Chirac , you'll visit one of the most outstanding anthropological collections in Paris!

Paris Mysteries & Legends Free Tour On this Paris Mysteries & Legends Free Tour , you'll learn about the city's countless squares and alleyways that have witnessed murder, plagues and war!

Paris Archaeological Crypt Ticket Learn about Notre Dame and venture underneath the church to explore the remains of the Île de la Cité with this Paris Archaeological Crypt Ticket !

Ticket for the Ballon de Paris Generali With your  ticket to the Ballon de Paris Generali , you'll enjoy the best views of the French capital from a tethered balloon anchored in the André Citroën Park

Paris City Tour, Seine Cruise & Eiffel Tower Admire Paris’ most famous landmarks during a panoramic city bus tour, a one-hour scenic cruise along the Seine and skip the line access to the Eiffel Tower.

Chateau de Vincennes Ticket Discover the fascinating history of  Château de Vincennes , one of France's magnificent medieval treasures , when you buy this ticket.

Chapelle Expiatoire Ticket Dedicated to Louis XVI and his wife, Marie Antoinette, the  Chapelle Expiatoire is an incredible place to visit when in Paris. Discover these locations!

Go City Paris All-Inclusive Pass The Go City Paris Pass gives you access to more than 70 Paris attractions, including Versailles , the Louvre Museum , a cruise on the Seine , and the Eiffel Tower .

Emily in Paris Free Tour On this  free tour of Emily in Paris ,   we'll see some spots where this popular Netflix show was filmed, such as Gabriel's restaurant and the   Offices of Savoir .

L'Orangerie Museum Ticket With this ticket to the L'Orangerie Museum you'll admire an impressive collection of impressionist paintings, including some of Monet's best-known works .

Enjoy a night on the town in the city of lights , allowing yourself to be carried along by the rhythm of the music, and the shots, of course!

Montparnasse Tower Ticket Want an incredible 360º view of Paris?  View the French capital from the top of Montparnasse Tower, 200 metres from the ground and right in the city centre.

Seine River Cruise from the Eiffel Tower + Lunch Get ready for a Seine River cruise that starts right at the Eiffel Tower , enjoy delicious French cuisine, and see Paris from an unbeatable vantage point.

Notre Dame Guided Tour Discover what happened in the Notre Dame fire, explore the interior of its "little sister" and tour the Ile de la Cité, the oldest part of Paris.

Lunch Cruise on the Seine Enjoy a delectable 3-course meal and admire the panoramic views of Paris from the Seine. The perfect way to discover this romantic city.

3 Day Trip to Normandy, Mont Saint Michel & Loire Valley Discover the highlights of Normandy like Mont Saint Michel and the Loire Valley including its famous Châteaux on a three-day trip from Paris.

Loire Valley Castles Day Trip Visit three of the Loire Valley’s most-famous castles: Château de Chambord, Château de Cheverny, Château de Chambord and experience life during the Renaissance.

Louvre & Eiffel Tower Tour This full tour of Paris includes a cruise on the Seine , a skip-the-line entry to the Louvre Museum and a climb to the second floor of the Eiffel Tower.

Normandy D-Day Beaches Day Trip Immerse yourself in the history of the Second World War, visiting key battle locations and memorials on this day trip to the D-Day Beaches of Normandy .

Grevin Museum Paris Ticket At the Grevin Museum in Paris, you will find wax figures of Kylian Mbappe, Emmanuel Macron, Jean-Paul Gaultier and other famous celebrities.

Paris Bike Tour Spend a fun-filled day cycling through the French capital and discover the City of Lights’ most emblematic landmarks on this bike tour of Paris .

Hard Rock Cafe Paris Lunch or Dinner Enjoy a delicious experience at one of the most popular places in the French capital with this Hard Rock Cafe Paris Lunch or Dinner, near the Opera Garnier.

Père Lachaise Cemetery Tour Take our fantastic tour of Pere Lachaise Cemetary, the resting place for many notable figures from the past, such as Oscar Wilde and Edith Piaf.

Paris Layover Tour Take advantage of your airport wait to explore the City of Love with this Paris Layover Tour. Discover the most famous locations around the French capital.

Paris Gourmet Bus Tour Sample the local cuisine and visit the must-see sights of the city of lights with this Paris Gourmet Bus Tour. Explore the French capital on a luxurious bus.

Cheese & Wine Tasting Tour Find about the Parisian art of living with this Cheese & Wine Tasting Tour. You'll enter a traditional wine cellar to learn how to taste the best French wines.

2 Day Trip to Normandy, Saint Malo & Mont Saint Michel Set off on a 2-day tour and discover the magnificent landscapes of Normandy  including the region's must-sees like Saint-Malo and the iconic  Mont Saint Michel .

Versailles Bike Day Tour Explore the magnificent Palace of Versailles , the main residence of the French Royal Family from 1682 until 1789, on a full day-tour by bike!

Paris Tour for Families Our family tour of Paris is the perfect way to explore the essential landmarks of French capital if you have young children.

UNESCO Headquarters Guided Tour Discover the history of the United Nations agency with this UNESCO Headquarters guided tour . Explore its conference rooms, courtyards, gardens and corridors!

Classical Music Concert at Saint-Sulpice Don't miss this classical music concert at the Church of Saint-Sulpice . Listen to an incredible repertoire in one of the most outstanding temples in Paris!

Dinner at Madame Brasserie, the Eiffel Tower's Restaurant This dinner at Madame Brasserie provides for an unforgettable evening  as you see  Paris illuminated from the restaurant on the first floor of the Eiffel Tower .

Classical Music Concert in Paris: La Madeleine Enjoy a classical music concert in one of the most famous churches in Paris : La Madeleine! Choose between any of the concerts on our programme list.

Traditional French Bakery Tour Do you know the boulangeries of Paris ? In this visit to a typical French bakery , we'll discover one of these places that characterise the capital.

Fontainebleau Forest Hiking Tour Venture into the heart of the Fontainebleau Forest on this 8-mile hike . You'll discover the unique biodiversity of one of the largest forests in France!

Tootbus Sustainable Bus Tour During this sightseeing tour of Paris , you can enjoy the city's iconic landmarks on board the eco-friendly Tootbus . Hop on or off whenever you want!

Aura Invalides Ticket Looking for a unique experience in Paris ? With your Aura Invalides ticket , you'll enjoy a journey of light and sound beneath the iconic Invalides Dome !

2 Day Trip to Mont Saint Michel & the Loire Valley Castles Travel back in time to the Middle Ages and Renaissance period on a 2-day trip to Mont Saint Michel and visit the impressive Loire Valley Castles .

Paris Segway Tour Ever been on a Segway? Spend a fun-filled two hours discovering the City of Lights on a two-wheeled electric vehicle with a guide.

Paradis Latin Dinner and Cabaret Let the glamour of the  French CanCan  seduce you as you enjoy  Paradis Latin , a   grand cabaret  in the heart of the Latin Quarter of Paris .

Quartmaster's Apartments Hôtel de la Marine Ticket With this ticket to the Hôtel de la Marine , you'll visit a spectacular  18th-century palace located in the central Place de la Concorde in Paris

Eiffel Tower Professional Photoshoot Capture lasting memories in Paris with a private photo shoot against the iconic Eiffel Tower backdrop. Let us preserve your special moments in this iconic spot.

How to Become a Parisian in 1 Hour Show Ticket With this  ticket to the show How to Become a Parisian in an Hour? you'll enjoy a  monologue performed by the  comedian Olivier Giraud .

Paris Vintage Sidecar Tour Explore Paris' top attractions in a fun retro motorcycle & sidecar tour , experiencing the City of Light in a truly captivating way.

Musée de l'Armée Ticket With this ticket to the Musée de l'Armée or the Army Museum , you'll visit the exhibition  Hôtel National de des Invalides , an architectural jewel in Paris.

Marie Antoinette Pass The  Marie-Antoinette Pass will give you access to 4 symbolic monuments in Paris connected to the French monarchy's past. Plus you'll save money!

​ Come and discover the Yves Saint Laurent Paris Museum before it opens to the public , for an exclusive guided 1 hour and 15 minutes tour.

Macaron Workshop at Galeries Lafayette Do you love baking? Join this macaron-making workshop at Galeries Lafayette and learn how to make these sweets in Paris' most famous department store!

Paris Pedicab Tours This bike cab tour of Paris will take you around the French capital aboard an environmentally friendly means of transport, the greenest way to discover Paris !

Belleville Neighborhood Food Tour If you like trying local products , this food tour through the Belleville neighborhood is for you! We'll sample  Parisian specialities  and see significant sites!

Paradox Museum Ticket Looking for something different to do in Paris? With this ticket to the Paradox Museum , your mind will be blown by incredible optical illusions .

Giverny Monet + Shopping Day Trip Leave Paris behind on this day trip to Giverny and visit the  Monet House & Gardens . Learn about impressionist paintings and shop at the  McArthurGlen outlet !

Rodin Museum Ticket With this  ticket to the Rodin Museum in Paris , you can see  The Thinker , The Kiss  and other iconic sculptures in  Hôtel Biron and its  beautiful gardens .

Paris Citroën DS Tour Do you want to discover the French capital differently ? On this Paris tour in a  Citroën DS,  we'll discover the city of lights in a vintage vehicle .

Day Trip to Brussels and Bruges Join us on a captivating day trip to Brussels and Bruges , where we'll delve into the picturesque charm of the Belgian capital and the "Venice of the North".

Night Bike Tour Spend an unforgettable evening contemplating the beautifully lit landmarks of Paris on this 4.5-hour bike tour , including a boat cruise along the River Seine.

Paris Helicopter Tour Flying over Paris is a unique way to discover the French capital. Unforgettable views of Versailles, the Bois de Boulogne and the Eiffel Tower from a helicopter

Eiffel Tower Climb There's a reason the Eiffel Tower is one of the most visited monuments in the world : climb up more than 700 stairs to enjoy unforgettable views of Paris!

Basilica of Saint-Denis Ticket Discover the first example of Gothic architecture in the world: explore the magnificent Medieval Basilica of Saint Denis  located just outside of Paris.

Paris Christmas Bike Tour Merry Christmas! Or as the French would say, Joyeux Noël! Explore the city of light during the most special time of year with this Paris Christmas bike tour .

Christmas Bus Tour in Paris On our Christmas Bus Tour in Paris , you'll discover how the City of Light decks the halls for the most magical time of the year.

Roland Garros Stadium Tour On this guided tour of the Roland Garros stadium, you'll be able to take look inside this iconic site where so many tennis champions have made history .

Galeries Lafayette Guided Tour On this guided tour, you'll visit  Paris' most famous department store ,  Galeries Lafayette , outside of its opening hours. It dates back to 1912!

Paris Duck Boat Tour Explore Paris in a unique way on our duck boat/bus tour ! You'll discover  Paris's iconic landmarks both on land and in the water . An absolute must!

Saint-Louis en l'Île Classical Music Concert Immerse yourself in the world of classical music at the enchanting Saint-Louis en l'Île church in Paris , nestled on the picturesque island of Saint-Louis .

Le Marais Free Tour Do you want to discover Medieval Paris ? For this, take this free tour of Le Marais , one of the most picturesque neighbourhoods in the French capital .

The most complete guide of Paris

This guide gives you an overview of what to see and do in Paris during your stay . It also provides historical background, and other useful information, as well as  our opinion, advice, and suggestions on how to make the most of your holidays in Paris .

The information provided in this guide was updated in  October 2022 . If you find a mistake or would like to make a suggestion, please do not hesitate to  contact us .

Our travel guides

• top attractions
• where to stay
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TRAVELSLOVENIA.ORG – All You Need To Know To Visit Slovenia

Welcome to ljubljana, the small but beautiful capital of slovenia, introducing ljubljana.

Few people know where Ljubljana is, even less can pronounce Ljubljana, but the capital of Slovenia has all the right ingredients for the perfect city break. It wouldn’t be revolutionary if we told you that the fame of a city doesn’t guarantee the quality of your experience there, and vice versa. Cities not included on lists of top recommended destinations in the world, can create some exquisite travel memories. This is exactly the case with Ljubljana.

Ljubljana, Slovenia’s largest city, is one of the youngest and most liveable capitals in the European Union. It has a 5,000-year-long and fascinating history including the remains of the Roman city of Emona and the old city centre with its medieval castle. It was formerly an Austro-Hungarian city called Laibach, and is heavily influenced by nearby Austria and Italy. It’s a city with a medieval heart, a city of the Baroque and Art Nouveau, with numerous picturesque bridges across the Ljubljanica river (which is perfect for boat trips) and the vast green Tivoli park, which stretches into the very city centre.

Ljubljana is quickly establishing itself as one of Europe’s must visit cities. It’s a safe, walkable place with lots to see, do, eat, and drink. Many visitors happily spend their time meandering along its cobbled streets or sitting in a pavement cafe in one of its squares, but Ljubljana also has a handful of museums, art galleries, festivals, a theatre, a bustling market, and a hilltop castle with views for miles. After dark, Ljubljana has enough chic bars, cosy inns with open fires and sophisticated restaurants to keep tourists entertained. The local people are friendly and helpful and most of them speak English really well. The city itself isn’t that large, but there’s enough there to fill a week, and then you can use it as a base to explore elsewhere in Slovenia. Distances between places in Slovenia are really short and within a single day you can visit the Slovenian coast and experience the Mediterranean climate or visit the mountainous region of Gorenjska and experience the Alpine and continental climate.

The most important attractions in the city are Ljubljana’s Old Town, Ljubljana Castle, Triple Bridge, Preseren Square, River Ljubljanica Kanal, Cathedral of St. Nicholas, Tivoli Park, Metelkova, National Museum of Contemporary History, Ljubljana Castle Funicular, Franciscan Church, Vodnik Square, Dragon Bridge, Town Hall, Ljubljana Zoo, National and University Library, Galerija Emporium, Butcher’s Bridge, Zale Cemetery, Shoemaker’s Bridge, Slovene Ethnographic Museum, Church of St. James, Ursuline Church of the Holy Trinity, Technical Museum of Slovenia, Plecnik Collection / Architectural Museum Ljubljana, Fountain of Three Carniolan Rivers, and Old Square.

Ljubljana Pictures

Location of Ljubljana on the map

Address: Mestni trg 1, 1000 Ljubljana Latitude and Longitude Coordinates: 46.049845, 14.506966 GPS coordinates: 46° 2′ 59.4420” N     14° 30′ 25.0776” E Region: Central Slovenia

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20 thoughts on “welcome to ljubljana, the small but beautiful capital of slovenia”.

Ljubljana is on my bucket list.

A most beautiful city, friendly, clean, safe and beautiful resteraunts ❤️❤️

I love this place. On the plaza we often enjoyed drinking coffee or having icecream. I miss Ljubljana. 😔

Gorgeous, so unique… & our lunch by the river was sensational!!

We will come back as soon as possible.

Have sat there by the river cafe and had a delicious meal and great wine. Love Slovenia.

I can’t wait to be back. I enjoyed filming my documentary there

Beautiful place Amazing people gorgeous Lubljana ❤️ love you Slovenija Absolutely Wow city

I have been there! It’s not only is a beautiful country but also beautiful people💕

CI SONO STATO COMPLIMENTI BELLISSIMA LUBIANA. 💖💖💖💖💋💋💋

We were there in 2015.

I love this beautiful town!

Ljubljana is a beautiful unspoiled capital where you can wander by & eat beside the turquoise Ljubljanica river, then explore the old town, climb to breathtaking castle views, & from where you can easily drive to mountains, lakes & sea.

A very informative post. I would like to visit Ljubljana and Slovenia next spring, so I will shortlist this post for when I am planning the trip.

Wow! I am amazed at the beauty of Ljubljana! I want to go so bad! As a matter of fact, I am looking for tickets to Zagreb and Vienna in order to travel around Slovenia, Croatia and Austria (next year). The city reminds me be a bit of Prague. I think it is because of the river, churches and red roofs. Thanks for the inspiration!

Ljubljana is a fantastic place full of history, gorgeous buildings and nice choice of restaurants and shops.

Ljubljana is a beautiful capital yet undiscovered by the masses — it is a capital and a country on the cusp of discovery however, and that is a good thing for the people of Slovenia.

Our experience in Ljubljana was a fantastic one, highly recommend this beautiful and super friendly city.

The city of Lublijana is one of the loveliest cities we have ever visited with the river, beautiful architecture, cafes, restaurants and scenic attractions.

I LOVE Ljubljana. It’s beautiful and charming without being massive and overrun by tourists.

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Valencia, a smart destination

Did you know that Valencia is a smart tourist destination? Here, you can enjoy a holiday that is not only unforgettable but also responsible, with the satisfaction of knowing that you are in a destination that cares about the environment, its residents and visitors, and its traditions and heritage. Not surprisingly, the city held the title of European Capital of Smart Tourism in 2022! 

What is a smart destination? 

Being a smart destination means more than just promoting sustainable tourism, although there is no doubt that this is an important element. In addition to protecting local ecosystems, facilitating eco-friendly transport options and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, it also involves ensuring the best possible experience for visitors, utilising innovative technologies and a healthy measure of creativity. And this experience must be accessible to all. 

Make your trip smarter

How to make your trip to valencia smarter, valencia smart city.

Find out what makes Valencia a smart destination 

Sustainable destination

Valencia is the first city in the world to measure and certify the carbon and water footprint of its tourist activity. The city makes it easy to reduce your impact, with an extensive network of bike lanes and compact historic centre best explored on foot. You can avoid single-use plastics by filling your water bottle at our new fountains. You’ll also want to enjoy the Turia Gardens, a bona fide green lung in the heart of the city , and discover the protected ecosystems of La Albufera Natural Park. And what other city boasts restaurants supplied by a local larder like the farms of La Huerta and the Mediterranean Sea? 

Reduce emissions as you get around in Valencia

Tips for a responsible trip

Valencia, model for food sustainability

Accessible and inclusive city.

With land, sea and air transport links, Valencia welcomes all-comers, without distinction, and we are eliminating barriers so that everyone can enjoy the city equally. Our buses are equipped with Navilens technology for the visually impaired; our beaches, attractions and activities are accessible to persons with physical disabilities ; and at many spots around the city, you will find pictograms for visitors with autism or intellectual disabilities . Our squares and broad pedestrian spaces are ideal meeting spots where you can mix with the locals and enjoy our culture and lifestyle. Diverse, open and welcoming, Valencia is proud to be a tolerant city, sensitive to all its visitors. It is for this reason that Valencia has been chosen to host the Gay Games XII  in 2026, an international sporting and cultural event whose core principles are participation, inclusion and diversity. 

A city connected by land, sea and air

Move around Valencia without barriers by bus, metro and tram

Valencia, host of the XII Gay Games in 2026

Innovative city.

Our tourist resources and offices are fully digitalised. You can access any venue simply by using a QR code, without the need for paper tickets . All our guides, maps and brochures are available in digital format , allowing you to download them to your mobile so they're handy during your visit. In addition to tourist information agents available at our offices, on WhatsApp and via the live chat , our tourist offices also offer interactive touch screens where you can look for and download information or buy and pick up your Valencia Tourist Card or other purchases. And in 2022, you will be able to try new immersive experiences: explore the city without moving from that spot. At Visit Valencia, we have made an effort to be as smart as possible in our digitalisation, using sustainable servers to reduce our carbon footprint . This means that when you purchase tourist services on our website, you will be helping to practise smart and sustainable tourism. 

Sustainable online ticket sales

Download city guides and maps to your mobile

Visit our smart tourist offices

A creative city proud of its cultural heritage .

The wonderful Gothic building of La Lonja , the unique Water Tribunal that meets every Thursday at noon at the Cathedral’s Door of the Apostles , and Las Fallas , our most international festival, are three icons of the city recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Make sure your visit includes at least one of them! Valencia is teeming with culture: historical monuments, museums, theater, concerts, festivals... Have you visited the new CaixaForum Valencia , in the Agora Building of the City of Arts and Sciences ? With an ever growing and varied range of cultural activities, you're sure to find something to your liking! 

World Heritage Sites and traditions

CaixaForum Valencia

Fallas of Valencia 2024. Discover all the events

The legacy of smart valencia 2022 .

In 2022, Valencia was the European Capital of Smart Tourism, an honor that is now commemorated with a special mural in Mossen Sorell Square, next to the Central Market, designed by Virginia Lorente and Martín Forés. Drop by and see it. It's an illustration of vivid colors that reflects the smart tourism options in the city: from its green areas and sustainable transport, to its accessibility and creativity. It not only invites all visitors to reflect, but the little ones can even take chalk and add their own drawings or comments. A legacy that will live on forever. 

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• Top Tourist Destinations In The World

Some cities across the world are well-known tourist destinations and manage to attract the bulk of the global tourists. These cities might offer a vibrant nightlife, an old world charm, thriving shopping centers, gastronomic delights or rich cultural experiences to the international tourists. Whatever be the reason, there is no doubt that Hong Kong, London, Singapore, Bangkok, Paris, Macau, Dubai, New York, Istanbul and Kuala Lumpur are the world's most popular tourist destinations.

10. Kuala Lumpur -

Kuala Lumpur, the Malaysian capital city is also one of the top tourist destinations in the world. The city serves as the base for tourists touring Malaysia. The city has a modern skyline that is dominated by the world’s tallest twin buildings, the Petronas Twin Towers. Kuala Lumpur is also known for its British colonial era landmarks. A number of international sports, musical, and other events are also held in this city.

Things To See And Do : The most visited tourist attractions in Malaysia include the House of Parliament, the National Museum, the National Monument, the Petaling Street, the Merdeka Square, the Jamek Mosque, Central Market, etc. Cultural festivals like the Thaipusam procession are held in this city. Kuala Lumpur is also famous for its lively nightlife, wide choice of restaurants, international hotel chains, and thriving shopping centers.

9. Istanbul -

Istanbul, the historical Constantinople, is Turkey’s capital and most populous city. The city’s strategic location as a transcontinental Eurasian city has attracted a large number of empires and conquerors to this city in the past. Today, the city serves as one of the top tourist destinations in the world and is regarded as the cultural and historical center of Turkey. The old-world charm of the city, its numerous palaces, mosques, and other historical sites make it a favorite destination for many.

Things To See And Do : Aya Sofya, Topkapı Palace, Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmet Camii), Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnıçı), Hippodrome, Istanbul Archaeology Museum, Grand Bazaar (Kapalı Çarşı), Süleymaniye Mosque, Spice Bazaar (Mısır Çarşısı), Dolmabahçe Palace, Chora Church (Kariye Müzesi), Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts are some of major attractions of Istanbul.

8. New York -

The most populous city in the US, the New York City is located at the New York state’s southern tip. The city is known across the world as a dynamic and cosmopolitan center in the country. It is associated with glitter and glamor and is a dream destination for many across the world. New York City received a record 60 million visitors in 2015 which exhibits the popularity of this city as a global tourist hotspot. US$61.3 billion worth revenue in tourism was generated in 2014 in this city.

Things To See And Do : Major tourist attractions in this city include the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, Empire State Building, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Times Square, Ellis Island, Broadway theater productions, Manhattan Chinatown and others. New York also hosts major cultural events and international festivals throughout the year. Helicopter and balloon tours, cultural and theme tours are some of the activities offered to tourists visiting the city.

The cosmopolitan city of the United Arab Emirates, Dubai is known for its stunning highrises, ultramodern architecture, man-made islands, gold souks, sparkling malls, luxury shopping destinations, lively nightlife scenes, and more.

Things To See And Do : The Dubai government aims to develop tourism as a major source of income in the emirate. The city is dubbed as the "shopping capital of the Middle East.” The Dubai Mall, the world’s largest shopping center is located here along with 70 other such centers. The souk districts of Dubai are famous like the Gold Souk in Deira. The Dubai Creek has been proposed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Other tourist attractions in Dubai, one of the top tourist destinations in the world, include the Dolphinarium, Camel Rides, Cable Car, Exotic Birds Shows, etc.

Macau is an autonomous territory on the Pearl River Delta’s western side in East Asia. Today, the region is one of the richest regions in the world. In 2006, Macau became famous as the largest gambling center in the world. Tourism and gambling are the two important sources of income in Macau. Festivals like the Chinese New Year, Spring Lantern Festival, Ching Ming Festival, Birthday of the Buddha are some of the interesting and exciting festivals hosted in Hong Kong. The region also offers well-maintained public swimming pools and excellent beaches. Sailing, hiking, camping, and also gambling are some of the activities enjoyed here by tourists of varying tastes.

Things To See And Do : Macau has an electrifying atmosphere and is rich in attractions due to the interesting fusion of Chinese and European cultures in this region of the world. Macau has numerous temples, churches, and fortresses. The narrow alleyways in the old parts of Macau serve to attract the curious tourist who is in the mood for exploration. There is also the opportunity to head to the islands of Macau or relax in the pretty gardens there. The Bodhisatta Avalokitesvara, Macau Tower, Fisherman's Wharf, Macau Museum, Museum of Taipa and Coloane History, etc., are some of the other attractions in Macau that attend to the needs of all types of tourists. Casinos of the city also offer tourists the unique opportunity to enjoy testing their fortunes in a gambling games.

Paris is the biggest and capital city of France that is located in the River Seine’s north-bending arc in northern central France. Like London, Paris has a rich culture and history that makes it one of the most coveted tourist destinations in the world. It is labeled as a romantic city and newlyweds often dream to spend their honeymoon in Paris. Lovers of fine arts, music, and fashion also flock to this city in large numbers.

Things To See And Do : The Notre Dame Castle, the Louvre Museum, Basilique du Sacré-Cœur, Eiffel Tower, Centre Pompidou, Les Invalides, Musée d'Orsay, Disneyland Paris, Marne-la-Vallée are some of the major attractions of Paris. The banks of the Seine in Paris have been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1991.

4. Bangkok -

Bangkok is Thailand’s largest and capital city which is located in the Chao Phraya River delta in the country. It is one of the top tourist destinations in the world. Bangkok serves as the main gateway for international tourists entering Thailand. The multi-faceted attractions, happening urban life, and rich culture of the city makes it a favorite among tourists seeking entertainment at a reasonable price. The dynamic nightlife of Bangkok attracts young tourists from across the world. Sex tourism, though not openly acknowledged by the government of Thailand, is believed to be largely prevalent in the city.

Things To See And Do: The Grand Palace; Buddhist temples like Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Arun; Vimanmek Mansion (regarded as the world's largest teak building); Bangkok National Museum; Royal Barge National Museum; cruises on the Chao Phraya River, shopping, and nightlife.

3. Singapore -

Singapore is the world's only island city-state, located off the coast of Malaysia in Southeast Asia. Singapore is famous for its multicultural population and tropical climate. It is also a global financial center. Tourism is a major industry in Singapore and contributes significantly to the country’s economy. In 2015, 15,231,469 international tourists visited Singapore, a figure that is three times the size of Singapore’s population.

Things To See And Do : Singapore Zoo, Jurong Bird Park, Night Safari, River Safari, Singapore Botanic Gardens, and Gardens by the Bay are popular natural attractions in Singapore. The Singapore Botanic Gardens have been inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Among the cultural and historical landmarks of Singapore are the Masjid Sultan, Sri Mariamman Temple, Kranji War Memorial, Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall, Civilian War Memorial, National Museum of Singapore, Istana Kampong Glam, and others. Singapore is also a popular shopping destination and has several shopping belts populated by avid shoppers.

2. London -

London, the biggest and capital city of the United Kingdom, is located on the banks of the Thames River in the southeastern section of the Great Britain island. London has a rich history and culture that makes it one of the most visited cities in the world. London’s art galleries exhibit spectacular paintings by famous painters, the city’s museums have rich collections of historic and prehistoric artifacts, and buildings display a great diversity of architectural styles from the past to the present. The Tower of London in the city also hosts the Crown Jewels, a rare collection of jewels including the Kohinoor diamond owned by the royal house of the country.

Things To See And Do : The British Museum, Tate Modern, Tower of London, National Portrait Gallery, Southbank Centre, Natural History Museum, National Gallery, Victoria and Albert Museum, etc., are some of the most visited tourist spots in London. Operas at the Royal Opera House, Change of Guards at the Buckingham Palace, horror tour of London at the London Dungeon, a walk by the Thames, etc., are some of the tourist activities to be enjoyed in London.

1. Hong Kong -

Hong Kong is an autonomous territory located in East Asia’s Pear River Delta. Hong Kong is regarded as a tourist magnet as it manages to attract millions of tourists from all corners of the globe. What makes Hong Kong so lucrative to international visitors?

Things To See And Do: Almost all the districts of Hong Kong offers a large number of attractions and activities to the tourists. The Victoria Peak, Ocean Park Hong Kong, Sleeping Beauty Castle, Lantau Island, Po Lin Monastery, Hong Kong Museum of History, Man Mo Temple are some of the many attractions of the place. Hong Kong is also a shopper's mecca and hosts both luxury malls and streetside markets where one can buy clothing, accessories, electronic goods, jade, antiques, etc. Ferry and junk boat rides can be enjoyed by tourists visiting the city. Remarkable hiking options are also offered to visitors. Food lovers also find a wide variety of cuisine choices in the innumerable number of restaurants and eateries in Hong Kong.

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12 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions & Things to Do in Manila

Written by Anietra Hamper Updated Dec 23, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Author Anietra Hamper has traveled throughout Manila and the Philippines experiencing many of the top attractions and things to do off the beaten path.

The busy city of Manila, the capital of the Philippines , is an exciting and energetic metropolis. Hop on board any of the colorful and kitschy jeepneys to get around town. The iconic buses that usually pack in more people than they can hold are the main form of transportation and worth at least one ride during your visit, just for the experience.

Manila has an eclectic mix of modern attractions and rich history , as evidenced by the many cathedrals and tributes to the city's 16th-century establishment alongside modern-day malls and amenities.

Some of the best places to visit in Manila are the churches, monuments, and impeccably landscaped public parks. Manila is full of restaurants that serve up local fare, including fresh seafood.

The city is a regular target for typhoons, so the best time to visit the Philippines is outside of the rainy season, which is May through November.

For other sightseeing ideas, read our list of the top attractions and things to do in Manila.

1. Experience Manila's Oldest Section in Intramuros

2. dive deep at manila ocean park, 3. san agustin church and museum, 4. stroll through rizal park, 5. walk the grounds at fort santiago, 6. admire quiapo church and public square, 7. view the skyline from manila bay, 8. discover filipino history at the national museum of the philippines, 9. robinsons place mall, 10. tour manila on bambike ecotours, 11. shop for bargains at divisoria market, 12. spend a day at the sm city manila super mall, where to stay for sightseeing in manila, map of tourist attractions & things to do in manila, manila, philippines - climate chart.

You will likely pass through the Intramuros whether you know it or not as you explore Manila. It is the oldest section of the city and characterized by its walled fortress. This section of Manila was once a walled city during Spanish Colonial times in the 1500s to the 1800s.

Walk around inside the three-mile-long stone wall that surrounds the district. While you can walk the grounds on your own, you might want to take a guided walking tour to learn more about the walled city and its significance to Manila.

Address: Bonifacio Drive & Padre Burgos Street, Manila, Luzon

The Manila Ocean Park is one of the most unique adventures in the city and one of the top things to do for families visiting Manila. Get interactive with marine life with the Sharks and Rays Encounter; Trails to Antarctica exhibit; or the fish spa, where fish clean your feet in a small pool of water.

The park easily fills several hours depending on how many encounters you try. In addition to the state-of-the-art aquatic facility, you will see exhibits of birds and other animals.

The Manila Ocean Park is billed as a marine theme park . Besides the educational aquatic attractions, there is shopping, dining, and HOTEL H20 , where you can sleep surrounded by an aquarium.

Address: Manila Ocean Park Luneta, Manila

As a designated UNESCO World Heritage site , the San Agustin Church is a national treasure and one of the most popular places to visit in the Philippines .

This Catholic church has a unique history that is reflected in the details of the building. If you look closely, you will see both Chinese and Spanish influences in the design. The church has been rebuilt several times after battles and natural disasters.

Pay close attention to the carvings on the large wooden doors that open to the chapel. If you have an interest in history or architecture, it would be worth your time to hire a local guide who can take you on a walking tour of the area and describe intricate details of the church that you may not notice on your own.

Address: Gen Luna & Real Streets, Intramuros, Manila, Luzon 1002

One of your first stops in Manila should be Rizal Park. Sometimes referred to as Luneta Park , this is a peaceful and manicured outdoor garden located in the heart of the city. The park is a social gathering place in Manila known for its open-air concerts and chess plaza .

The paved pathways through the park guide you through a lush landscape of blooming flowers, ponds, and more than 40 points of interest that range from statues to historical dedications. Of note is the century-old Monument of Rizal , which houses the remains of one of the Philippines' most celebrated heroes, Dr. Jose Rizal.

Be sure to stroll through the park to learn about the local flora and fauna. Keep your eyes open for the Narra tree, the national tree of the Philippines, and the small lake with an artistically raised archipelago structure in the middle.

The site of Fort Santiago is an impressive stop if you are visiting the city and it is one of the most important historical sites in Manila . This 16th-century fortress was key in protecting the Intramuros, which is the oldest district in Manila, known historically as the Walled City.

You can explore the grounds at a leisurely pace. Be sure to take note of bullet markings that are still visible in the fortress walls and stop by the visitor center for more detailed information about the fort.

Address: Gen Luna Street, Intramuros, Manila, Luzon

The Quiapo Church is one of the oldest and most admired Catholic churches in Manila. The more formal name of the church is the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene .

Depending on the time of day, the plaza surrounding the century-old church can be quite congested, which makes it an interesting place to visit to admire the devotion of the Filipino people.

Fridays are the busiest days, when thousands of people pile into the square and pray at the church for novena. Despite the large gatherings of church devotees, this is one of the top attractions in the city.

Take time to see the inside of the church, and stroll through the market stands outside to buy fresh peanuts, mangoes, or necklaces from local vendors.

Address: Plaza Miranda & Quezon Blvd., Quiapo, Manila, Luzon

Strolling along the Manila Bay waterfront is one of the most enjoyable and scenic things to do in the city, and it does not cost anything to enjoy. The natural harbor is always bustling with activity. Take a walk along the Manila Baywalk at sunset for a great view of the city skyline.

The bayfront is accented by yachts and smaller boats anchored in the harbor, and open-air cafés where you can stop for a bite to eat. The bay front is also a popular place for locals taking in a morning jog.

Another relaxing way to enjoy Manila Bay is to book a sunset dinner cruise that will take you past local landmarks and includes dinner and live entertainment for an evening.

For a true exploration into the culture of the country, the National Museum of the Philippines is one of the best places to visit.

This museum has four main complexes including extensive collections and artifacts relating to art, archaeology, anthropology, zoology, biology, and natural history. The museum galleries help offer a sense of place, telling the cultural story beyond what you will find on your own visiting the city's many historical attractions.

Address: Padre Burgos Street, Manila, Luzon 2004

While a mall might not be on the top of your list for exploring the culture of Manila, Robinsons Place Mall has a surprising number of unique stores where you can find local items . While locals shop here, it's also a popular spot for tourists.

Be on the lookout for clothing, cosmetics, bags, and food that are unique to the Philippines. The mall is extensive, so plan time to walk the interior and explore the stores.

The mall's modern building is a stark contrast to the rustic and historic landmarks that surround it.

Address: Pedro Gil Corner Adriatico Street, Manila, Luzon

Manila is a pedestrian-friendly city , but if you want to explore the culture and history more efficiently, consider the Intramuros Bamboo Bicycle Ecotours .

These tours provide a unique, eco-friendly way to see urban Manila. By taking an ecotour, you are also supporting environmental sustainability efforts of local businesses.

Bambikes are locally hand-made bicycles custom-built from bamboo. The company has a social welfare initiative that employs villagers for the production of the bikes.

Address: Real Street, corner General Luna Street, Intramuros, Manila

If you are in the mood to shop for a bargain, head to the lively Divisoria Market in Manila. It is located in the heart of Chinatown, where you will discover overflowing vendor stalls selling everything from fruit and spices to flip-flops and beads.

This is the best place to people-watch and take in the local flavor. The bustling atmosphere is like a flea market, and bargaining is the name of the game. You should only pay about 50 percent of the price of an item, and often you can get souvenirs for much lower.

Address: Claro M. Recto Avenue, Divisoria, Manila, Luzon

There's no shortage of places to shop in Manila, so if you want to fill your suitcase with treasures, plan a half day or full day at the SM City Manila Super Mall . It is like one-stop shopping for something to do in the city because the huge complex has retail stores, restaurants, and entertainment.

The SM City Manila is easy to spot. It has a mega globe structure on the grounds, which makes for a great selfie spot. This retail complex is popular with the locals, so it can get quite crowded.

If you are looking for more unique souvenirs, you might want to hit the smaller local markets but if you are after mainstream items, you are sure to find them at the super mall.

Manila hotels are quite affordable, even the high-end hotels. You will have no problem finding something in your budget on any side of town.

Luxury Hotels:

• One of the top luxury hotels in Manila is the Sheraton Manila Bay , which even provides all guests with butler service. It is a preferred choice for business travelers, but if you want a little extra pampering during your visit, the hotel offers top-of-the-line amenities.
• The luxury New Coast Hotel Manila sits on Manila Bay , so you have some of the best views in the city, and it is centrally located for easy walking downtown and to local restaurants.

Mid-Range Hotels :

• One of the most unique lodging experiences in Manila is Hotel H20 located at the Manila Ocean Park. Go to sleep in an aquarium-walled room and wake up next to marine life.
• The historic Manila Hotel is another mid-range lodging situated on Manila Bay close to many of Manila's attractions.

Budget Hotels :

• The affordable Red Planet Manila Binondo is highly rated and located close to Chinatown in Manila. The hotel is just a few blocks from several historic churches and the Divisoria Market .
• For a centrally located budget hotel the Ramada by Wyndham Manila Central is a good option. The Ramada is located close to many of the cultural sites and local transportation access points.

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

More of the Philippines: Manila is just one of the many great places to visit in the Philippines . There are so many additional side trips that you can add to your itinerary, from stunning beaches to other islands in the archipelago. Traveling throughout the Philippines is easy, so you can play it by ear as you review some of the top things to do in the country, from diving to exploring natural attractions like the Chocolate Hills on the island of Bohol.

Visit Rome Italy - N°1 Rome City Guide

Rome travel guide - capital of italy: tourism & what to visit in roma italia.

All sightseeing, tourist attractions information and tourism tips for your city break in Rome, the capital of Italy ('Roma Italia'). Travel guide for visiting the sights and ancient highlights. What to visit in Rome city?

Places to visit in Rome city

Welcome to RomeSite.com, the online Rome travel guide for your city break to Rome Italy. We will gladly give you the best travel tips for visiting the attractions in Rome city. Because of the many tourists in this Italian city, it is necessary to book tickets for some of the attractions and ancient sights in advance and plan your visit to the capital of Italy ahead. If you follow the tips of our travel guide, your Rome visit is sure to be a success. Benvenuti a Roma Italia!

The Capital of Italy

Rome (or Roma in Italian) is the capital of Italy and has a population of 2.8 million, the Romans. According to legend, Rome city was founded by the twins Romulus and Remus in 753 BCE. The city is located on the banks of the river Tiber and was founded on top of seven hills; Palatine Hill , Aventine Hill, Capitoline Hill, Caelian Hill, Esquiline Hill, Quirinal Hill and Viminal Hill. Particularly the area around Palatine Hill and Capitoline Hill would later become the centre of power of the enormous Roman Empire. You can find many ruins and excavations here of the Forum Romanum and the Colosseum gives you an impression of how gladiators had to do battle in this enormous Roman amphitheatre. The Pantheon , which is now a church, has its characteristic round, open roof and is one of the best kept buildings from Roman times. And the Via Appia takes you back in time along one of the oldest ancient roads of Rome Italy. Basically, the city of Rome is one giant museum. It is therefore no surprise that the complete historic city centre is on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Unique is the ministate of Vatican City, of which the pope is the head of state. This tiny state has an area of just 44 hectares, taken up mostly by St. Peter’s Basilica and St Peter's square, known for the ‘Urbi et Orbi’ speeches by the pope. For many visitors to Vatican City, the Sistine Chapel , part of the Vatican Museums will be the highlight of their travel. The space, where cardinals hold the conclaves to elect a new pope, is adorned with beautiful frescos by Michelangelo.

Rome travel tips, guide and tourism

What to visit in Rome Italy? With over 900 churches, no other city in the world is so representative for the Catholic faith. Rome has four papal basilicas and seven pilgrimage churches. Each church is more beautifully decorated than the last, with works by the great masters such as Bernini, Raphael, Caravaggio and Michelangelo. As an art lover, you will feel right at home in the many museums like the Galleria Borghese . All these Roman sights and excavations, the beautiful churches , the Vatican, the fun neighbourhoods like Trastevere , beautiful fountains – including the famous Trevi Fountain ) – tasty trattorias, a picture on the romantic Spanish Steps and trendy fashion shops make Roma Italia a chaotic and bustling metropolis where you can easily keep yourself entertained for at least a week.

Public transport in Rome city can be a challenge. The city has two completed metro lines. A third metro line has been delayed many times as a result of the many excavations. In order to use public transport as a tourist, there are a number of cost-saving tourist passes to choose from. More travel tips about getting around, visiting Rome Italy and tourist attractions can be found in our ultimate Rome travel guide full with tips for tourism and sightseeing.

What to visit in Rome (Italy)

The Colosseum, the enormous amphitheatre is certainly the most famous tourist attraction in Rome city. It is even one of the seven modern wonders of the world.

• St. Peter’s Basilica

The most famous church for visiting in Rome Italy is of course St Peter's Basilica. The basilica is the residence of the pope in the ministate of Vatican City.

Travel tips: Sistine Chapel

Visit the church treasures in the Vatican Museums, with the famous Sistine Chapel with the frescos by Michelangelo as the absolute highlight. Travel tips: visit Rome with a guide.

• Sistine Chapel

Places to go: Pantheon

The Pantheon is the best-preserved building from Roman times. The building with its special roof opening is now a church. Read more in our Rome travel guide.

• Roman Forum

What to visit in Rome city? During the time of the Roman Empire, the Forum Romanum was its seat of power. Visit these Roman excavations and the Palatine hill.

Tourism: Trevi Fountain

The most famous fountain in the world is probably the Trevi fountain. Throw a coin in the tourist fountain of Rome city to make sure you will one day return to visit Rome Italy.

• Trevi Fountain

Best time to visit Rome Italy

Rome city has a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and warm or hot summers. With 2,500 hours of sun every year, chances are good you will find sunny weather. You can visit the city of Rome in Italy throughout the year, but the best time for tourism is in spring or autumn. The Mediterranean sea keeps the temperatures comfortable during this time of year, and the weather is generally sunny. During the dry and very sunny months of summer – July and August – temperatures can get very high, often over 30 degrees and with a chance of smog. Winters in Roma Italia are mild, with temperatures between 10 and 15 degrees Celsius. The winters tend to be chilly and wet, but there is little chance of snow.

Video: Visiting Rome city

Where is roma located in italy.

Rome city is located at the banks of the Tiber river in the middle of Italy between two major cities: Florence (Firenze) is 280 kilometers north and Naples is 219 kilometers south of the Italian capital. The tourist city of Venice is more than 520 kilometers away from the capital of Italy.

Most visited attractions

Top 25 Things to do in Rome

Colosseum & Tickets

Sistine Chapel & Vatican Museums

St.Peter's Basilica & Tickets

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• Smart Cities
• Smart Tourism

European Capital Of Smart Tourism In 2022 And 2023

What are the cities known as the European capital of smart tourism ? Beyond a shadow of a doubt, fast-paced technological advancement and innovation have led to tough competition for European cities to be shortlisted as smart tourism hubs every year. 

European Capital Of Smart Tourism

The smart tourism capital website , which forms a part of the European Commission website , sheds some light on this question. Below, we present some of the leading cities in this area and also discuss the most promising, innovative, smart tourism features.

“The European Capital of Smart Tourism is an EU initiative, currently financed under the COSME Programme. Our aim is to promote innovation to strengthen smart destinations in Europe, to enhance tourism offers for visitors and to facilitate new partnerships, networking and the exchange of best practices. We also aim to foster the EU’s forward-thinking tourism offer to global audiences and sustainably increase footfall at pioneering destinations that offer unique visitor experiences.” (Directorate-General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs, 2022)

Bordeaux (France) and Valencia (Spain) European Capital of Smart Tourism in 2022

The 2022 European Capital of Smart Tourism is the third edition of the competition. This initiative rewards European cities for outstanding, innovative and sustainable tourism practices. Applications were first evaluated by a panel of independent experts. In the second step, up to seven shortlisted cities were invited to present their city’s candidature in front of the European Jury. The European Jury has selected two winners, the European Capitals of Smart Tourism 2022 .

This year, the jury picked Bordeaux (France) and Valencia (Spain) as the European Capitals of Smart Tourism in 2022.

Valencia, home to three UNESCO World Heritage Declarations lies on the Spanish South-eastern coast and is the third-largest city in Spain with over 791,000 inhabitants. The picturesque city welcomes 2.2 million visitors every year and is home to three UNESCO World Heritage Declarations. The city boasts avant-garde architecture, a futuristic Arts and Sciences City and many creative events such as the Goyas film awards or the Michelin food gala. Its tourism sector employs over 30,000 professionals and it has been developing its innovative practices, making it a strong candidate for the European Capital of Smart Tourism.

On the other hand, Bordeaux is a cosmopolitan city with over 257,000 inhabitants where people and cultures meet. It is a place of creativity and a gateway to the South-West of France. Here, where multiple environments intertwine, the river that runs through the greatest vineyards in the world, all the way to the Gironde Estuary, is found – close to the Atlantic Ocean and Arcachon Bay. Bordeaux may well be an 18th-century city, but it is proudly eco-friendly and innovative. While the Gironde capital constitutes the largest UNESCO-listed area in the world with 347 monuments, it is also a pioneer for urban regeneration. The city is fully committed to welcoming refugees.

Smart tourism

Smart tourism describes the increasing reliance of tourism destinations, their industries, and tourists on emerging forms of information and communications technology (ICT) that allow for massive amounts of data to be transformed into value propositions.

In smart tourism, information technology plays a very important role that integrating the services provided to the tourist. In these countries, many tourism businesses and projects have started from smart tourism. In other words, smart tourism is a system that will improve tourism services for tourists and provide integrated tourism services to customers.

In general, the word smart is derived from the new generation of information technology to provide tourism services, using smartphones, microchips such as RFID and NFC, etc., which in fact means the use, integration and sharing of data. From the virtual world to the real world, it creates unique experiences for tourists and locals alike.

European Capital of Smart Tourism 2021 is a city full of cultural heritage, historical character, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Tech and the tourist experience

Today, smartphones have become one of the most important parts of our lives, and everywhere we look, this tool, as one of the most important means of mass communication, has an undeniable role in our lives. On the other hand, smartphones have a great impact on the planning and selection of a destination by tourists. Sharing sites and all kinds of tourism applications have become more accessible, the smart systems available to people and provide many facilities such as online planning, search for destination information, location, etc., and all these factors affect the choice of smart tourist destinations.

A tourist uses various smart tools to plan their trip to the European capital of smart tourism 2022; also writes about that attraction when they visit it through Foursquare or Google Now, and finally shares their opinions about restaurants or hotels in TripAdvisor.

Therefore, when we look at a trip, we find that the trips have gone beyond their traditional model and have been introduced through smartphones much more intelligently and as an irreplaceable tool in smart tourism.

Smart tourism examples are increasingly looking to create smart platforms to provide visitors with a more unique experience. European Capital of Smart Tourism 2021 and 2022 provides tourists with more integrated and desirable information.

Information and Communication Technology

ICT is the key to the conceptualization and development of smart tourism examples. The notion of smart tourism became popular only recently among academics and practitioners; But ICT with the ability to support tourism in an intelligent way has been discussed, developed, and envisioned for a long time. ICT is expected to be able to comprehend, profit from experience, acquire and retain knowledge.

Smart tourism rests on the ability to collect enormous amounts of data and intelligently store, process, combine, analyze and use them to create business innovation, operations and services. According to the World Tourism Organization, tourism is a social, cultural and economic phenomenon that requires the movement of people to countries or places outside their usual environment for personal or commercial or professional purposes.

Launch of European Capitals of Smart Tourism competition

Smart cities are the future. Hence, a new competition was introduced: the ‘European Capitals of Smart Tourism’. The launch of the competition was in 2019 and the winning cities, namely Gothenburg (Sweden) and Málaga (Spain) were announced shortly after. There were a total of 35 cities from 17 European Union member states that competed. The competitions have been a success and have continued year after year, with the contenders now registering for the 2023 competition.

European Capital of Smart Tourism Initiative

Over the last two decades, more information has become available on the concepts such as interdisciplinary integration, structural innovation, partnerships, and collaboration.

These concepts are to address the challenges that smart tourism examples face. The European capital of smart tourism 2022 is a city full of cultural heritage, historical character, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The notion of smartness can improve competitiveness in the context of tourism destinations. Smart tourism has emerged as a subset of the smart city concept. The European capital of smart tourism recognizes outstanding achievements in smart tourism in European cities.

IoT solutions in the smart city have made great strides over the years. Living in a city has changed almost everything, especially in places where the development of technology interferes with the old ways of doing things. The Internet of Things acts as a mediator between these objects and helps citizens interact with systems created using devices such as smartphones, tablets, cars and even homes. Smart infrastructure provides the necessary foundation for all smart solutions. This infrastructure often includes automatic lighting, smart elevators and the like.

Today, the main destinations based on smart tourism are European countries such as Italy and Spain. In these countries, many tourism businesses and projects have started to use smart tourism. Knowledge, creativity, and innovation have triggered a new concept in the public, private and academic sectors. The main goal of smart cities is to optimize city functions, promote economic growth, and improve the quality of life for citizens by using smart technologies and data analysis. The smart city concept covers a variety of industries such as the tourism industry.

Smart tourism is a system that will improve tourism services for tourists and provide integrated tourism services to customers.

Four Categories to Evaluate the Smart Tourism destinations

There are four categories in which smart cities are evaluated: accessibility, sustainability, digitization, and cultural heritage and creativity. We showcase all of them in more detail below.

1. Accessibility

· Information

2. Sustainability 

· Combat and accustomed to climate change

· Natural environment preservation and improvement

· Extend the flow of tourists

3. Digitalization

· Ease of information access for precise target groups

· Innovation as a tool for physical and psychological accessibility

4. Cultural Heritage and Creativity

· Sustainability, protection and branding of traditions and cultural heritage

· Communal infrastructures

· New creativity using cultural heritage

These factors and elements have been employed to scrutinize the best practices in smart tourism from 2019 to present and will most likely remain intact in 2023 Smart Tourism destinations competitions.

Special features of smart tourism

Smart tourism features consist of three specific components, such as cloud services, IoT and the End System service.

Cloud Services

A key feature of cloud services is that it provides a web browser-based access to a variety of technological tools, including applications, software, and data. They provide intelligent destinations with support for information management and analysis and complexity related to automation and control.

End systems support users with tools and applications to access tourism-related services. These include applications aimed at providing services to tourists that provide access to products and support services, including the use of payment systems and interfaces.

Digital Transformation

In summary, the key features of a smart tourism destination are the digitization of systems, processes and services.

A higher level of the link between tourists and destinations, focusing on community and local government among other sectors; Higher level of interaction; Higher level of data production and use through integrated intelligent systems; And above all, there is a better orientation towards managing tourism experiences.

Creating and managing tourism experiences is one of the main goals of smart tourism systems. European Capital of Smart Tourism 2021 and European capital of smart tourism 2022 was suggested by the European Union.

https://ec.europa.eu

https://smart-tourism-capital.ec.europa.eu

https://SmartTourismCapital.eu

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/280719315_Smart_tourism_foundations_and_developments

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12525-015-0196-8

https://microsites.bournemouth.ac.uk/etourism-lab/research-projects/phd-projects/smart-tourism-destinations-explore-how-smartness-increases-competitiveness-in-the-context-of-tourism-destinations/

https://www.travelagentcentral.com/europe/valencia-spain-named-european-capital-smart-tourism-2022

https://smart-tourism-capital.ec.europa.eu/index_en

https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/news/valencia-named-european-capital-of-smart-tourism-2022/

Directorate-General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs. (2022, February 7). Bordeaux and València start the year as 2022 European Capitals of Smart Tourism. Retrieved from European Commission, official website: https://smart-tourism-capital.ec.europa.eu/news/bordeaux-and-valencia-start-year-2022-european-capitals-smart-tourism-2022-02-07_en

https://smart-tourism-capital.ec.europa.eu/news/european-capital-smart-tourism-initiative-presented-digital-itb-berlin-now-2021-03-10_en

Hernaldo Turrillo is a writer and author specialised in innovation, AI, DLT, SMEs, trading, investing and new trends in technology and business. He has been working for ztudium group since 2017. He is the editor of openbusinesscouncil.org, tradersdna.com, hedgethink.com, and writes regularly for intelligenthq.com, socialmediacouncil.eu. Hernaldo was born in Spain and finally settled in London, United Kingdom, after a few years of personal growth. Hernaldo finished his Journalism bachelor degree in the University of Seville, Spain, and began working as reporter in the newspaper, Europa Sur, writing about Politics and Society. He also worked as community manager and marketing advisor in Los Barrios, Spain. Innovation, technology, politics and economy are his main interests, with special focus on new trends and ethical projects. He enjoys finding himself getting lost in words, explaining what he understands from the world and helping others. Besides a journalist, he is also a thinker and proactive in digital transformation strategies. Knowledge and ideas have no limits.

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European Capital of Smart Tourism

The European Capital of Smart Tourism recognises outstanding achievements in smart tourism in European cities.

The value of Smart Tourism

Smart tourism responds to new challenges and demands in a fast-changing sector, including the evolution of digital tools, products and services; equal opportunity and access for all visitors; sustainable development of the local area; and support to creative industries, local talent and heritage.

About the award 

Tourism is the EU’s third largest socio-economic activity, representing around 10% of the EU’s GDP. The sector plays a crucial role in generating growth and jobs, but still holds untapped potential – especially in the area of smart tourism. Innovation, accessibility, and sustainability are the future of tourism, and the European Commission aims to keep European tourism ahead of the curve. 

For more examples and a more detailed description of each category and additional information, please refer to our Guide for Applicants .

Award categories

The cornerstones of smart tourism are being defined by excellence of tourist destinations across the EU in the four award categories:

Benefits – WHY APPLY? 

The winner of the title of European Capital of Smart Tourism 2025 will receive expert communication and branding support in promoting its destination in the media and online, a sculpture for their city centre, a promotional video representing its destination and smart tourism practices, and many other promotional actions from the EU that are designed to raise the profile of the city and boost visitor numbers.

Eligibility criteria

The competition is open to cities in EU Member States and non-EU countries that take part in the Single Market programme (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iceland, Kosovo, Liechtenstein, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Norway, Serbia, Türkiye and Ukraine), with populations of over 100,000. In countries where no city has more than 100,000 inhabitants, the largest city is eligible to apply. For smaller states with total population below 1 million, cities with 10,000 inhabitants are eligible to apply. Population size should be checked against the  EUROSTAT .

How is the winner selected?

> evaluation step 1 .

All submitted, admissible and eligible applications are evaluated against a set of established criteria by a panel of independent experts. The evaluation by the experts determines which cities are the best performers in each individual category. Moreover, on the basis of their evaluation, the Commission then establishes a short-list of a maximum of 4 cities which will proceed to the next evaluation step.

> Evaluation Step 2 

The shortlisted 4 cities will then be invited to present their case in front of a European Jury. Following these presentations, the European Jury selects the 2025 European Capital of Smart Tourism.

Download the Guide for Applicants

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Explore Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala's Vibrant Capital City Revealed

What makes thiruvananthapuram city famous .

The capital city of Kerala Thiruvananthapuram is commonly referred to as Trivandrum. Situated along the coast of Arabian Sea, it boasts a plethora of tourist attractions. The city has a significant historical heritage which dates back thousands of years. Being the administrative capital of Kerala makes it an important city. It is also home to several historic landmarks and monuments that bear testimony to its illustrious past.

1.Historical Heritage: Tracing Thiruvananthapuram's Glorious Past

Thiruvananthapuram has a very long history and was once ruled by ancient monarchs over thousands of years ago. Travancore Kingdom was one most powerful states in Kerala at that time. There are many historic landmarks and monuments standing now which were built centuries ago by these rulers. Padmanabhaswamy Temple being one such landmark is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

2.Cultural Capital: Celebrating Arts, Music, and Literature

Thiruvananthapuram's colorful arts scene celebrates several forms of art such as music, dance, literature etc., making it cultural capital for not only Kerala but India too. Kathakali, Mohiniyattam and Koodiyattam are few traditional performing arts that you will witness here quite often.

3.Natural Beauty: Exploring Backwaters and Beaches

With beautiful landscapes surrounded by nature along with astonishingly serene backwaters make this place perfect for artistic pursuits. Being blessed with quite a few pristine beaches like Kovalam beach with clear waters further adds to this fact.

4.Religious Significance: Temples and Shrines

Thiruvananthapuram is home for many temples and shrines. Its religious significance is reflected in its numerous religious sites that attract pilgrims and devotees from far and wide. Written by: S.Sangeetha

Thiruvananthapuram is extremely well known as an educational hub. This is mainly due to its prestigious institutions and research centers that draw in students from all over Kerala and the rest of the world. The city houses a lot of famous schools. For example, the University of Kerala offers programs in a variety of fields. In addition, Thiruvananthapuram boasts many research organizations and scientific institutions such as the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), and the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER). This range of options help cement its reputation as an academic powerhouse.

5.Culinary Delights: A Gastronomic Journey

The food in Thiruvananthapuram alone is a reason to visit. It offers a taste explosion with each bite! Between street food vendors, local restaurants, fresh seafood markets, there's something for everyone here when it comes to meals. They've got traditional dishes like appam, puttu, karimeen pollichathu which are all classics you can't go wrong with! And if seafood is your thing then you've hit gold here! From fish to prawns to crabs - you won't be able to find these flavors this good anywhere else.

Conclusion: Thiruvananthapuram - Where Tradition Meets Modernity

Wrapping it all up Thiruvananthapuram has so much history behind it that has modernized so well. Its cultural significance speaks for itself; it's been dubbed both the cultural and administrative capital of Kerala for ages.

This Small Town Is Called the ‘Covered Bridge Capital of the West’ — and It Has Beautiful Vineyards and Waterfalls

Cottage Grove, known as the ‘Covered Bridge Capital of the West,’ is a picturesque destination blending historical charm and natural beauty. This quaint town in Lane County, Oregon, is a haven for those seeking a serene getaway.

A highlight of the area is its collection of covered bridges, the largest in the West. These bridges, including the only remaining covered railroad bridge west of the Mississippi, offer a unique glimpse into the region’s past.

Complementing the historic bridges are the stunning natural landscapes, including several beautiful waterfalls. Hikes to Trestle Creek Falls and Brice Creek Falls, for instance, offer opportunities to explore the area’s lush forests and scenic waterways.

For those who prefer a more leisurely experience, the town boasts charming bed and breakfasts for a relaxing stay, and the Bohemia Gold Mining Museum showcases the area’s rich history. This combination of historic bridges, scenic hikes, and local culture makes Cottage Grove an enchanting destination for travelers​.

Things to Do in Cottage Grove, Oregon

Cottage Grove, Oregon, is a treasure trove of activities for anyone seeking a blend of history, natural beauty, and small-town charm. The town boasts 6 historic bridges.

You can embark on a 20-mile journey through Lane County to see the largest assemblage of covered bridges in the West. This journey is equally enjoyable by bike or foot, adding to the quaint charm of the area.

Nature enthusiasts will find plenty to explore with numerous hiking trails and waterfalls nearby. For a unique historical perspective, visit the Bohemia Gold Mining Museum, which offers a fascinating glimpse into the local mining history with an impressive collection of mining tools and relics.

Downtown Cottage Grove is a National Historic District where you can stroll along Main Street, lined with buildings dating back to the 1880s and early 1900s. This area is replete with boutiques, restaurants, bookstores, and antique shops, perfect for leisurely exploration.

The Row River Trail, following the old railroad tracks of the Oregon Pacific & Eastern Railroad line, is ideal for family-friendly biking, walking, or horseback riding. This 16-mile trail winds through stunning scenery, including views of Dorena Lake and various covered bridges.

For aviation enthusiasts, the Oregon Aviation Historical Society & Museum is a must-visit. It showcases the state’s rich history in aviation with an impressive collection of vintage airplanes and information about aviation pioneers.

Where to Stay in Cottage Grove, Oregon

When looking for a place to stay in Cottage Grove, Oregon, there are several appealing options:

Best Western Cottage Grove Inn

This hotel is a go-to for business travelers, offering not just a comfortable stay but also practical amenities like a business center with photocopying/fax services. Its proximity to the Cottage Grove State Airport and local attractions adds to its convenience.

Village Green Hotel

Ideal for romantic getaways, this hotel creates a tranquil ambiance with its spa bath, lush garden, and picnic area. It also provides a pool, a bar/lounge, and a restaurant for relaxing and dining. The hotel’s location near Currin Bridge adds to its charm, making it a popular choice for wedding ceremonies and romantic escapes.

Relax Inn – Cottage Grove  

Families will find this inn accommodating and conveniently located near key attractions like the Chambers Covered Bridge. It offers family-friendly rooms with necessary amenities like free toiletries and a kitchenette for easy meal preparations. Additionally, entertainment options like cable TV ensure a pleasant stay for all family members.

Where to Eat and Drink in Cottage Grove, Oregon

Cottage Grove, Oregon, offers a delightful variety of dining experiences, each with its unique flavor and charm. Here are the top three places to eat and drink in this quaint town:

The Axe and Fiddle

Situated in the historic Burkholder Woods Building, The Axe and Fiddle is more than just a restaurant; it’s the nightlife hub of Cottage Grove. This pub is renowned for its quality offerings, including local craft beers, craft cocktails from a full bar, and an eclectic dinner menu featuring locally sourced, organic seasonal ingredients. They also offer a Sunday brunch.

Buster’s Main Street Cafe

Buster’s Main Street Cafe, named after Joseph Frank “Buster” Keaton, is located near the historic Cottage Grove Hotel. It provides a cozy environment and serves a variety of dishes including Eggs Benedict, Salmon Omelettes, Philly Cheesesteaks, and Monte Cristo sandwiches.

For a festive Mexican dining experience, El Tapatio is a popular choice. Known for its authentic Mexican food, large portions, and excellent service, it’s a go-to for locals and visitors alike. The restaurant features a “kids eat free” Sunday special and freshly made guacamole.

When to Visit

Cottage Grove, Oregon, is a delightful destination year-round, each season offering its own unique charm. The warmer months are perfect for outdoor activities like hiking and exploring the scenic covered bridges.

Summer brings local festivals and events, adding to the town’s lively atmosphere. Fall is a magical time with vibrant foliage, ideal for scenic drives and enjoying the natural beauty of the region.

Winter, while cooler, provides a quieter, serene experience, perfect for cozy getaways and experiencing the town’s historical charm. Thus, the best time to visit Cottage Grove depends on the activities and experiences you’re looking for in this picturesque Oregon town.

Final Thoughts

Cottage Grove, Oregon, stands out as a versatile destination that caters to a wide range of interests and preferences.

Whether it’s the historic allure of the covered bridges, the captivating beauty of the natural landscapes, or the warm hospitality found in its dining and accommodation options, the town offers a rich and diverse experience.

Each season in Cottage Grove brings its own unique charm, making it a year-round haven for visitors. With its blend of history, nature, and culture, Cottage Grove embodies the essence of a quintessential small American town, inviting exploration and relaxation in equal measure.

24 CAPIZ TOURIST SPOTS & THINGS TO DO for Your Roxas City Itinerary

OK, let’s get something out of the way: No, we didn’t see any aswang . Not that we expected to.

Capiz’s close association with stories about the aswang — perhaps the country’s most well-known blood-sucking, fetus-munching, sometimes shape-shifting folk monster — has been so embedded in the Pinoy psyche that when we mentioned to anyone that we were Capiz-bound, it was the first thing to pop on their minds. It was also one of the first topics that our guide addressed, barely five minutes from the moment we emerged from the airport.

But as one great philosopher said, “C’mon guys, it’s 2022!” 😅

For the longest time, the aswang has overshadowed whatever else the province has to offer tourists. But Capiz is so much more than its folklore. Aside from its natural wonders, it also actively pushes sustainable attractions showcasing its culture, history , and cuisine, while helping promote the livelihood of the local community. If you’re into new and off-the-beaten path destinations, here’s a list of the things to do and places to visit in Capiz.

Note: This article is a work in progress. As of now, we have only explored Roxas City and neighboring Panay. We’ll update this as we travel and discover more of the province.

WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS GUIDE?

ROXAS CITY TOURIST SPOTS

Roxas City is the capital of the province of Capiz. In fact, the province got its name from it, which was formerly called the Municipality of Capiz before it was renamed in honor of Manuel Roxas, the fourth president of the Republic of the Philippines. Today, it serves as the gateway to the province and nearby areas in Panay Island. Here are some of the key attractions in Roxas City.

Roxas City Museum (Ang Panublion)

Sitting at the heart of the city is the Roxas City Museum, officially named Ang Panublion Museum . The Hiligaynon term panublion means “heritage”, an apt description because it showcases cultural and historical artifacts including those of the province’s indigenous groups, the Ati and the Panay Bukidnon.

It is a great first stop of the tour because it can serve as a quick overview of what the city and province have to offer. This way, you’ll have more context when you visit another historic or cultural site, allowing you to appreciate them better.

Also on display are collections depicting the history of Capiz and of Panay Island as a whole. At the very center of the room stand blown-up photographs of various scenes in the province.

The museum structure itself is considered a historical landmark. Dating back to 1910, the circular water tank survived the claws of World War II and was eventually repurposed as a museum in 1993 by the city government.

Location: Legaspi Street corner Hughes Street, Roxas City, Capiz Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Tuesday – Friday); 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Saturday & Sunday); CLOSED (Monday) Entrance Fee: FREE

Roxas City Plaza

Just one block away from the Panublion Museum lies the Roxas City Plaza, the city’s historic core. Surrounded by a number important structures, the square is a one-stop site to see some of the city’s key landmarks:

• a fountain at the center, which also serves as the Kilometer 0 mark
• the Rizal Monument and the Capiz Provincial Capitol on the eastern side
• a historic bridge on the southern side
• the Roxas City Hall on the northern side
• the Roxas Monument on the western side
• the City Bandstand

But perhaps the most dominant structure here is the Roxas Cathedral . More formally known as the Immaculate Conception Metropolitan Cathedral, it is the center of Catholic faith in Capiz and the seat of the Archdiocese of Capiz.

The church’s history can be traced back all the way to 1707, when it was established by Augustinian missionaries. But the building we see today was completed in 1827.

Palina Greenbelt Ecopark & River Cruise

Situated on the outskirts of the city, about five kilometers west of the urban center, the Palina Greenbelt Ecopark offers riverside agro-tourism, river tour, and fresh seafood treat on one of the many floating open-hut cottages.

Get a glimpse into the seafood farming industry. Remember, Roxas City is the country’s seafood capital! Here, fishermen grow their own oysters, mussels, shrimps, and other marine products, promoting sustainable tourism and the local community’s livelihood.

Managed by the community-based organization, Palina River Development Association, Inc., this multi-awarded undertaking has received recognitions including the ATOP-DOT Pearl Awards 2016 (Grand Winner for Community-based Responsible Tourism Enterprise), the ASEAN Sustainable Tourism Award 2018, and the Capiz Green Enterprise Award 2019 (Champion).

If you want to dig into the freshest catch, it is highly recommended to order a day or two before your scheduled visit. For reservation and pre-order (menu), you may reach the management via the contact details below. You may also bring your own food, but corkage fees apply.

Location: Sitio Cablatan, Barangay Cagay, Roxas City, Capiz Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Daily). Note that the schedule might change, so always check the official Facebook page before visiting. Fees: P10/head (Entrance); P1,500 (Stationary Floating Cottage, 4 hours); P1,500 (River Tour, 1 hour, 15 pax); P2,000 (1-hour River Tour + 2-hour Stationary/Swimming) Corkage Fees: P20/menu, P50/case, P100 (Lechon), P100 (Ice Cream) Contact Details: 0910 609 7475 / 0946 319 5772

The Edge of Roxas City + Painted Anitos

Crowning a cliff along the northern, uhm, edge of the Culasi peninsula, The Edge is a relatively new hangout place where one can appreciate nature, food, and arts. The promontory faces the Sibuyan Sea, affording revelers picturesque views of the surrounding area.

It was originally built as a private piece of paradise for family and friends of the owners but was eventually opened to the public. It has a snack bar serving refreshments, pica-pica (finger foods), and all-day breakfast for walk-ins. You can also ask for the special menu, but be sure to order a day before your planned visit.

From the Port of Culasi, guests need to trek about 300 meters to reach the place. The site also harbors the Barangay Culasi Lighthouse , just a short trek up from The Edge proper.

While its photo spots are evidently inspired by similar popular sites in Bali, its heart and soul are grounded in local heritage. On your way to the lighthouse, you’ll be greeted by colorful anitos . An anito can refer to ancestor spirit, which is revered in many folk religions. The idea of installing the painted statues came from Mr. Jose “Jong” Arcenas and his deep appreciation of our precolonial culture, especially that of the Hangaway Pintados , the tattooed warriors in Panay and nearby areas.

“(The anitos) are dressed up and painted with tattoo designs or traditional clothings,” Jong shares. “These tattoos have a lot of meanings and the definition of each pattern depends on the tribe it is representing.” Aside from local designs, the figures also highlight our Austronesian roots, showcasing Visayan styles alongside those of our seafaring cousins like the Maori; and illustrating how we are all related. In fact, each was created according to its artist’s interpretation of various traditional Austronesian designs including batik (textile) and batuk (tattoo).

Jong’s dream is to catapult this passion project of his into a major tourist attraction to bring this aspect of our heritage closer to more people. It’s also a great reminder of our rich culture and identity as a nation.

Location: Barangay Culasi, Roxas City, Cadiz Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Daily). Upon request, the closing hour can extend up to 10:00 PM. The schedule may change so check the official Facebook Page or contact the management for the updated schedule before going. Entrance Fee: P20/head

Paseo del Rio & Casa de Mercado

Launched to the public in February 2022, Paseo del Rio (River Walk) used to be a dumping site but was later rehabilitated and transformed into a scenic promenade. Running between San Roque Bridge and Jumbo Bridge (Juliano Alba Bridge), it is a public leisure space, where people can have a relaxing walk along the Panay River.

The most prominent structure here is Casa de Mercado , fronted by the Paseo del Rio welcome sign. As of this writing, the casa is largely empty and only booked for private and public events. But it doesn’t take much imagination to see it and the whole stretch as a vibrant cultural hotspot — possibly a weekend market — that locals and tourists alike can enjoy on a more regular basis.

Roxas City Public Market

Just across Paseo del Rio stands the Teodoro Arcenas Trade Center , Roxas City’s public market and the largest in Capiz. More popularly known locally as Lipunan Market , it’s over 40 years old but was recently renovated after Typhoon Ursula damages some of its parts. It was named after former mayor Teodoro Roxas Arcenas, who had the marker built.

Like any other market, there are sections for fruits and vegetables, meat, dry goods, and other products. But it’s also a great place to find one of Roxas’s greatest assets — seafood — at friendly prices!

While Roxas City is a modern city, its more traditional roots can also be seen in and around the market, especially at shops selling various items that are claimed to have healing properties, commonly used by albolaryo . According to our guide Jong Arcenas (grandson of Teodoro Arcenas, after whom the place was named), these include staples like tawas, lana (coconut oil) and herbal medicine. You’ll also find kamangyan , a type of incense made from dried resin of select trees and then burnt to produce smoke, often used in treating certain diseases or at rituals; and sulfur powder, also used to heal some types of skin illnesses. But most curious of all are the anting-anting, amulets and talismans which are claimed to fight off or prevent aswang attacks, usog (afflictions brought about by the attention or greetings from strangers), or bad luck.

Jong also highly recommends Mang Inaso — nope, not Mang Inasal, but Mang Inaso. It’s a humble carinderia within the market premises that serves lutong-bahay -style Pinoy dishes but is best known for their barbecue or grilled meat like liempo. Its loyal patrons come from all walks of life, from drivers to executives.

Baybay Beach

Covering the northern border of Capiz, the seven-kilometer Baybay Beach is a popular leisure destination for locals because of its close proximity to the city center. Also called La Playa de Roxas , it overlooks the Sibuyan Sea, providing charming beachfront views, making it a favorite hangout spot, meeting place, and street food joint in Roxas.

The seemingly endless stretch of fine dark gray sand makes it a good venue for many activities including swimming, picnicking, playing beach sports, jogging, strolling, and watching the sunrise and sunset. From here, you’ll have a good look at some of the islands fronting the city including Mantalinga Island and Olotayan Island.

Visitors often have a full meal at one of the seafood restaurants lining the beach.

Location: People’s Park, Arnaldo Boulevard, Roxas City, Capiz Opening Hours: 24/7 Entrance Fee: FREE

Tabai Coffee + Test Kitchen

But if you’re not up for a full meal but would love a drink while in Baybay, head over to Tabai Coffee + Test Kitchen . Tabai is more than just a cafe. Its biggest asset is its location, just right by Baybay, the city’s main beach. From its beachfront deck, you can watch the waves and enjoy a view of the islands.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Tabai Coffee + Test Kitchen (@tabaibaybay)

During the day, it is a scenic cafe, perfect for meet-and-chill or work-and-chill types of situations. But at night, it turns into a cocktail lounge, where you can catch up with friends over a drink, preferably with alcohol. Baybay faces north so you won’t actually get to catch the sun set from the store, but you can still enjoy the glow as the day turns to night while taking a sip of its signature Tabai sunset drink. Tabai also hosts meetings, small gatherings, and events (arts and music) among others.

The menu also includes snacks, rice meals, chicken wings, and pizza. And true to its test kitchen tag, we were served a dish that wasn’t on the menu yet!

The Ruins of Alcatraz

The western end of Baybay Beach is dominated by the Ruins of Alcatraz , encroaching a promontory that overlooks the coast and the sea. The towering wall intimidates its onlookers, but it delights the fans of Attack on Titans as it is reminiscent of its three colossal walls (Sina, Rose, Maria).

It kind of reminds us of many other movies and series, too. Anything with a massive wall, really. From The Maze Runner to any medieval fantasy like Lord of the Rings or Game of Thrones . Let your imagination run wild!

The wall was supposed to be part of a resort, which the Bermejo family originally planned for that site but was later dropped. Today, the top portion mainly serves as a viewing spot, while the wall itself makes for a perfect background for photoshoots.

Location: Sitio Nipa, Barangay Culasi, Roxas City, Capiz Opening Hours: 24/7 Entrance Fee: FREE

Mantalinga Island

There are different kinds of beauty. Mantalinga Island is a kind that one can only admire but not conquer. Separated from the mainland about one kilometer off the northern coast of Roxas City, the uninhabited island is visible from Baybay Beach, whether on the shore or in one of the restaurants lining the beach.

Crowned with greenery, the island sits on a rocky elevated throne, making it hard for people to dock and set foot on the island. It used to serve as a roundabout for kayaking and sailboat racing competition. The waters surrounding the island are adorned with colorful corals and are home to a diverse marine life, providing a perfect spot for scuba divers.

Nicknamed “Good Luck Island”, Mantalinga is believed to bring good luck to fishermen who will have the names of their boats written on the rocky foundation of the island before they go fishing during its maiden voyage. According to a legend, Mantalinga, along with Olotayan Island and Iloilo’s Gigantes Islands, is part of a giant’s body representing the eyes and the ears, hence the name.

Location: Roxas City, Capiz

Olotayan Island

According to folklore, the 53-hectare Olotayan Island is part of the legendary giant’s anatomy, particularly the head and the belly!

Situated a few kilometers off the coast of Baybay Beach, Olotayan is the sole island barangay of Roxas City. While the settlements are mostly niched on the eastern and the northern shores, much of the land is covered in vegetation.

An off-the-beaten beach destination, it isn’t usually frequented by tourists, making it a perfect spot for those who prefer quiet and less touristy beaches. The shore appears to be white, but it’s made up of coral rubbles, so it’s best to wear aqua shoes or footwear while strolling and exploring the beach. For those who love venturing further into the deep, the surrounding waters are home to various species of fish, corals, and even the fluted giant clams, according to our guide.

Some of the popular jump-off points are Baybay Beach and Punta Cogon. The travel time is around 30 minutes by boat. The strong waves make it challenging for smaller boats to cross the waters separating Olotayan from the mainland. It’s best to bring your own food and enough drinking water.

Espacio Verde Resort

As early as now, let me tell you that Espacio Verde isn’t cheap by any means. But if you’re in Roxas to celebrate an occasion and you don’t mind splurging a little, consider staying in one of their 23 suites, all spacious and well-appointed. These are housed in garden villas, which are surrounded by gardens and a man-made lagoon, which you can explore by kayak. Traveling with kids? They’ll have a splash zooming down the water slide into their swimming pool. It has something for everyone in the family.

Our favorite part is this picturesque walking path, flanked by date trees!

The resort also has three restaurants – Abuelo, Aquatico, and Veranda — but it is the first that serves as the main dining area, with a mostly Spanish-Filipino menu.

Sacred Heart of Jesus Christ Shrine

Crowning Tumandok Hill in Barangay Dinginan, the towering 132-foot Sacred Heart of Jesus Christ statue is considered one of the tallest and largest Jesus images in the Philippines. (The figure of Christ measures 102 ft, while the base 30 ft.)

The location affords pilgrims and visitors a 360-degree view of Roxas City and a panoramic view of Sibuyan Sea. You can also spot the statue from afar, at least from some parts of the main road (highway).

The shrine is a project of the Ong family, who owns and runs the Sacred Heart of Jesus Development Corporation (SHJDC) and Pueblo de Panay, two of the biggest employers in the province. But the site is more like a personal tribute. We had the pleasure of chatting with SHJDC VP for Corporate Affairs Hariette Ong-Banzon, one of the Ong siblings. She shared with us the heartwarming story of how her sister, Hyacinth, was diagnosed with a rare disease in 1990 and how faith pulled their family together and surrendered everything to the Lord. Her miraculous recovery led them to building the statue, inspired by a vision she had while still battling the affliction.

The construction of the church at the base is still ongoing, so donations, big or small, are greatly appreciated. You can also buy snacks, drinks, and souvenir items beside the parking lot and the temporary chapel.

Location: St.Peter’s Road, Tumandok Hill, Pueblo de Panay Township, Barangay Dinginan, Roxas City, Capiz Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Daily). Note that the schedule might change, so always check the official Facebook page (Holy Trinity Drive Healing Ministry, Inc.) or contact the management before visiting. Entrance Fee: FREE

Homegrown Cafés

The laidback vibe of Roxas City is a perfect setting for coffee breaks and meetups. Charming homegrown cafés are steadily becoming popular. Each has its own specialty and offering both local and international flavors and concoctions.

One of the rising spots for a caffeine fix is Luna Coffee , located right at the heart of Roxas, just a couple of hundred meters west of the City Plaza’s Kilometer 0 Fountain. At first glance, it’s quite difficult to pin down the theme it’s going for. Aesthetically, it has the trendy industrial look, but ledges are adorned by items from the Marvel Cinematic Universe and walls are neon-lit with Korean and Filipino phrases. But this hodgepodge of decors is probably what makes it interesting. Every corner here is stylishly Instagrammable, that is if you can catch it unoccupied.

The cafe takes the most pride in its freshly made hand-crafted espresso and iced Spanish latte. But alas, we weren’t in the mood for coffee at the time, so we ended up having a cup of their “pink drink”, made with strawberries and condensed milk.

Café Terraza

Perched on a hill in the sloping complex of Circulo Convention Center, Cafe Terraza proudly claims to be the only scenic hilltop dining destination in Roxas City. The cafe is set on a spacious terrace, enabling local patrons and visitors to soak in gorgeous countryside views and laid-back vibe. It also has 15 native cabanas and a pavilion, and serves Filipino and international dishes.

Roughly three kilometers south of the urban center, its accessibility is also a contributing factor to its popularity.

Location: El Circulo Convention, Sacred Heart of Jesus Avenue, Barangay Dinginan, Roxas City, Capiz Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM (Daily). Note that the schedule might change, so always check the official Facebook page before visiting.

Banica Dried Fish Center

Banica Dried Fish Center is located over two kilometers east of the city center, in Barangay Banica. It is a popular wholesale dried fish market and pasalubong center. The whole stretch of street, from the main road to the Banica Wharf, is lined with vendors selling different kinds of dried fish — tabagak, barol, balingon, and dilis, just to name a few. If you are planning to buy pasalubong here, your landmark is the Banica Bridge and the Shell Gasoline Station.

We had a nice chat with one of the vendors, Ate Mylene , who explained to us many of the products on display. If you’re planning on buying dried seafood, visit her at Andre and Janna Store , but there seemed to be no signage so just choose the third stall from the main road. Or look for her.

Location: Iloilo East Coast – Capiz Road, Barangay Banica, Roxas City, Capiz

Capiz Provincial Park

A green haven, the Capiz Provincial Park grants a quick breather from the hustle and bustle of the city. Its centerpiece is a small manmade rocky fountain surrounded by a small lagoon. The park also serves as an arboretum of some native trees in the Philippines.

It’s also here that you’ll find the Capiz Tourist Information Center and Specialty Shops , a one-stop shop for local handmade products, delicacies, and souvenirs from not just Roxas City but also other municipalities in Capiz. Some snack shops offer free samples for tasting so you know which items to purchase without regrets!

Location: Fuentes Drive, Roxas City, Capiz Opening Hours: 24/7 (Park) Entrance Fee: FREE

Culajao Mangrove Eco Park

You’ll know Roxas City places great importance on environment and sustainable tourism by the number of eco-friendly attractions dotting the city’s map. Another green destination is the Culajao Mangrove Eco Park, a nearly five-hectare mangrove reservation area in Barangay Culajao, about four kilometers northeast of the city center.

Opened in June 2008, this mangrove reforestation project is spearheaded by the Roxas City Government in partnership with Katunggan Sa Culajao Salbaron Association (KACUSA), Inc. and PEW Fellows Program in Marine Conservation , aiming to educate both locals and tourists on the benefits of mangroves in the community, the ecosystem, and the environment as a whole.

The Culajao Mangrove Forest is home to several mangrove species and diverse wildlife — birds, fishes, insects, mollusks, and more. Cottages are available for visitors who like to spend more time here.

Location: Barangay Culajao, Roxas City, Capiz Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Daily). Note that the schedule might change, so always check the official Facebook page before visiting. Entrance Fee: P20 (Adult), P15 (Student), P10 (Child) Other Fees: P100-250 (Cottage, depending on the size); P100/5 pax (Paddle Boat, P30/head if less than 5 pax, P20/head if more than 5 pax); P300/trip (Floating Bamboo Raft, 15-30 pax, available only during high tide)

PANAY TOURIST SPOTS

While Roxas City is the official capital of Capiz, the municipality of Panay (pronounced Pan-ay) was declared the heritage capital of the province. In fact, it is the second oldest Spanish settlement in the Philippines, next only to Cebu. It is often included in and often becomes the highlight of most Capiz tour itineraries. Below are some of the must-see attractions in Panay.

Panay Church

Officially named Santa Monica Parish Church , the historic Panay Church traces its roots back to the late 17th century, but the current structure was built in the late 19th century. It was designated a National Historical Landmark by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines in 1997 and a National Cultural Treasure by the National Museum in 2001.

The Neo-Classical Baroque structure was made of coral stones featuring three-meter-thick walls. Other features are the old wooden roof truss, the artifacts, the museum, the Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto, the old Spanish well at the back of the church, and of course, its famous bells!

History buffs will have a grand time admiring the church’s most remarkable treasure — the humongous 19th-century bell fondly called Dakong Linganay . It is currently the largest Catholic bell recorded in the Philippines and in Asia.

Commissioned by Father Jose Beloso and completed in 1884, the famed bell was created by Don Juan Reina out of coins donated by the townspeople. It measures five feet tall with a diameter of seven feet and weighs over 10,000 kilograms. If you want to climb up the five-story bell tower to see the original centuries-old bell (and the other eight), you can ask one of the staff (usually, it’s Kuya Joseph ) to accompany you.

If you can’t or don’t want to climb the belfry, you can find the replica of the bell, placed in front of the Museo de Santa Monica next to the church.

Location: Iloilo East Coast – Capiz Road, Panay, Capiz Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Monday, Wednesday – Saturday); 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM (Sunday); CLOSED (Tuesday). Note that the schedule might change, so always check the official Facebook page before visiting. Entrance Fee: FREE, but you are welcome to donate any amount. And you may also give tip to the staff member accompanying you to show your appreciation.

Balay ni Nanay Lording

Located along Calle Revolucion, said to be the second-oldest street in the country, in Barangay Poblacion Ilawod, Balay ni Nanay Lording is one of the heritage houses in Capiz. From the outside, the house might not look too old because of the modern accents added through the years, but when you step inside, you’ll see that it has preserved many parts of the old interior.

This is the family home of Ms. Vicky Baes, President of Capiz-Roxas Travel Agencies and Tour Operators Association (CARTATOA). She herself showed us around the house, which also serves as a museum, safeguarding a number of antique tableware and age-old clothing, nostalgic furniture, and other collections. You’ll see some of the family’s heirloom and treasured possessions.

The space downstairs was transformed into a specialty restaurant, Cafe Marcelo , offering meal packages, including all-out seafood-all-you-can (P378 per head), good for big groups, including crabs, scallops, oysters (served raw), squid, and fish, all served fresh!

Chocolate lover? Coffee addict? The garden cafe also has a local tablea and coffee showroom. You can take home some of their very own tablea chocolate (P200-300 per pack) and native Capiz coffee in pasalubong-ready packs. Salud salud!

Location: Calle Revolucion, Poblacion Ilawod, Panay, Capiz

Istorya Forest Garden

It was hard to find one label that fits Istorya Forest Garden . It is an outdoor bar, offering a whole range of alcoholic drinks from cocktails to sangria to wine to whiskey. It is a restaurant, serving what was undoubtedly the best meal we had in Capiz. It is a romantic sanctuary, set under the canopy of towering trees, surrounded by nature, illuminated by lines of lanterns at night.

But it is first and foremost a resort. It was originally a private family resort, but in 2019 it finally started accepting guests, seeking refuge from the busy work week. This eight-hectare lush property houses four villas and 23 rooms. For overnight stay, reserve and book by contacting them through email, mobile numbers, or Facebook messenger (details below).

You may also visit on a day tour, but it’s best to contact them before you go. While the resto-bar is also open to non-staying visitors, they may only drop by on specified days (see details below) before 5pm. Beyond these hours, the property is exclusive to resort guests who are checked in. The resort also hosts events, private dinners, and Sunday Brunch Buffet.

Location: Barangay Poblacion Ilaya, Panay, Capiz Opening Hours: Oculars 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Thursday – Sunday); Bar Botanico 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM (Friday – Sunday). Note that the schedule might change, so always check the official Facebook page or contact the management before visiting. Contact Details: [email protected] / 0933 855 1705 / 0917 855 9307

OTHER CAPIZ ATTRACTIONS

Capiz ecology park and cultural village.

Encompassing 16 hectares, the Capiz Ecology and Cultural Village is a vast green space established to promote sustainable community-based livelihood and agro-tourism. Home to various endemic trees and plants, the park also serves as an educational site for organic farming and forestry.

Managed by the provincial government, it also functions as an open-air museum showcasing some of the traditional houses in the Philippines including the Ati’s sapew ke meme , the Hiligaynon/Akeanon/Kinaray-a’s payag , the Igorot’s Bontoc house or fayu , the Panay Bukidnon’s house, and Jama Mapun’s luma. We were told there also used to be a lepa, the Badjao’s traditional boathouse, but was destroyed by a recent typhoon.

Our guide from the Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office, Sir Ahdiemar Baylon, toured us and patiently explained each stop. He also allowed us to witness how native delicacies are made (including my favorite nilupak, which is made with plantains in this part of the country) and learn more about the province’s cultural heritage through weaving and other local crafts.

The park also hosts corporate team buildings, seminars, retreats, campings, and just a quick getaway from the usual daily grind. Other facilities are spa house, wall climbing, treehouse, souvenir shop, and a café (Kapehan sa Ecopark).

The park is located in Brgy. Nagba in the municipality of Cuartero, a bit detached from the usual tourist attractions. But if you wish to come visit, you may get in touch with Park Manager Rolly Miguel at 09194720875.

Location: Barangay Nagba, Cuartero, Capiz Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Daily). Note that the schedule might change, so always check the official Facebook page before visiting. How to get there: From Roxas City, board a bus to Cuartero town center (P60-80). From there, the park is just a 10-minute tricycle ride away. Entrance Fee: FREE

Diwal and Other Seafood

In Capiz, you’ll find the freshest and most delicious seafood the country has to offer. Hello?! You are in the Seafood Capital of the Philippines, so go on and stuff your face with the relatively affordable local and classic seafood dishes.

From the Baybay Beach seafood grills and eateries to the Palina Greenbelt floating restaurants to the unlimited seafood buffets, the options are seemingly endless — crabs, prawns, mussels, scallops, catfish, marlins, shrimps, and oysters! But our favorite is definitely the diwal , also known as Oriental angel wing clam ( Pholas orientalis ). Oriental, perhaps to differentiate it from another similar looking clam in the west (Cyrtopleura costata). Angel wing, because look at it! They do look like how angel’s wings have been depicted for centuries — ivory white, dove-like, and intricate.

While diwal can also be found in other provinces (and other countries), these seasonal mollusks are most abundant in this part of Panay Island, particularly Capiz. Compared to other bivalves, diwal packs more meat and is much easier to open and eat. It’s also juicier and tastier. We’ve had them many ways but we loved them grilled.

Side trip to Gigantes Islands, Iloilo

The Gigantes Islands, a group of islands off the northeastern coast of Iloilo, together with Olotayan and Mantalinga Islands of Capiz, are shrouded in legends, myths, and folk tales. There are many versions on how the islands got their names, but one consistently floats on the surface: they are scattered remains of a prehistoric giant.

Brace yourself when you embark on a journey to the islands because the “giants” will capture you and overwhelm you with what they can offer — magnificent rock formations and cliffs, scenic islands and islets, pristine beaches, interesting caves, a saltwater lagoon, and a 19th-century lighthouse. The usual island hopping stops are Cabugao Gamay, Antonia Island, and Bantigui Island. Some packages also include Pandan Island (Ojastras Island) and Mini (Little) Boracay Beach (for small boats only).

Don’t forget to try the fresh unlimited or piso scallops when you get the chance. Ask your boatman or tour operator for details.

How to Get There: Gigantes Island is under the jurisdiction of Carles Municipality in the province of Iloilo, but if you are coming from Manila , the nearest major airport is Roxas Airport in Capiz. The travel time from the airport to Bancal Port, which is the jump-off point to Gigantes, is about two hours. If you are coming from Iloilo International Airport, the journey takes three to four hours, depending on the traffic and road condition.

HOW TO GET TO ROXAS CITY

AirAsia , one of the country’s top budget airlines, had its inaugural flight to Roxas on 2022 June 16! It now flies 3x weekly (Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday) to Roxas City from Manila via NAIA Terminal 4. The travel time is 45 minutes to an hour.

By the way, each booking is inclusive of a complimentary 7kg carry-on baggage allowance. For a hassle-free and more comfortable journey, you might want to check its Value Pack, which covers 20kg check-in baggage allowance, standard seat selection, a meal, and Tune Protect insurance (for baggage delay & 1 hour on-time guarantee protection). Meanwhile, their Premium Flex option allows you to change the date and time of your flight up to two times.

Prior to our recent trip, the team had been to all the provinces in the Western Visayas Region (Region VI) EXCEPT Capiz, which has always piqued our curiosity. So when AirAsia invited us to finally experience the Seafood Capital of the Philippines, we said yes right away! Special thanks to the AirAsia fam for taking good care of us through the entire journey!

ROXAS CITY & CAPIZ TOURS

While it is entirely possible to explore Roxas City and the rest of Capiz by public transportation on your own, we recommend hiring a tour guide or joining a tour. Capiz is one of those destinations that don’t immediately stun on the surface, but you’ll appreciate better as you dig deeper. Much of the attractions are historic and cultural, making them more experiential than visual.

For more information about tour packages, contact:

SAN MATEO TRAVEL & TOURS Headed by Ms. Vicky Baes Mobile No.: 09478063578 Email: [email protected]

If you prefer a more customized type of tour, get in touch with:

JONG ARCENAS Freelance Tour Guide Mobile No.: 09175332990

As a local, Jong is one of the most knowledgeable tour guides we’ve had in the Philippines. He had a lot of compelling stories to share about each site, and we could tell that it’s coming from a place of pride and love for his hometown. Whether you’re on a barkada trip or company outing, having Jong will make your tour more insightful. You can also ask him for tips and other recommendations.

Written by Asta Alvarez Photos and additional words by Yosh Dimen

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Desert Drives and Sea Lion Dives: The Enduring Draws of La Paz, Mexico

New hotels and destination-worthy restaurants now complement the ever-appealing outdoors surrounding La Paz, the capital of Baja California Sur.

The east coast of Baja California Sur is a distinctive mix of ocean and red-hued desert. Credit... Tanveer Badal for The New York Times

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By Lauren Sloss

• April 3, 2024

For our last night in La Paz, Mexico, we kept it simple: A couple of cans of cold Pacifico, a bench on the malecón, the city’s waterfront promenade, and the sunset glowing orange over the shimmering silver-blue Sea of Cortez. My husband, Alex, and I had spent nearly a week taking scenic desert drives and lazy city strolls, visiting stunning beaches and mountains, and enjoying a steady diet of fish tacos and mezcalitas. But now we were salt-coated and sinking into a blissful exhaustion that comes only after a day spent scuba diving.

La Paz is the capital of Baja California Sur, the Mexican state where some 42 percent of the land and water are natural protected areas , and the city lies on the Sea of Cortez, also known as the Gulf of California, considered one of the world’s most diverse marine environments. Travelers have long been drawn to the region’s glorious outdoors, a distinctive mix of ocean and red-hued desert, to spend days not only diving, but also sailing, kayaking, fishing, kite surfing, mountain biking, camping and hiking.

In recent years, the city has maintained its strong commitment to environmental conservation, but has also welcomed new restaurants and accommodations, meeting a growing desire among many travelers to Mexico for authentic experiences found beyond the walls of an enormous resort.

“This is an adventure destination,” said Luz Maria Zepeda, the director of the city’s tourism board. “We want people who want to explore, who want to preserve the environment the way it is, and to help us protect it.”

Growth, but kept in check

Home to around 300,000 people, La Paz has a decidedly laid-back feel — “The Peace,” it’s aptly named — and is often overshadowed by Los Cabos , a municipality on the state’s southernmost tip that includes San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas, as well as by tiny Todos Santos , a stylish destination for art and food on the Pacific Coast.

Indeed, while La Paz had a record-breaking 600,000 tourists in 2023, Los Cabos — through cruises and air alone — welcomes 3 million travelers annually .

La Paz’s comparatively modest number of visitors is, in part, a question of access: La Paz’s airport almost exclusively serves domestic destinations, with direct flights primarily from Mexico City and Guadalajara. Most international visitors opt to fly to the larger Los Cabos International Airport and take the two- to three-hour drive to La Paz.

The drive from the airport is its own worthwhile journey, with routes running along the Pacific Coast through Todos Santos and El Pescadero, home to Playa Los Cerritos , a popular surfing destination. A slightly longer, but epically beautiful, drive winds through the Sierra La Laguna mountain range.

La Paz is a walkable city with good roads and ample services. It does not have any large resorts, and there are no current plans to build any: This is not a destination with aspirations of imitating the all-inclusive, tourist-heavy spring break vibes long associated with Cabo. Instead of a waterfront dominated by restricted private access, La Paz has the malecón, which was renovated in 2020 and 2021. Last April, a proposal to build a large port for cruise ships was withdrawn after local pushback .

“We don’t want massive tourism,” said Ivan Félix, the manager of the tour and travel department of the La Paz tourism board. “The idea is not to grow in numbers, but in quality.”

That has translated to a bevy in smaller, higher-end hotel openings: Hotel Indigo , formerly the Costabaja Resort & Spa, was renovated and reopened by IHG in December and Republica Pagana , an adults-only boutique hotel with a rooftop bar and restaurant, welcomed its first guests in January. Grupo Habita opened the Baja Club Hotel in a former colonial villa in 2021 on the malecón. Hilton plans to complete a renovation of the historic La Perla Hotel , which first opened in 1940, by the end of this year.

That sophisticated growth can also be found in the city’s culinary scene, which continues to be dominated by the region’s fresh seafood, flour tortillas and ranch-driven fare like meat-filled molcajetes and snack-sized burritos. Fried fish tacos remain stalwarts, from street stands to casual eateries like Taco Fish La Paz (featured on the Netflix series “Taco Chronicles,”) and Toto Frito , where you can try sustainably farmed totoaba, a fish native to the Sea of Cortez. We feasted on a variety of chilaquiles at Maria California , a popular brunch spot, and inhaled spicy shrimp aguachile at a beach stand at Playa El Tecolote, just north of Balandra. At Los 32 Sabores , a memorable dinner of manta ray and tripe tacos on fresh tortillas and Caesar salads made tableside hinted at the city’s ambition to become a bona fide food and drink destination.

Gratitude Coffee Makers , a coffee bar a few blocks off the malecón, was opened by the husband-and-wife team Sergio Hernández and Gloria Olivera in 2022. The couple work closely with Mexican coffee farmers, ensuring both quality beans and fair labor practices, and host art exhibitions and events at their cafe. They have noticed a decided shift in the restaurant scene in recent years.

“It’s definitely developing. There are a lot of people from the mainland that are coming here and opening restaurants. You can find a lot more things to do,” said Mr. Hernández, who is from Mexico City.

Some of that diversity can be found nearby at Tiger Club , which serves Southeast Asian fare and natural wine. The restaurant is housed on the back patio of Casa Nopal , a showroom and shop specializing in handmade goods from Mexican artisans, both of which opened in 2022. Nearby, Sunrise/Sunset is a natural wine bar that opened in December. Nemi offers riffs on traditional dishes, which might include fresh fish served raw or topped with hoja santa butter, duck confit in flour tortillas or pork belly served with beans and nopales. The restaurant is the first solo project of Alejandro Villagomez, who in 2011 moved from Mexico City where he was chef de cuisine of Pujol .

“La Paz is a magical place,” Mr. Villagomez said. “We are surrounded by sea and desert, and we strive to find the best ingredients both inside and outside the city.”

White sand, cobalt waters

Still, for all of the new hotels and destination-worthy restaurants, the natural world remains La Paz’s main draw. Chrissy Cappellano, a certified master scuba diver trainer from Long Island, in New York, has been living in the city since 2018.

“You have to plan multiple trips to see everything,” she said of the area’s rich marine life. “There’s a time that’s good for whale sharks, for whales, for sea lions.”

I met Ms. Cappellano when she led our daylong dive trip with Carey Dive Center that included a surprise sighting of humpback whales and a swim with whale sharks , the wide-mouthed, filter-feeding fish that can grow up to 30 feet. The rest of the day was spent around the islands of Espírito Santo and Partida — the archipelago is part of an UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, a national park and a 45-minute ride from the city — diving around a protected sea lion colony called Los Islotes . The marine mammals didn’t hesitate to approach our group, performing flips and in some cases, biting onto flippers and dive hoses. Perhaps as spectacular were the schools of sardines, glinting silver in the sun as they whirled around us like confetti.

Care for the environment is a common talking point on dive trips I’ve been on elsewhere in Mexico and around the world; here, it was an actionable part of the agenda. Daily access to whale sharks, which migrate in order to feed in the waters right off the city , is limited to a small number of tour boats at set times. As we boarded our boat after our first dive at Los Islotes, someone spotted a sea lion pup who had been wounded by a fishing hook. Ms. Cappellano quickly sent photos and videos to Rescate de Lobos Marinos , an organization that helps monitor and treat sea lions. Carey also made a point to provide reusable water bottles for the day. (The state as a whole has been strictly limiting single-use plastics since 2018.)

It’s not hard to see how and why visitors fall in love with these cobalt waters, and why local residents are so protective of them. Espiritu Santo is a geological layer cake carved with countless small anchorages, beloved by sailors and fishing enthusiasts. But there’s also much to explore on land — the island is a popular destination for hiking and glamping, while Playa Balandra , famous for its white sand and shallow turquoise waters, is consistently named one of the most beautiful beaches in the country. An easy 20-minute drive from the city center, it is also a protected area, and limits the number of visitors allowed per day, with timed entries at 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. La Ventana, a 40-minute drive, is a famous kite-surfing destination . There’s mountain biking, dune buggying, hiking and camping, too.

“You can pick a beach depending on the wind. There are waterfalls and hot springs. Every sunset here is usually amazing,” Ms. Cappellano said. “There’s just so much nature to be enjoyed.”

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Mumbai:  Spend 36 hours in this fast-changing Indian city  by exploring ancient caves, catching a concert in a former textile mill and feasting on mangoes.

Kyoto:  The Japanese city’s dry gardens offer spots for quiet contemplation  in an increasingly overtouristed destination.

Iceland:  The country markets itself as a destination to see the northern lights. But they can be elusive, as one writer recently found .

Texas:  Canoeing the Rio Grande near Big Bend National Park can be magical. But as the river dries, it’s getting harder to find where a boat will actually float .

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5 cool neighbourhoods to explore in Washington, DC

The US capital’s classic sights will always appeal, but take the time to stray a little further and you’ll find colourful, cosmopolitan neighbourhoods breathing new life into the city.

Many first-time visitors to Washington, DC understandably make a beeline for the striking monuments and museums of the National Mall — the vast expanse of parkland that stretches from the Lincoln Memorial to the US Capitol. Look further afield, however, and the city’s eclectic charm unfurls. Over 131 neighbourhoods, each with their own flavour and flare, can be found throughout the city, from the historic enclaves of Georgetown to the global cafes and jazzy bohemian quarters of Adams Morgan.  

1. Capitol Riverfront and Southwest  

The former site of one of the nation’s oldest naval facilities, Capitol Riverfront has been transformed into a haven for sports fans, nature-lovers and foodies. Set along the banks of the Anacostia River, just south of the US Capitol, this fast-growing, urban area has seen its dining scene blossom in recent years. Now, visitors can enjoy house-brewed beer at Bluejacket , locally-sourced seafood at The Salt Line and spectacular waterfront views at District Winery , to name a few. The area also draws in legions of passionate baseball and soccer fans. Major League Baseball’s Washington Nationals have their home stadium here, which features outstanding views of the US Capitol dome from many of its 40,000-plus seats, while Audi Field, home to Major League Soccer’s DC United, offers state-of-the-art facilities that also host a variety of cultural events, community activities and concerts.  

Just around the corner, Southwest and the Wharf is another riverside neighbourhood peppered with idyllic parks and green spaces. This makes it the perfect spot for a variety of watersports, free festivals and unique events, from Pumpkin Palooza to the District’s Holiday Boat Parade and the Running of the Chihuahuas on Cinco de Mayo.

2. Georgetown

Widely regarded as DC’s most historic neighbourhood, Georgetown was originally established in the 1700s as a tobacco-port town and housed a lumber yard, cement works and the Washington Flour Mill. Today, visitors can amble its cobblestone streets to scout out its federal architecture, historic brick-and-frame row houses and iconic landmarks, such as the Old Stone House, the famous steps from The Exorcist and the one-time homes of JFK and TV chef Julia Child. The area is also home to the iconic Blues Alley Club , which is the oldest, continuously-operated jazz supper club in the US and has played host to many international artists.  

For food, head to Georgetown’s waterfront, where an array of restaurants, such as Sequoia , Tony and Joe's Seafood Place , Founding Farmers Fishers & Bakers and Fiola Mare , offer patio seating and scenic views. Those looking for a slightly more upscale experience should visit the 1789 Restaurant & Bar , which serves seasonal, contemporary American cuisine in a historic federal townhouse.

Steeped in African American history, Shaw is one neighbourhood that’s seen major revitalisation in recent years. It’s located in the popular northwest quadrant of Washington, DC and takes its name from Colonel Robert Gould Shaw, who commanded an all-Black regiment during the Civil War. Visitors can learn about the area’s rich history at the African American Civil War Memorial and Museum , which recalls the events of the war through to the Civil Rights movement with related photos, letters, artefacts and soldier’s uniforms.

Shaw also had a thriving alley culture in the 19th and 20th centuries. Located behind DC’s blocks of rowhouses, these intersecting, brick-paved zones, once filled with stables, workshops and working-class dwellings, have now become a mecca for trendy restaurants, hip bars and boutiques. Head to Causa , located in Blagden Alley, for Michelin-starred Peruvian seafood, Andean cuisine and one of the nation’s largest pisco sour libraries. Alternatively, Supra , located just down the street, is the place to sample traditional Georgian fare, including khachapuri (cheese bread and eggs) and khinkali   (soup dumplings).  

4. U Street  

Few of DC’s neighbourhoods feature the variety and notoriety of U Street and its trendy 14th Street corridor. An epicentre of art and African American heritage, this bustling stretch of hospitality-packed real estate includes everything from dive bars to avant-garde dining rooms. It’s also the place to experience the city’s exciting music scene. Bordering the Shaw neighbourhood to the east, the iconic Howard Theatre is one of the best venues to catch a live jazz performance and has seen the likes of Louis Armstrong, Billie Holiday, Duke Ellington and Ella Fitzgerald grace its hallowed stage. Meanwhile, for rock and alternative groups, make a beeline for the revered 9:30 Club . This legendary venue features an electrifying lineup, with sold out shows from upcoming bands and artists.  

U Street is also a unique destination for shopping, with various vintage and artisanal stores, quirky boutiques and bookshops. Stop by Salt & Sundry , located on 14th Street corridor, to peruse its eclectic emporium of home wares, jewellery and gifts. These products are created by a mix of independent makers and designers, both local and international.

5. Adams Morgan

Known for its historic houses, colourful murals and cosmopolitan culinary scene, the Adams Morgan neighbourhood captures the essence of the city’s diversity. Here, restaurants range from Ethiopian and Ghanaian to Dutch, Cajun, Palestinian, Peruvian, Pakistani and Lebanese. Whatever visitors are looking for, they’ll find it along the area’s main thoroughfare — vibrant 18th Street. The pace picks up at night when the District’s iconic bars, such as Roofers Union and Madam’s Organ , host live music, DJ sets and karaoke, while a more lowkey spot, Perry’s Rooftop , serves Japanese fare with an extensive drinks menu, including whiskey and sake cocktails.  

Adams Morgan is also the ideal place to while away a long afternoon. Scout out the region’s kaleidoscope of street art, including vibrant murals, colourful building faces, painted jersey barriers and more, before taking a long stroll through Meridian Hill Park to admire the cascading fountain, which is one of the largest in North America. The best time of year to visit, however, is in September for the annual Adams Morgan Day Festival , which sees the streets come alive with international music, art and food.

Related Topics

• NEIGHBORHOODS
• FOOD TOURISM

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• Where to Go in 2024 Overview: Where to Go in 2024

The 50 Best Places to Travel in 2024

• An Insider's Guide to Paris — Luxury Hotels, Vintage Shops, and the City's Best Restaurants Included
• This Southern U.S. City Was Named One of the Best Places to Travel in 2024
• 5 Coastal Towns in Alaska That Are Adorable in Any Weather
• T+L's Review of Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ Seven Seas Grandeur
• This Exclusive Helicopter Dining Experience Is the Best Way to See the 'Grand Canyon of Mallorca’
• Where to Go in 2024 The 50 Best Places to Travel in 2024 An Insider's Guide to Paris — Luxury Hotels, Vintage Shops, and the City's Best Restaurants Included This Southern U.S. City Was Named One of the Best Places to Travel in 2024 5 Coastal Towns in Alaska That Are Adorable in Any Weather T+L's Review of Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ Seven Seas Grandeur This Exclusive Helicopter Dining Experience Is the Best Way to See the 'Grand Canyon of Mallorca’ CLOSE Part of Where to Go in 2024

Where to go in 2024, according to Travel + Leisure editors — for cultural immersion and major travel bragging rights.

Since 1971, Travel + Leisure editors have followed one mission: to inform, inspire, and guide travelers to have deeper, more meaningful experiences. T+L's editors have traveled to countries all over the world, having flown, sailed, road tripped, and taken the train countless miles. They've visited small towns and big cities, hidden gems and popular destinations, beaches and mountains, and everything in between. With a breadth of knowledge about destinations around the globe, air travel, cruises, hotels, food and drinks, outdoor adventure, and more, they are able to take their real-world experience and provide readers with tried-and-tested trip ideas, in-depth intel, and inspiration at every point of a journey.

Well, you knew it was coming. This year, more than 20 Travel + Leisure staffers weighed in to create this hand-picked list of the places that thoughtful, curious travelers should consider in 2024.

These are the destinations that have captured our imaginations, the spots where T+L editors want to spend their own time in the year ahead. Among the picks are Canada's Métis Crossing, which headlined our October 2023 issue ; Istanbul, for which our editor in chief makes a compelling case ; and Paris, because there's a little thing called Les Jeux Olympiques coming up.

Other, lesser-known places are on the rise. Consider the small towns of Sonoma County, where new businesses are doing big things ; a remote corner of Australia, where expedition ships are the way in; a Himalayan hideaway where visitors are left breathless and not just because of the altitude.

We hope this list inspires you to see the world in a new way in the coming year. We'll see you out there.

— Edited by Paul Brady and Maya Kachroo-Levine  

Travel + Leisure

Destination by Category

For cultural immersion, ålborg, denmark.

Alexander Farnsworth/Getty Images

It rates as Denmark’s fourth-largest city, with around 120,000 residents, but out-of-the-way Ålborg might seem an unlikely international-travel hub. That's not stopping Scandinavian Airlines, which is betting on the compact, alluring city with newly launched flights from Newark Liberty International, which will run three times a week from April through October. The cobbled streets of Ålborg’s old town are lined with half-timbered houses and pastel exteriors; the attractively refurbished waterfront — where you’ll find the newly renovated Pier 5 Hotel — is another walkable district. The city’s rich cultural scene includes a modern art museum , an architecture center, and, a short drive away, Regan Vest , a Cold War museum that opened in a former bunker in February 2023. Indeed, Ålborg is a gateway to the wider region of North Jutland, with its dramatic coastline around the town of Skagen, long a draw to Danish artists; windswept dunes of Thy National Park ; and 2,000-year-old Viking ring fortresses which have, at long last, been collectively designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site . — Peter Terzian

Cartagena, Colombia

Sofia Jaramillo

A perennially hot destination, Colombia is coming into its own as a luxury escape these days, thanks to a ton of excitement in and around Cartagena, on the country’s Caribbean coast. In 2023, the city welcomed Casa Pestagua , a 16-room boutique hotel within a restored 17th-century building, in the historic center. Now, the same owners are working to open bungalows on Isla Barú, a popular day-trip spot, before the end of 2023. Sustainability minded travelers can find their fit at Blue Apple Beach , an eco-hotel on Tierra Bomba Island, just off the coast, that’s B Corp certified and generates half its power from solar, as T+L recently reported . In 2024, Disney's “Encanto”-themed tour of Colombia will debut, shining more light on Cartagena, one of the many stops on the itinerary. And there’s even more growth in the pipeline: Delta Air Lines is adding new nonstop flights to Cartagena from Atlanta in December 2023, a Four Seasons hotel is on the horizon, and the nation is investing in an airport expansion that will serve an ever-increasing number of visitors. — Susmita Baral

Eastern & Oriental Express, a Belmond Train

Courtesy of Belmond

After a four-year pause, this luxury train that crisscrosses Southeast Asia will ride again in February. Several new itineraries will be available on the revamped Express, which has 15 cherry wood–clad cabins and vibrant Malay-inspired decor. The Essence of Malaysia journey, for example, takes travelers from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur, with side trips to Langkawi, for snorkeling in Pulau Payar Marine Park, and Penang, among the greatest food cities on the planet. Alternatively, a Wild Malaysia option includes a stop at Taman Negara National Park, where visitors might spot a Sumatran rhino or tiger. “These ‘slow travel’ journeys give our guests the opportunity to rest their mind, rekindle, and reconnect,” said Dan Ruff, the CEO of Belmond. Much like a storied ocean liner, the majestic Eastern & Oriental Express is a destination unto itself, with a sultry piano bar car; an open-air lounge with wicker furniture where passengers can watch the Malaysian jungle rush by; and two restaurant carriages serving Peranakan food. You may not have had "eating laksa on a luxury train" on your 2024 bingo card, but you really should. — Maya Kachroo-Levine

Christian Kain

For one month between June and July, soccer — or should we say fußball — will take over Germany, as the nation hosts the 2024 UEFA European Football Championship. Held every four years, the tournament for men’s national teams will take place in 10 cities across Germany, including Berlin, Cologne, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Hamburg, and Munich. “This will be an incredible, not-to-be-missed moment,” said Sofia Markovich , a travel advisor on T+L's A-List who specializes in Austria and Germany. “I expect interest to go through the roof as this is a major sports event — second only to the World Cup.” Even casual fans should find the atmosphere thrilling, Markovich said, particularly those who happen to pass through game-day destinations while cruising the country’s rivers . One host city deserves a particular spotlight thanks to the new Rosewood Munich , which opened in October. Set across two buildings (one, formerly the headquarters of the State Bank of Bavaria, the other, a Baroque residence), the 132-key property is steps from the charms of Old Town, including the leafy Maximiliansplatz, and walkable to one of Europe’s most surprising surf spots: the rapids of the Isar River . — Liz Cantrell

Métis Crossing, Alberta

Amber Bracken

“This is not a place where you look at old things behind glass,” said Juanita Marois, the CEO of Métis Crossing, one of Canada’s most compelling Indigenous tourism projects. “This is an immersive destination where you experience the culture and the warmth of the Métis people through our land, water, skies, buildings, food, and programs.” The 688-acre retreat, which writer Carleigh Baker detailed in T+L’s October 2023 issue , is today home to a 40-room lodge, a cultural center, and campgrounds. Depending on the season, visitors can learn about traditional crafts, enjoy festivals held on-site, or head out for bird-watching, canoeing, or snowshoeing. A new addition to Métis Crossing is a collection of eight Sky Watching Domes , luxe stand-alone suites with panoramic skylight windows. From the Domes, Marois explained, “guests can listen to Indigenous stories of the night skies, see the stars, and view the aurora borealis." — Jalyn Robinson

Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park, Georgia

Getty Images

It’s not every day the U.S. gets a new national park, but 2024 could see this central Georgia destination enter the fold. Presently managed as a national historical park, Ocmulgee is home to large earthen mounds, including temple complexes, created by numerous Native American peoples over thousands of years. Should Congress approve the new designation in 2024, Ocmulgee will become the first national park in the state and the first in the U.S. to be co-managed by a nation whose ancestors were removed from the area: the Muscogee (Creek) were forcibly relocated from central Georgia as a result of the Indian Removal Act of 1830. “We now have an opportunity to come back and not feel like we are visiting, but to feel like we are coming home,” said Tracie Revis, a member of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation and the director of advocacy for the Ocmulgee National Park & Preserve Initiative, a community group. The gateway to the park is the city of Macon, where the Muscogee (Creek) Nation flag flies alongside the Stars and Stripes, and the street signs are being replaced with ones written in both Muscogee and English. A particularly opportune time to visit will be in September, for the town’s annual Indigenous film festival . — Liz Cantrell  

Rajasthan, India

Aparna Jayakumar

India’s northwestern state of Rajasthan, with its wealth of iconic hotels and cultural attractions, is one of the best-known among U.S. travelers. It also promises new delights in the coming year, with several new addresses in Jaipur worth planning a trip around. There's Villa Palladio , a delightful nine-room hotel on the outskirts of town created by the Swiss-Dutch team behind Bar Palladio , an Instagram favorite in the city center. The Johri is a beautifully designed five-room property with a chic cocktail bar and organic vegetarian restaurant on the ground level, tucked away in a heritage townhouse in Jaipur's Old Town. Meanwhile, the Anantara hospitality group is set to launch its first-ever property in India next year. The 150-room, new-build Anantara Jaipur Hotel is designed with India's ballooning market for destination weddings in mind: it will have event facilities that can accommodate as many as 2,500 guests. In the meantime, the city and wider region are becoming more accessible than ever, thanks to a new six-lane expressway that connects Jaipur to New Delhi, a major hub for international flights. — Flora Stubbs

Shinta Mani Mustang, Nepal

Courtesy of Shinta Mani Mustang

A once-forbidden kingdom is now home to some truly palatial digs. Nepal’s Mustang district, which opened to outsiders in 1992 , is a place to watch in 2024 thanks to this stunning, 29-suite hotel, which welcomed its first guests in August. Shinta Mani Mustang, the latest property from the Bensley Collection, delivers the luxurious wellness experiences and thoughtful design that devotees of the brand have come to expect. Guests can spend their days trekking the surrounding Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges, searching for rare wildlife like the Pallas’s cat and Tibetan wolf, horseback riding, and visiting local villages. “What caught my attention was that the outstanding aesthetics and architecture are in sync with sustainable and responsible tourism,” said Carole Cambata, an advisor on T+L's A-List and expert in Himalayan travel. “They sourced local building materials and used Indigenous construction methods.” The noteworthy opening comes at a time of positive change: in April, the Nepal Mountaineering Academy and the Nepal Tourism Board partnered on a program to educate the country’s first-ever class of LGBTQ+ trekking guides, CNN reported , in an effort to make Nepal’s hiking and climbing industries more inclusive. “Nepal is one of Asia’s most progressive countries for LGBTQ+ people due to laws that forbid gender identity discrimination,” said John Clifford , another A-List advisor. “Visitors to the country can even select ‘other’ as an option for gender identification on their visas.” — Samantha Falewée

Tallinn, Estonia

Nina Ruggiero/Travel + Leisure

This country’s literacy and secondary education rates consistently rank near the top in Europe, especially among women, so it should come as no surprise that Tartu, the university city to the southeast of Tallinn, has been designated Europe’s Capital of Culture for 2024 . Still, for first-timers to the Baltics, there’s no better place to get schooled than the country’s capital city, Tallinn: its walled Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best-preserved examples of Medieval architecture in the world. PoCo Art Museum , which opened in May with pop art by Andy Warhol, Banksy, David Hockney, and Jeff Koons, is now one of nearly 50 art institutions in the city, joining Fotografiska (world-renowned photography), Kumu Art Museum (contemporary Estonian art), and Kadriorg Art Museum (early European and Russian art). After soaking in the culture, head for the Noblessner district , an industrial shipyard area turned seafront hot spot that’s now bursting with stylish cafes, shops, and Estonia’s first restaurant with two Michelin stars, 180° by Matthias Diethe . (You might also try a “ smoke sauna ” at Scandi-chic Iglupark .) As for where to stay, the new Nunne Boutique Hotel has views over Old Town’s Towers Square . —  Nina Ruggiero

Warsaw, Poland

Christopher Larson/Travel + Leisure

The thriving contemporary art scene in Warsaw, which is home to art-circuit stalwarts like the Foksal Gallery Foundation and Raster Gallery , will get a big boost in 2024, when the Museum of Modern Art in Warsaw finally moves into its own headquarters. Founded in 2005, the museum has burnished the city’s art reputation for two decades, with its holdings of both foreign and Polish work, despite operating out of temporary spaces. The new HQ will be part of a 22-acre arts district centered on the existing Palace of Culture and Science, a Stalinist skyscraper that towers over the city. The museum, along with a new 800-seat TR Warszaw Theater nearby, was designed by Thomas Phifer and Partners , the architecture firm behind other notable institutions, including the Glenstone Museum in Maryland and portions of New York’s Corning Museum of Glass . — Denny Lee

For the Food and Drinks

The austrian countryside.

Journey south of Vienna and you’ll find two of the regions that give the countryside of Austria its fairy-tale quality. Styria has rolling hills and hiking trails, with the medieval city of Graz at its heart. Mellow, rural Burgenland is home to Lake Neusiedl, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Both regions have a long, rich history of winemaking, and in recent years, have become the site of a burgeoning natural wine scene. Cult producers such as Winery Maria and Sepp Muster and Alice & Roland Tauss should be at the top of any visitor’s list, as should Burgenland’s beloved vintners Gut Oggau and Meinklang . Then, round out a visit to the country with a stay at Rosewood Schloss Fuschl , a meticulously restored 15th-century castle opening on the shores of a small lake near Salzburg in spring 2024. — Peter Terzian

Mérida, Mexico

Itzel Garrido/Travel + Leisure

The capital of Yucatán, this city has long been popular with Mexican travelers drawn to its Maya ruins, cerulean-blue cenotes, restored haciendas, and incredible food . But it has a growing acclaim among international visitors — especially LGBTQ+ travelers, who often describe Yucatán as very gay friendly . Mérida’s historic beauty and laid-back cantina culture might explain why LGBTQ+ retirees have embraced the city in recent years, buying homes and bringing their friends along. Those not ready to make a full-on move will find lots of designer hotels carved out of stately mansions, not to mention wonderful shopping and plenty of food tours, both in the city and in the surrounding countryside, which is punctuated by haciendas, many of which host pop-up events or even overnight guests. Plans for a sprawling new “ Yucatán Central Park ,” with a food market and amphitheater, remain hazy, as does an exact timeline for the arrival of the ballyhooed Maya Train , which is nearing completion and should make it easier to hop between Mérida and popular seaside spots such as Cancún and Tulum. — Denny Lee

Sonoma County, California

Gentl & Hyers

More than double the size of Napa, Sonoma might offer twice as much to do. It’s not just about the wine — though with the addition of a new American Viticultural Area (AVA) called West Sonoma Coast last year, Sonoma County now has 19 AVAs slinging chardonnay, pinot noir, and zinfandel at established wineries, such as Flowers and Scribe , and new ones, including Vérité Wines . There’s also a long coastline to explore, from Bodega Bay up to Sea Ranch, where the dreamy, cliff-top Sea Ranch Lodge is newly renovated . Inland, the opening of Dawn Ranch shines a spotlight on Guerneville , a crunchy town along the Russian River known for its LGBTQ+ scene and proximity to the Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve. Tear yourself from the 22-acre haven, with tree house–like cabins, creekside glamping tents, and alfresco redwood tubs at the idyllic spa, to bike into town where the reimagined Piknik Market serves one of Oprah’s favorite biscuits . The changes coming to Sonoma County in 2024 are largely shaped by the area’s most famous chefs: in Healdsburg, California, Noma alum Stu Stalker debuted the plant-based restaurant Second Story, above Little Saint and down the street from Michelin three-starred SingleThread and chef Dustin Valette’s The Matheson . Restaurant powerhouse Charlie Palmer plans to launch his hotel brand, Appellation , in Healdsburg by the end of next year. — Maya Kachroo-Levine

For Big-city Thrills

Tessa Desjardins/Travel + Leisure

“It’s a classic Asian megacity: frenetic, neon-lit, and overwhelming to the senses,” said Jack Tydeman , a Southeast Asia specialist at Audley Travel and member of T+L's A-List. But change is coming to Bangkok, in the form of many megaprojects, including Dusit Central Park, which is slated to open in 2024, with the 259-room Dusit Thani Bangkok Hotel and a multi-terraced roof park. Also coming soon will be King Rama IX Memorial Park, a park that honors the sustainability initiatives of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej. Meanwhile, Lumpini Park , Bangkok’s original public green space, is getting a massive refresh next year that will add a new food hall, a vegetable farm, and a sports club ahead of its centennial. Even while sprinting to finish these new developments, Bangkok is finding time to slow down and prioritize wellness. Luxury travel network Virtuoso recently named Thailand as just one of five “emerging self-care destinations” worldwide, noting that “travelers are seeking a more spiritual journey, turning to Thailand for more than the traditional Thai massage.” The forthcoming Aman Nai Lert Bangkok , slated for 2024, is sure to deliver, with 52 spacious suites overlooking Nai Lert Park and a multifloor wellness sanctuary. — Susmita Baral

Courtesy of Cleveland Museum of Natural History

The year ahead has the Land set to shine, thanks to national and international events, world-class cultural expansions, and the rebirth of historic hotels. It all starts in April, when the NCAA Women’s Final Four comes to the state-of-the-art Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse and a total solar eclipse sweeps over the city on April 8, 2024. Cleveland will see even more action when the Pan-American Masters Games crisscross the city July 12-21. And in November, The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony, which was held in Brooklyn in 2023, will return home. Meanwhile, many institutions are in the midst of revitalization. The Cleveland Museum of Natural History is nearing completion of its multiyear $150-million expansion, with updated exhibits and new public spaces in University Circle. Karamu House , the nation’s oldest Black producing theater, will debut a new restaurant, outdoor stage, and an additional venue in the Fairfax neighborhood. The city’s oldest hotel will reopen in 2024 after extensive renovations as a Marriott Autograph Collection called Hotel Cleveland. Also coming is the Fidelity Hotel, a new boutique property with a speakeasy that's slated to launch in a landmark building downtown. There’s development along the Cuyahoga River and Lake Erie, too, where paved hiking and biking trails are livening up a waterfront that has, for many decades, been underutilized. — Jennifer Salerno Yong

Fort Worth, Texas

Mariah Tyler

Offering classic Western experiences like bull riding, cattle drives, and stock shows, Fort Worth, Texas, is booming, bringing in $3 billion in tourism revenue last year alone. With all of the renewed interest in the city, luxury hotels are flocking to Cowtown’s Cultural District. The Crescent Hotel, Fort Worth opened in November, home to the first-ever wellness club by Canyon Ranch and a Mediterranean restaurant by Food Network chef Preston Paine. Bowie House, Auberge Resorts Collection , is slated to open its doors December 2023, with a tree-lined pool terrace, chic spa, and upscale chophouse called Bricks and Horses. Walking distance from both hotels is The National Cowgirl Museum , which will run a 2024 exhibit honoring the Mexican female horseback riding tradition of escaramuza charra . Looking ahead, the National Juneteenth Museum is scheduled to open in the city’s Historic Southside neighborhood in 2025. — Mariah Tyler

Turkey’s style capital is seeing a resurgence of life along the Bosphorus, thanks in part to the Galataport, the world’s first underground cruise ship terminal with a pedestrian promenade and the Renzo Piano–designed Istanbul Museum of Modern Art just above. Another neighborhood anchor is the 177-room Peninsula Hotel , spread out over four buildings, three of which date to the early 1900s. Highlights include a glittering pool facing the Hagia Sophia; a sprawling, subterranean spa; and Gallada, a rooftop restaurant from whiz kid chef Fatih Tutak, whose eponymous restaurant is Turkey’s first to earn two Michelin stars. The hotel staff wears posh uniforms courtesy of Arzu Kaprol, a designer who has a boutique in the nearby Paket Postanesi, a historic post office turned chic shopping mall. Also on the waterfront, in Beşiktaş, the lavish Çırağan Palace Kempinski has been reimagined by local interior designer Serdar Gülgün, with rooms that lean into Ottoman-era grandeur (think tulip-pattern motifs and mother-of-pearl furniture). Finally, don’t miss The Basilica Cistern, open again after a five-year closure, and now hosting contemporary art exhibits amid the ancient columns. — Jacqui Gifford

Kansas City, Missouri

Jonathan Tasler/Courtesy of Visit KC

World famous for barbecue and jazz, KC is now staking a claim as a global leader in sports and entertainment — and not just because of Taylor and Travis . In March, the Kansas City Current, of the National Women's Soccer League, will open the first-ever purpose-built stadium for women’s pro sports. “It will be a destination for sports lovers and will inspire generations of girls to follow their dreams,” said Katie Mabry van Dieren, CEO and curator of The Strawberry Swing , a brand that organizes events and pop-ups in the city, as well as Shop Local KC , a string of boutiques. The stadium’s construction has spurred other developments around the city, including the forthcoming Origen Hotel KC , a 118-room boutique property; the massive Berkley Beer Garden; and an extension of the free KC Streetcar that will serve the Berkley Riverfront area. Also coming soon is the country’s first entertainment district of its kind, the Rock Island Bridge , a reclaimed rail crossing over the Kansas River. “Visitors will be able to enjoy two levels of entertainment with food from two restaurants and three bars, plus a covered event space with a dance floor and open veranda seating overlooking the river and city,” a source told T+L of the High Line–inspired project that will connect Kansas City, Missouri, and Kansas City, Kansas. — Jalyn Robinson

Raf Willems/Getty Images

Just when you think Sin City can’t get any bigger, louder, or glitzier, Las Vegas turns it up another notch. On the heels of blockbuster residencies from Adele , Katy Perry, and Lady Gaga, U2 kicked off their inaugural stint at the long-anticipated Sphere this fall. Filmmaker Darren Aronofsky’s immersive sci-fi production “Postcard from Earth” will also show off the new arena’s 16K LED display, beginning this fall and continuing through 2024. Formula 1 and Netflix’s Formula 1: Drive to Survive captured a growing American audience for the international racing circuit, and the Las Vegas Grand Prix will hit The Strip Nov. 16-18, 2023, and again Nov. 21-23, 2024. It won’t be the only megaevent on the sports calendar: Las Vegas will host Super Bowl LVIII on Feb. 11, 2024, at Allegiant Stadium, marking the first time the game will take place in Nevada. Still not enough? The 67-story Fontainebleau Las Vegas will open in December with 3,700 rooms and a ton of buzzy restaurants, including a Casa Dragones Tasting Room and a Chinese noodle den from the restaurateur behind Wagamama and Hakkasan. — Elizabeth Rhodes

Louisville, Kentucky

Nick Simonite/Courtesy of Hotel Genevieve

The Kentucky Derby will celebrate its 150th anniversary on May 4, 2024, as well as the debut of the redesigned Churchill Downs Paddock, which is coming off a multiyear, $200-million renovation. Those that can’t make race day can brush up on the event’s history and culture year-round at the Kentucky Derby Museum , which has interactive exhibits on subjects like Black horsemen’s contributions to racing . Continue on theme at Derby City Hotel, a Canopy by Hilton property, which will open in downtown Louisville this summer with 168 rooms plus a rooftop pool and bar, or opt for another new property, such as The Myriad Hotel, Common Bond Hotel Collection , or the trendy Hotel Genevieve by Bunkhouse Group. Also coming in 2024 is “Ali,” a musical about the Louisville icon, which opens at the Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts in the fall. There’s news on the spirits scene, too, including the launch of Bourbon and Belonging – Kentucky’s Queer Bourbon Week, a statewide celebration running Oct. 3-6, 2024, that will have events in Louisville and beyond. — Elizabeth Rhodes

Alessandra Amodio/Travel + Leisure

As close as you can get to Europe without the transatlantic flight, this island city of nearly 2 million is newly relevant in the year ahead, thanks to forward-thinking infrastructure that’s made it one of the greenest and most visitor-friendly spots in North America. The Réseau Express Métropolitain, or REM, is a new automated light rail system that Canada’s Globe and Mail calls “ Montreal’s biggest public transit project in more than half a century ,” with a growing number of stations coming online in the years ahead. (All of them are or will be “ universally accessible .”) The Grand Quay, the city-center pier that many cruise ships use, has a new attraction in the form of the Port of Montreal Tower , a blocky observation spire that echoes the look of the famed Habitat 67 nearby. Meanwhile, the city’s bike-sharing program, Bixi, which launched back in 2009, is still going strong and now offers an all-you-can-bike monthly pass for just $14 that makes using the system a no brainer; the city’s 560 miles of bike lanes help, too. The recently renovated Vogue Hotel Montreal Downtown, Curio Collection by Hilton , and the new-in-2023 Honeyrose Hotel, Montreal, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel , join the four-year-old Four Seasons in adding a touch of luxury that had, perhaps, been missing in the heart of the city. That said, Montreal has more than 24,000 hotel rooms — and plenty of Airbnbs — across the metro area, which will make it an ideal last-minute destination for eclipse watchers who want to be in the path of totality on April 8. — Paul Brady

When Paris hosts 329 distinct sporting events next summer, the whole city will be on display: the first-ever Olympic Games breakdancing competition will be at Place de la Concorde; beach volleyball courts will skirt the Eiffel Tower; and the opening ceremony’s Parade of Nations will sail down the Seine River. The host city of the 2024 Summer Olympic Games (July 26-August 11) and Paralympic Games (August 28-September 8) will welcome visitors with a flurry of new hotels and restaurants. Chateau des Fleurs is an extravagant new stay in the eighth arrondissement with 19th-century style and an haute Korean restaurant. Celebrated hotel designer Martin Brudnizki just unveiled two projects : the 50-room Grand Mazarin , in the Marais, and La Fantaisie in the ninth. And the hoteliers behind the Hôtel Dame Des Arts , which appeared on T+L’s 2023 It List , unveiled their train-themed Hôtel des Grand Voyageurs in Saint-Germain-des-Prés in October. The legacy establishments have new life, too: Hotel Plaza Athénée , named the best hotel in Paris by T+L readers, has a French restaurant, Jean Imbert au Plaza Athénée, which recently scored two Michelin stars, to say nothing of the property’s brand-new Dior Spa. And the sumptuous La Tour d’Argent restaurant just got a sensational facelift. Meanwhile, “numerous museums and institutions will host sports-related exhibitions, films, performances, workshops, and kids’ programming throughout the summer,” writer Lindsey Tramuta reported in T+L’s November 2023 issue. For those in need of a sports break, La Galerie Dior and Fragonard Musée du Parfum are two new additions to the scene worth checking out. — Maya Kachroo-Levine

For Moments on the Water

Coastal alaska.

Cruising is back in a big way, and Alaska's Inside Passage is leading the charge. In 2023, the state saw ships including Regent’s Seven Seas Explorer and Carnival’s Luminosa for the first time, while Royal Caribbean recently sent Brilliance of the Seas north for the first time in years. The new Klawock port, on Prince of Wales Island, is poised to welcome large ships in the 2024 season with food and retail outposts, exhibits detailing Indigenous culture and history, and nature trails. Skagway, a well-known port that’s home to Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park and the scenic White Pass and Yukon Route Railway, is getting a 550-foot floating pier, which will allow the port to host two megaships simultaneously beginning in the 2024 season. Lately, that season has been getting longer: most companies run trips May to September, but Norwegian Cruise Line had October sailings in 2023, which gave passengers a look at Alaskan life during a quieter season. Considering Alaska is projected to notch 1.65 million cruise travelers on around 700 voyages this year, opting for a shoulder season trip in 2024 might not be a bad idea. —  Nina Ruggiero

Coastal Norway

Sebastian Lamberg Torjusen/Courtesy of Salmon Eye

Long known for its cutting-edge design and architectural marvels like the Oslo Opera House, Norway has lately doubled down on building big. “Over the last few years, we’ve seen a surge in new attractions,” confirmed Katrine Mosfjeld, the chief marketing officer for Visit Norway. In seaside Oslo, the new luxury hotel Sommero is a study in adaptive reuse, inside a landmark building from 1930 originally designed by famed Norwegian architects Andreas Bjercke and Georg Eliassen. Four hours southwest, in Kristiansand, the Kunstsilo , or Art Silo, is another repurposed wonder: the one-time industrial complex will reemerge in 2024 as a museum devoted to Nordic modernist art. Up the coast, in Bergen, Iris Expedition Dining is a new tasting-menu destination located in Hardangerfjord, inside a floating sculpture known as the Salmon Eye. North of the Arctic Circle, the long-awaited Six Senses Svart promises to be one of the hottest openings anywhere when it finally debuts. The ring-shaped resort, at the base of the Svartisen glacier, aims to be off-grid, carbon-neutral, and emissions-free, with a zero-waste dining program and a “design lab,” as the hotel calls it, meant to foster further innovation. — Taylor McIntyre

Douro River, Portugal

Courtesy of Tauck

As recently as a decade ago, almost nobody was talking about wine tourism in Portugal. These days, “you have to see the Douro River,” said Sheree M. Mitchell , a T+L A-List advisor based in the country and the president of Immersa Global. “It’s non-negotiable.” Mitchell’s preferred way to do it is on a yacht charter, which gives guests the chance to spend a few hours or days hitting quintas , or wine estates, and dining at Michelin Guide–approved restaurants like Castas e Pratos . Cruises are a more affordable option, and lines are expanding their presence on the river, which cuts across Spain and Northern Portugal before reaching the Atlantic in the city of Porto. Tauck , a favorite among T+L readers, unveiled the Andorinha in 2021, which will sail 33 wine-country itineraries in 2024. Another T+L reader favorite, Viking, will have four ships on the Douro in the year ahead, visiting towns such as Peso da Régua and Pinhão, in the heart of port country. And AmaWaterways recently announced a special November 2024 departure that will “explore the history of the Black and African diaspora in Lisbon and along Portugal's stunning Douro River,” according to the brand. — Maya Kachroo-Levine

Faroe Islands

This remote, starkly beautiful archipelago in the North Atlantic just got way more accessible. Summer 2023 saw Atlantic Airways launch nonstop flights from New York Stewart International, 70 miles north of New York City, to Vágar Airport, in the islands. “This direct flight is not only about easier transport to our great ocean nation, but a means of creating a bridge between two worlds,” Jóhanna á Bergi, CEO of Atlantic Airways, told T+L. The news seems to have been warmly received by U.S. travelers. Melissa Lee , a Northern Europe specialist on T+L’s A-List said she has seen an uptick in interest in the Faroes. "Previously, you could only get there from Copenhagen, or Reykjavik, Iceland.” Once there, a world of adventure awaits, with activities including cold-water surfing , traditional knitting , and hiking to places such as Sørvágsvatn, the so-called lake above the ocean . Then there’s the top-flight dining: the restaurant Roks in Tórshavn, the Faroe Islands’ capital, is an offshoot of Koks, the Michelin two-starred restaurant in Greenland which is presently on hiatus. — Liz Cantrell

Kimberley, Australia

Bruno Cazarini/Courtesy of Silversea Cruises

This destination in northwest Australia, also called The Kimberleys, is home to ancient wonders: dinosaur tracks; striated geological formations, some 350 million years old, known as Bungle Bungles; waterfalls and reefs that seem unmoored from time; and Aboriginal history from what some call the world’s oldest continuous culture . Lately, though, some of the world’s top cruise lines have caught on to all the upside and are racing to offer thrilling expedition-style itineraries that combine all this history with modern-day adventures, such as sightseeing flights by helicopter, paddling, Zodiac tours, scuba diving, and cultural excursions. Silversea will have its Silver Cloud in the region from May through September, doing 10- to 17-day trips, with a maximum of 200 passengers. Seabourn is also bullish on the destination, and its newest expedition ship, the 132-suite Seabourn Pursuit , will spend June, July, and August cruising the region. (Both lines are perennial favorites among T+L readers .) Also operating on this remarkable stretch of coast are several Australian companies , including Coral Expeditions and True North Adventure Cruises , as well as private yacht charters like those organized by Yotspace . — Paul Brady

The Mississippi River

Courtesy of Viking

New ships are bringing fresh interest to one of America’s most storied waterways, meaning now’s the time to consider river cruising closer to home. “The Mississippi River is such an important part of American history,” said Adam Peakes, president of Hornblower Group, the parent company of American Queen Voyages. The line will have two ships on the Mississippi in 2024, both of which are already booking up for summer. “Many of our cabin categories are nearly at capacity almost a year in advance,” Peakes added. Other brands are also betting on the river: the Viking Mississippi launched in 2022, with 193 Scandi-chic suites, all with private verandas; American Cruise Lines has launched three new ships on the Mississippi in the past three years. There are new draws on land, too. In Memphis, the newly completed riverfront Tom Lee Park has an installation by artist Theaster Gates and a pavilion named for Tyre Nichols; the expansive riverfront attraction — a collaborative effort from Studio Gang, Scape Studio, and numerous other architectural and design firms — sits just south of Beale Street and is connected to the city via the River Line, a walking and cycling path. Meanwhile Natchez, Mississippi, is these days “filled with surprises, thanks in large part to a cohort of young natives who wandered away and then returned home with new ideas,” according to Southern Living ; come December, the town hosts holiday markets akin to those in Central Europe, as T+L recently reported . In St. Louis, the newest 21c Museum Hotel recently opened in a renovated, century-old YMCA building, with numerous permanent art installations as well as rotating shows and a beautiful, all-day cafe. And, of course, there’s always New Orleans . — Paul Brady

Courtesy of Cunard

Few voyages are as iconic as a transatlantic crossing aboard a Cunard ocean liner. So when the new Queen Anne departs Southampton, England, in May 2024, expectations will be sky-high for the first new Cunard ship to launch since the Queen Elizabeth in 2010. The 1,498-cabin vessel is slated to sail to Lisbon and will then spend its first summer in the Mediterranean. It will also represent an evolution for the 183-year-old brand: Queen Anne will have four new restaurants, including an omakase venue and an Indian dining room, alongside more familiar options such as the Princess Grill and Queens Grill, all overseen in partnership with U.K. chef Michel Roux, Jr. A top-deck wellness studio, with yoga and other fitness classes, will be another noteworthy addition to the ship. A third distinction: Queen Anne will be captained by Inger Klein Thorhauge, the first woman to hold that rank for Cunard. For all the new, some familiar traditions will remain, including proper high tea service and, naturally, an outpost of the Golden Lion pub pouring Cunard’s own microbrews. — Paul Brady

Seven Seas Grandeur

Courtesy of Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Slated to launch in November 2023, Seven Seas Grandeur will be the sixth ship from Regent Seven Seas Cruises, a luxury line that T+L readers consistently say is one of their absolute favorites thanks to no-nonsense, all-inclusive pricing and fabulous suites. The newcomer will feature fresh takes on the elevated dining, shore excursions, and entertainment already found on ships such as Seven Seas Splendor and Seven Seas Explorer , said Andrea DeMarco, the brand’s president. “ Grandeur is inspired by our rich heritage, but we’re reimagining signature restaurants and offering 15 exceptional suite categories to only 746 guests,” she explained. Among the no-expense-spared features of the new ship will be a multimillion-dollar, 1,600-piece art collection that counts among its trophies a handful of Picassos and a custom Fabergé Egg. (Fittingly, the ship’s godmother is Sarah Fabergé, the director of special projects for the jewelry house.) Grandeur ’s inaugural season will be in the Caribbean, but it will head for the Mediterranean in April before returning to the U.S. in August. — Elizabeth Rhodes

For Nature Lovers

Amboseli national park, kenya.

Courtesy of Angama

This 151-square-mile expanse, close to the border with Tanzania, is famed among safari insiders for its big-time wildlife: Amboseli has a well-earned reputation for elephant spotting, with massive herds roaming the dusty plains, along with all sorts of other charismatic creatures including cheetah, giraffe, and zebra. Camps and lodges surrounding the park tend to be basic, which is one reason the fall 2023 opening of the richly appointed Angama Amboseli is so exciting. The second? The 10-suite lodge is the first spinoff of the Angama Mara , a destination hotel that's among the best safari lodges in the world, according to T+L readers . The new property, located about 45 minutes driving from Amboseli National Park, on a private wildlife conservancy, will offer game drives as well as cultural experiences organized in partnership with local communities. Another draw: Angama Amboseli will have unparalleled views of the peak of nearby Mount Kilimanjaro, including from private patios attached to every suite. — Paul Brady

Aspen Mountain, Colorado

Jesse Hoffman/Courtesy of Aspen Snowmass

The legendary ski destination is getting its biggest makeover in four decades this season, with the opening of a new lift, a high-speed quad known as Hero’s that will make accessible a fresh 153 acres of fluffy powder. The project will increase the mountain’s skiable terrain by some 20 percent, adding more than a dozen new chutes, glades, and trails for intermediate and expert skiers. “The quad is a game-changer for Aspen,” said Maureen Poschman, a spokesperson for the Aspen Chamber Resort Association. “The new terrain is a big area, it’s high-altitude skiing, and it’s a bit of a hedge against climate change,” she noted. Not that you have to be a pro skier to find something to love in ever-evolving Aspen, which experienced an influx of residents the past few years . The cultural calendar is as packed as ever; Balenciaga and Hermès now have shops in the heart of town; and scene-y restaurants, including a Sant Ambroeus coffee bar, keep popping up. Where to stay? Mollie Aspen is the newest luxury hotel in town, slated to open in December with 68 rooms designed by Post Company, plus a rooftop plunge pool and terrace, right in the middle of it all. — Denny Lee

Big Sky, Montana

Mark Hartman

Just an hour from Yellowstone National Park, this wild, wide-open area offers heart-pumping activities such as fly fishing, hiking, horseback riding, and skiing at every turn. So, thankfully, a new retreat from hospitality brand One&Only is slated to bring some rest and relaxation to Big Sky in 2024. Situated between Lone Mountain and the Spanish Peaks, the 73-room Moonlight Basin will provide convenient access to 5,850 skiable acres, with a dedicated gondola connecting guests to Big Sky’s terrain, plus a private ski lodge and a Chenot spa. (The resort will also have 19 villas and 62 private residences.) The first U.S. outpost of One&Only, Moonlight Basin arrives a few years after another five-star resort, Montage Big Sky , which opened in 2021, with 139 rooms, six dining venues, a bowling alley, a huge spa, and, naturally, ski-in, ski-out access. — Alisha Prakash

Hokkaido, Japan

Courtesy of Club Med

Travelers are flocking back to Japan , but in the year ahead, they should look beyond Tokyo and Kyoto. Hokkaido, the northernmost of Japan’s main islands, has a sterling reputation for food — its biggest city, Sapporo, is famous for miso ramen — and its Shiretoko National Park is a natural wonder with excellent hiking and photogenic waterfalls. Hokkaido is also, insiders know, one of the world’s premier ski destinations thanks to simply phenomenal snow . The center of the action is the village of Niseko, which has plenty of hotels, homestays, and resorts — but has gotten a touch easier to visit thanks to the 2022 opening of Club Med Kiroro. The something-for-everyone property has two distinctive concepts, Club Med Kiroro Peak , for guests age 12 and older, and the new-in-2023 Club Med Kiroro Grand , a family-friendly alternative. These all-inclusives are helping to eliminate the intimidation factor when booking a Japanese ski week, by rolling up everything from accommodations and equipment rentals to off-the-mountain entertainment and kids' clubs. Another perk? Club Med Kiroro Grand will also have the brand’s first-ever Japanese onsen alongside other wellness facilities including soaking tubs and saunas. — Danielle Pointdujour

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Sven Musica/Courtesy of Madwaleni River Lodge - Babanango Game Reserve

This out-of-the-way South African province, sometimes shortened to KZN and located on the country’s eastern coast, is moving into the spotlight. “KwaZulu-Natal has two World Heritage Sites — the iSimangaliso Wetland Park and the majestic uKhahlamba Drakensberg National Park — and is popular for its beaches, safari parks, green hills, and temperate weather,” said Julian Harrison , a safari expert and longtime member of T+L’s A-List. It’s also home to an ambitious rewilding project backed by the Emcakwini Community Trust , which began reintroducing once-endemic species including black rhino, cheetah, elephant, giraffe, and lion in 2018; today, it’s known as Babanango Game Reserve . Harrison also points to other conservation efforts, such as those underway at andBeyond Phinda Private Game Reserve , which is monitoring critically endangered Temminck’s ground pangolins. The newly opened Madwaleni River Lodge is the place to stay, said Raza Visram , another A-List expert. “The intimate lodge has 12 beautifully designed tents that overlook the White Umfolozi River,” he explained. There’s also Sala Beach House , an oceanfront escape on Thompson’s Bay that writer Heather Richardson detailed in T+L’s September 2023 issue . Coming soon in KZN will be The Homestead , a 12-suite eco-lodge in the province’s western Nambiti Game Reserve. — Samantha Falewée

Mababe, Botswana

Dana Allen/Courtesy of Wilderness

Long considered one of Africa’s most exclusive safari destinations, Botswana has a huge array of five-star lodges, operated by the likes of African Bush Camps, andBeyond, and Great Plains Conservation. But the most compelling new place to stay isn’t one with high thread count sheets or over-the-top amenities: Mokete, a new safari lodge from Wilderness , is worth the trip because it will only exist until 2026, when the operator pulls down the tents and carries away any sign the nine-suite escape was ever there. The temporary enclave will be situated east of the famed Okavango Delta, in the heart of a 124,000-acre tract known as the Mababe Concession, which has considerable populations of lion, elephant, and buffalo, plus a huge variety of birds. Wildlife watching is the thing here, with all-day game drives and guided nature walks. Mokete is all about an elemental connection with the outdoors, down to the design of the guest quarters: each tent will have a retractable roof so guests can stargaze from bed — and hear the calls of hyenas from the surrounding bush. — Paul Brady

New Zealand

It’s time to take it off your once-in-a-lifetime list and just go : earlier this year, Delta launched service from Los Angeles to Auckland, and United Airlines plans to start a San Francisco to Christchurch route in December. That’s on top of an existing Air New Zealand nonstop between Auckland and New York City that launched in 2022 . “Any time of year is a great time to visit,” said Sarah Farag , a member of T+L’s A-List and the Auckland-based owner and director of Southern Crossings , a luxury travel firm. “Our summer months are always popular,” Farag said of the December to March period, “but those who come at other times are well-rewarded with captivating colors during autumn harvest season, snow-capped adventures and spectacular stargazing in the winter, and fabulous fishing and hiking in spring.” There’s a growing number of enticing stays, including the new exclusive-use villas at Flockhill Lodge , set on a working sheep station, and the Clifftops at Anderson Cove , a tented camp above the Northland coast. Christchurch has recently seen the opening of two new boutique properties, the sleek, modern Mayfair and the artsy Observatory Hotel ; meanwhile the beloved Huka Lodge in Taupo is getting a makeover. If the outdoors are a priority, turn an eye to the North Island’s Wairarapa Dark Sky Reserve , the country’s second, which was certified earlier this year, or the new Tom Doak–designed golf course which just opened at Te Arai Links . — Peter Terzian

For Beach Vibes

Anna maria island, florida.

Flavio Vallenari/Getty Images

Compared to some brand-name Florida destinations, this island south of Tampa Bay is way under the radar. But it's cultivated a loyal following, thanks to its no-high-rises shoreline, incredible sunsets, and small-town feel. Case in point: Anna Maria Island is a place where most people tool around by golf cart or beach cruiser, and almost all the sherbet-hued clapboard homes are vacation rentals. In an effort to keep things copacetic, the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, which works on the island, inked a partnership with Leave No Trace this summer, making Anna Maria the first destination in Florida to work with the nonprofit. Meanwhile, new developments fit right in with the vibe: Mello on the Beach , a hotel that opened in July, offers vibrant retro-style apartments on the Gulf of Mexico, while the villas of Joie Inn , which opened in 2021, still feel super-fresh. On the dining scene, the cocktail bar Doctor’s Office recently added a “dining room” to its string-lit outdoor garden, and coming soon to the island is Bohemian, a restaurant from repeat James Beard semifinalist Jeannie Pierola. Getting there has gotten easier thanks to growth at Sarasota-Bradenton International, which added nonstops to four new domestic destinations in 2023. A planned terminal expansion looks to be right-sized, too: the airport aims to add five gates next year. — Jennifer Salerno Yong

Coastal Campania, Italy

Courtesy of Hotel La Palma

It’s no wonder Campania — the southern Italian region that’s home to Amalfi, Capri, Positano, and Sorrento — is having a bit of a hotel boom: visitors have been flocking to this splashy coastal destination over the past few years. The renaissance kicked off with Il Capri Hotel , which opened on the island last spring, offering travelers a boutique option inside a neo-Gothic villa reminiscent of a Venetian palazzo. Next, Oetker Collection, the luxury hotel brand behind the celeb-loved Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc in Antibes, France, debuted its first Italian hotel in June: the glamorous, 50-room Hotel La Palma is a fresh take on a property that originally opened in 1822. Then there’s the new Convento di Amalfi , a 52-room Anantara with a cliffside pool, set in a 13th-century Capuchin convent. Airlines have also taken note of the increased demand: American Airlines and Delta are both launching new routes to Naples next year, the former from Philadelphia, the latter from New York City. Lindblad Expeditions, meanwhile, will have its new Sea Cloud II in southern Italy this coming May, for an 11-day itinerary that will take guests to the ancient ruins of Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast’s most beautiful seaside villages, with a focus on Italian food and wine. —  Nina Ruggiero

Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

The land of pura vida just keeps getting better, which is why Costa Rica was just named T+L’s 2024 Destination of the Year . Surfers can find their bliss at the new, boho-chic Sendero hotel, which opened in February in oceanside Nosara, on the Nicoya Peninsula. A few hours north, the Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo has added the new Virador Beach Club, updated its golf course (while cutting water usage), and opened Wellness Shala, a spa that offers healing treatments with local ingredients like cacao, coconut, and volcanic mud. Nearby, the community of Las Catalinas has announced a new mixed-use space, La Rambla, which will promote spending time outside and car-free living. Forward-thinking tour operator Intrepid Travel has launched new trips that shine a light on the Terraba community, one of Costa Rica’s eight Indigenous groups. Meanwhile local outfitters such as UrriTrek are now offering guided hiking trips on the 174-mile Camino de Costa Rica , a trail connecting the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. — Samantha Falewée

The self-declared Nature Island, Dominica has been voted the best island in the Caribbean for the past two years in T+L’s World’s Best Awards , thanks in part to its serene tropical rain forests, enticing hot springs, and gushing waterfalls. There’s also an ever-growing number of resorts and hotels, such as the InterContinental Dominica Cabrits Resort & Spa , which opened this year, and the forthcoming Anichi Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection , and Tranquility Beach Resort — Curio — a Collection by Hilton . Also of note is the new 32-nautical-mile Waitukubuli Sea Trail, which takes sea-kayakers along the island's western coast from Scott’s Head to Capuchin; Soufrière Outdoor Centre can supply equipment, an itinerary, and a guide. And there’s another element to Dominica’s story that’s capturing the attention of travelers who care about sustainability. The volcanically active country plans to commission its first geothermal power plant in 2024, and in the meantime gets about a quarter of its overall power from hydroelectric sources. It’s also home to what T+L has called one of the world’s most eco-friendly resorts, Coulibri Ridge . — Annie Archer

Hawai’i Island

Courtesy of Rosewood Resorts

“We welcome mindful visitors to Hawai‘i Island,” said Ilihia Gionson, the public affairs officer of the Hawai'i Tourism Authority, in an interview with T+L. Commonly known as the Big Island, the destination is planning for a meaningful 2024, with the help of returning visitors. “Travelers have the opportunity to help mālama , or care for, our natural resources and support our community to ensure a regenerative model of tourism that is sustained for generations,” Gionson said. The theme of mālama is more significant than ever this year following the devastating fires that impacted both Hawai’i Island and Maui in 2023. Those looking to support relief efforts have many choices, including the Hawaii Red Cross, the Lāhainā Restoration Foundation, and more . Travelers ready to return might consider Kona Village, an iconic hotel that reopened in 2023 as a Rosewood Resort following its closure in 2011. “Each villa feels like your own little beach house,” Nicole Hollis, the interior designer of Kona Village, told T+L . Various events are on the island’s cultural calendar in the year ahead, including the Kona Brewers Festival in March and the Big Island Chocolate Festival in April. — Christine Burroni

Los Cabos, Mexico

Mariah Tyler/Travel + Leisure

With its rugged desert-meets-ocean landscape, 350 days a year of sun, and stunning five-star resorts, Los Cabos isn’t exactly an unexpected choice for a dreamy vacation. But 2024 promises to be a big year for the Baja California destination, thanks to all the new resorts coming to Cabo del Sol, the 1,800-acre community just east of Cabo San Lucas with two miles of beach and two 18-hole golf courses. Four Seasons Resort Cabo San Lucas at Cabo Del Sol and Soho House Beach Club are expected to open in the first part of 2024; Park Hyatt Los Cabos at Cabo Del Sol will join them by the end of the year. On the southern shore of the peninsula — and not far from the Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal , a T+L reader fave — there’s even more happening: the resort community of Quivira Los Cabos will welcome the 120-room St. Regis Los Cabos at Quivira by late 2024, with access to 2.5 miles of beach and its own Jack Nicklaus golf course. — Danielle Pointdujour

Mallorca, Spain

Lara D'Agostino/Travel + Leisure

The sparkling waters, delicious food, and laid-back atmosphere are all still here — and Americans are loving United’s summertime nonstop service from Newark Liberty International. In the year ahead, though, they’ll be visiting for the booming luxury hotel scene, which is poised to help this island steal the spotlight from its western neighbor, Ibiza. One must-see is Son Bunyola , a Virgin Limited Edition retreat on Mallorca’s northwest coast, with three miles of beautiful coastline backed by olive groves. Sir Richard Branson first purchased the property in 1994, as T+L recently reported , but it only opened to guests this summer, with 26 rooms and suites, plus three villas. Nearby is The Lodge Mallorca , a Small Luxury Hotels of the World retreat that opened in May, which has wood-fired dining and extensive wellness programming. Then there’s the first hotel from 22-time Grand Slam champion and Majorcan Rafael Nadal, whose new Zel lifestyle brand has opened — what else? — Zel Mallorca , an approachable, beachy hotel in partnership with Meliá, the Spanish operator. Coming soon, said Clare Watkins, an expert in the Balearic Islands at Red Savannah , are more exciting properties: Four Seasons Resort Mallorca at Formentor will be a top-to-bottom refresh of a century-old hotel, while Mandarin Oriental Punta Negra, Mallorca, will have 131 rooms, plus 44 suites and nine bungalows, overlooking the sea just outside Palma. — Danielle Pointdujour

For Adventurous Travelers 

Alula, saudi arabia.

Didier Marti/Getty Images

Of all the ambitious tourism developments in Saudi Arabia, AlUla may be the most enchanting, which may explain why Qatar Airways recently launched new flights to the destination from its Doha hub. This huge sweep of red rocks and desert in the country’s northwest is home to Hegra, a 2,000-year-old archeological site filled with soaring tombs carved by the Nabataean civilization, the same one that built Petra, in modern-day Jordan. After touring ancient history, visitors can retreat to decadent contemporary hotels, including a forthcoming 36-room luxury resort at Hegra that will sensitively incorporate parts of an old railway station and fort. A short drive away, in AlUla’s Old Town, the contrast of old and new continues; the new 30-room eco-hotel Dar Tantora , for example, eschews electricity in favor of candlelight. In the year ahead, more fresh thinking will touch down in AlUla, courtesy of Wadi AlFann, or Valley of the Arts, a permanent showcase of works from big-name international artists. The best way to see it might be from on high, duringca April’s “AlUla Skies” festival, when helicopters and hot air balloons will soar above Instagram-worthy monuments. —  Jacqui Gifford

Bahia, Brazil

Marta Tucci

This coastal state, situated between the Amazon and Rio de Janeiro, is the sort of place most Americans never quite get to — and that’s a shame. Its coastline offers some of the most mythical surf-and-sand spots in the world, including Itacaré, which is home to the community-minded Barracuda Hotel & Villas , and the boho-chic enclave of Trancoso, a place that “first captured the imagination of the international creative set back in the 1980s,” as T+L reported in the September 2023 issue . “The beaches are some of the most picturesque in Brazil,” said Paul Irvine , an expert in the country and member of T+L’s A-List. But, he added, there’s more to Bahia than the coast. “We’ve started sending our more adventurous clients to the Chapada Diamantina National Park ,” he said, “which has its own vibrant, off-grid hippy culture.” While high-end hotels in the area are in short supply, more villa accommodations are popping up all the time. One thing to keep in mind for 2024: Brazil stopped requiring a visa for U.S. citizens back in 2019, but the country’s tourism officials have said that the mandate will return on Jan. 10, though further details on how to apply and any fees have yet to be announced. — Paul Brady

Northern Pakistan

Courtesy of Intrepid Travel

The northern reaches of this South Asian nation have a growing profile in the adventure-travel world, thanks to striking topography, high-elevation lakes, and precipitous peaks. Consider that, in 2023, Intrepid Travel launched a 12-day women-only expedition to the region, a first for the tour operator, which has similar trips in places such as Jordan, India, and Morocco. Intrepid will return in 2024 — with departures in May, September, and October — taking women to ancient villages, alpine lakes, and historic forts; travelers will have ample opportunity to meet with locals in areas that would be off-limits if men were part of the group, according to Intrepid. Other outfitters are heading to Northern Pakistan as well. Wild Frontiers will debut a brand-new, 14-day walking adventure that will no doubt challenge the bodies and minds of those who are up for it, with several full-day hikes, some above 4,000 meters (13,123 feet). The payoff comes in the form of staggeringly beautiful landscapes — not to mention the chance to make connections with people you meet along the way and see historic gems in Islamabad, the trip’s jumping off point. — Alisha Prakash

Peru's Trekking Routes

In a country where all roads seemingly lead to spectacular scenery and historic finds, there’s much more to explore beyond majestic Machu Picchu. These days, travelers have more options for getting off familiar routes thanks to the efforts of companies such as Alpaca Expeditions , an Indigenous-owned outfitter that will lead its first-ever, all-women hiking trip on the Salkantay Trail in 2024. Operated by women — including guides, porters, drivers, chefs, and other staff — for women, the seven-day adventure will include stays high in the Andes and cultural experiences such as cooking classes and farm visits that aren’t typical on more popular Inca Trail trips. Meanwhile the tour operator Intrepid Travel debuted in 2023 a 12-day expedition on the Great Inca Road in northern Peru. Starting in Huaraz and culminating at the Inca site of Huanuco Pampa, the trek will immerse hikers in this less-visited region’s nature and culture, including plentiful archeological sites. — Alisha Prakash

South Australia

ROBERT LANG/Courtesy of South Australia Tourism Commission

Visitors to this low-key state may feel like they’re in on a big-time secret with all that’s happening lately. The biggest news may be Australia’s new national park, Nilpe­na Ediacara , which opened in April and gives travelers a look at the oldest known fossils on the planet. “They’re about 550 million years old,” Mary L. Droser, an American paleontologist, explained in a recent interview with T+L . Across South Australia’s wine country, meanwhile, hotels such as Le Mas Barossa , Sequoia Lodge , and The Vineyard McLaren Vale are gateways to the hundreds of vineyards and cellar doors just outside of Adelaide, the state capital. “South Australia is known as the wine state for a reason,” said Tim Duval, the winemaker at John Duval Wines . Travelers can learn about small-batch wineries (including Duval’s) at Artisans of Barossa ; sample eco-conscious shiraz at Bird in Hand ; and enjoy a tasting in The Cube, a five-story structure fashioned after an unfinished Rubik’s Cube, at d’Arenberg . Another notable stay can be found on Kangaroo Island, where the famed Southern Ocean Lodge is slated to reopen in December after the disastrous bushfires of 2020. — Samantha Lauriello

Tatiana Kashko/Getty Images

This small South Asian island nation has big things on offer. “You can cover a lot of ground in two weeks, with loads of variety in the landscapes, from gorgeous beaches to lush jungles to high mountains to historic cities,” said Catherine Heald, co-founder and CEO of Remote Lands, a luxury travel firm. This year, the tea company Dilmah opened two boutique stays under its Reverie brand, Kayaam House and Ahu Bay ; Sri Lankan–owned hotel group Uga is debuting Uga Riva in Negombo this November; and for foodies, Red Savannah recently rolled out a culinary tour of Sri Lanka. Political unrest in 2022 took the destination off the table for many travelers, acknowledged Rachel Cooper , a South Asia travel expert at Red Savannah. But, she added, "the new government has introduced measures to protect and encourage a positive traveler experience throughout the country.” — Susmita Baral

Where to Go in 2024

Top 15 Romblon Tourist Spots: Beaches, Islands & Hiking

How to Get to Romblon

15. lahung rock formation.

• 14. St. Joseph Cathedral
• 13. Blue Hole

12. Talipasak Beach

• 11. Busay Falls
• 10. Looc Bay Marine Sanctuary
• 9. Fort San Andres
• 8. Tiamban Beach

7. Cantingas River

• 6. Tinagong Dagat
• 5. Cobrador Island
• 4. Mount Guiting-Guiting
• 3. Cresta de Gallo Island
• 2. Carabao Island
• 1. Bonbon Beach

The province of Romblon comprises a group of islands located in the center of the Philippine archipelago in Luzon region, specifically to the south of Marinduque. It is also close to some of the best islands in the Philippines  and Visayas tourist spots , such as Boracay Island .

Romblon is best known as the "Marble Capital of the Philippines" due to the abundance of marble found here, which has become one of the main sources of livelihood for the locals. Aside from the locals' high-quality marble sculptures, travelers to Romblon will also find stunning white sand beaches , historic sites, and a towering mountain in this underrated Philippine destination. Boasting an array of unspoiled natural beauty, Romblon is easily a perfect getaway destination for travelers planning an off-the-beaten-path  vacation in the Philippines .

To help you get started on your trip to the peaceful province, we've rounded up the best Romblon tourist spots in this article. All of these attractions are located throughout the islands that make up the province, making it an ideal destination for island hopping in the Philippines . While the majority of them are situated in the three major islands of Tablas, Sibuyan, and Romblon, others are located in hidden pockets of the province.

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Romblon is 264KM away from the Philippine capital of Manila . The best way to get to Romblon province is to travel by air from Manila as you can fly directly to Tablas, one of the major islands. If you want to arrive in the province's capital that is also called Romblon, your best option is to ride a ferry instead from Batangas.

• Book transportation going to Romblon

Before traveling, make sure to check the updated  Philippines travel requirements and confirmation of your accommodation or online trip booking to ensure a smooth entry into the province. Some travel booking sites also offer Philippine tour packages to Romblon that are already inclusive of transportation. 

Taking a flight from Manila to Romblon is the fastest way to get to the province as CebGo offers direct flights to Tablas Island. However, if you want to get to Romblon town, you will have to take a separate ferry from Tablas to Romblon Island. It is also best to check for flights weeks before you plan on traveling as the airline only flies to Tablas Airport three times a week. 

If you don't mind a longer travel time, you can also take a ferry to Romblon. From Manila, you will need to travel to Batangas Pier first. You can reach the pier by riding a bus from Buendia, Pasay, or Cubao terminals. From the pier, you can take various ferries, such as those operated by the Montenegro Shipping Lines, straight to Romblon town.

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Photo by Reggae Vibes De Romblon

Located along the southwestern coast of Romblon Island is a beautiful stone arch carved by the sea currents and the winds that blow through this area. This arch is known as the Lahung Rock Formation and is one of the best spots on the island to watch the sunset. Standing close to this natural wonder is the 62-foot-tall Apunan Point Lighthouse that you can easily see from the rock formation's viewpoint.

When the sun starts to dip behind the horizon, it casts both the Lahung Rock Formation and the Apunan Point Lighthouse in a warm shade of orange, making for a picturesque moment. If you view the sun at a certain angle, you will be able to line the sun inside the arch, making for a beautiful photo. 

14. St. Joseph Cathedral 

Photo by @genebrian on Instagram

The St. Joseph Cathedral, which is locally known as the Romblon Cathedral, is a Baroque-style church that sits along Rizal Street in the provincial capital of the province. Portuguese Recollect members began construction of the cathedral in the 15th century. However, the church could not stand natural disasters and had to undergo reconstructions and repairs throughout the years.

The majority of the current structure that you will see today is made out of bricks made from corals, which were common for the architecture of Romblon at the time. The facade also features white finishes and three arches. Above the main arch is a small, carved-out area that holds a religious statue as if to greet parishioners who come to celebrate mass here.

As you step inside, you will also find that the interior is made mostly of coral bricks. Adorning the back of the cathedral's interior wall is a large altar made out of beautiful marble and other local materials that house a statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary. 

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Photo by San Agustin Romblon Tourism

Off the northeasternmost tip of Tablas Island is a vertical tunnel called the Blue Hole, one of the best places for diving in Romblon. Its entrance sits about 7 meters from the water's surface and is around 8 meters wide. From the surface, you can easily float above the hole and find yourself staring at a black tunnel that appears to have no end in sight. 

• Read our article on the best diving spots in the Philippines

However, the best way to see the Blue Hole is by scuba diving, which is one of the must-try activities in the Philippines . If you are an experienced scuba diver, you can make arrangements with local diving centers and resorts to swim down into the Blue Hole.

The tunnel goes on for around 27 to 32 meters, so make sure to prepare accordingly. As you swim inside, you will come across multiple corals growing along the tunnel's walls and several species of fish. After reaching the end of the cave, you will exit onto a large opening that leads to the reef, where you can spot shrimps and lobsters on the seafloor.

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Another well-loved gem on Romblon Island is the Talipasak Beach on the eastern coast. This secluded beach is managed by the Talipasak Beach Resort, which is also known as the San Pedro Beach Resort. It offers a quieter escape for travelers who want to enjoy time by the sea undisturbed by large crowds, making it one of the best places in the Philippines for family vacations .

The sand here is soft to the touch and perfect for a barefoot stroll to help ease your mind. Coupled with the azure waters that lap the shore and the verdant greeneries that border the beach, this little hideaway is a perfect spot for some "me" time. After going for a swim, you can enjoy a cup of coffee at the beachside cafe that has set up wooden benches under the nearby trees. 

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Busay Falls is one of the top Tablas tourist spots that display the province's diverse outdoors. This cascade is situated in the town of Dubduban on the northeastern side of Tablas Island. Since it is situated among a thick group of trees, you will need to go on a short trek to reach this refreshing spot. Make sure to wear comfortable and non-slippery footwear as the trail to the falls is a mix of different-sized rocks and soil paths.

• Check out our list of the most scenic waterfalls in the Philippines

After making your way through the forest, you will finally see the multi-level cascade. While the waterfalls are not as wide as most major cascades in the country, they have become a favored spot for a refreshing dip amongst locals thanks to the cool waters that fall into natural basins. Wade into the natural pools for a relaxing swim and make your way to the cascades for a quick photo op as well.

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Travelers who enjoy snorkeling and getting to see schools of fish up close can find what they're looking for at the Looc Bay Marine Sanctuary. This conservation area is located off the coast of Looc town in the southwestern region of Tablas Island. It is also among the most frequented tourist attractions in Romblon and is a must-visit spot when going on a Tablas Island tour. The sanctuary sits on the edge of the Looc Reef, a 48-hectare marine reserve home to several fish species.

After boarding a boat from Looc town, travelers will step onto a large floating hut made of wood and bamboo. The hut features dedicated fish feeding areas from where you can safely toss food into the sea and later watch the fish eat. Aside from feeding them from the hut, you can change into swimming clothes and put on a life vest and snorkeling gear to hop into the water with them. Take a moment to peek under the surface to see the ecosystem of vibrant corals and colorful fish. 

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Photo by Romblon Provincial Tourism Office

Fort San Andres stands in the coastal Romblon town and overlooks the local port. Portuguese religious leaders started constructing the fortress on San Antonio HIll in the 15th century along with another stronghold called Fort Santiago atop Calvary Hill.

The two were known as the Twin Forts of Romblon and were also used to keep watch over important points of entry into the coastal town. However, Fort Santiago later fell to ruin as time passed. Similar to other historical spots in the Philippines that were built at the time, Fort San Andres was created using coral stones and bricks. 

Today, travelers can easily reach Fort San Andres by walking from the town's Freedom Park, about 270 miles away. Inside the fort's premises, you will also be able to climb atop its tower to get a panoramic view of Romblon's coast with the lush hillside in the back. As architectural landmarks in the Philippines and Romblon, the National Museum of the Philippines recognized Fort San Andres and the ruins of Fort Santiago as National Cultural Treasures.

8. Tiamban Beach 

Photo by @apctravels on Instagram

Tiamban Beach is one of the notable Romblon beaches. It is situated on the northwestern part of Romblon Island and is about 5KM from the town proper. It boasts an idyllic atmosphere, powdery white sand, and clear waters that are ideal for a beach getaway. Feel free to bring some beach towels and some food with you for a scenic seaside picnic. Afterward, you can soak up some sun on the smooth sand or enjoy a stroll along the shore.

• Read our article on the best beaches in the Philippines

If you plan on staying the night, there are a handful of resorts in the area that you can choose from, with the most notable being the Tiamban Beach Resort. If you're in the mood to spend the night under the stars, you can also opt to rent a tent and camp on the beach so you can listen to the waves as you drift off to sleep. 

Photo by Isla Ng Sibuyan

Cutting through the southwestern region of Sibuyan Island is the Cantingas River, one of the cleanest inland rivers in the Philippines. The river is situated in the Cantingas River Resort, which also manages and maintains it, and is only about 4 KM away from the town of San Fernando.

One of the best things to do here is to take a dip in the clear running water as you take in the serene ambiance of the surroundings. Bordering the riverside are lively trees that help keep the air clean. Aside from the trees, you will also find a multi-level cement diving platform at one part of the river.

While the parts of the river close to the shore are shallow, the center descends into depths of at least 8 feet. This makes it a perfect spot for platform diving as you will not touch the riverbed no matter from which of the three heights you choose to jump from. Apart from being a popular spot for locals and travelers, the river also provides clean energy to the majority of the island through a nearby hydroelectric power plant along the river. 

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Tinagong Dagat, or "Hidden Sea" in English, is a saltwater lake situated in the northernmost tip of Tablas Island and is a top Calatrava, Romblon tourist spot. To get here, you will need to ride a pump boat from the Calatrava town's port. The lake is surrounded by limestone cliffs covered with thick foliage that makes it impossible to see from a boat, hence its name. After docking by the shore, a short walk will lead you straight to this beautiful lake that boasts clear blue water. 

Thanks to its remote location and the natural cover provided by the cliffs and trees, this lake has become an ideal spot to relax without having to worry about crowds. You can also dip your feet into the cool waters as you listen to the sound of the waves on the other side of the cliffs.

Thrill-seekers can also go cliff diving from designated areas of the limestone cliffs that surround the lake. While it seems that the lake is separated from the sea, it actually connects to the sea through an underwater tunnel which allows the saltwater to come into the lake. 

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Photo by @mac.centeno on Instagram

Cobrador Island sits to the north of Romblon Island. To get here, you will have to rent a pump boat from Romblon town's port or join an island hopping Romblon tour that includes stops at the nearby Alad and Logbon Islands. Cobrador Island's main draw is its white sand beach that is also locally known as Nogoso Beach.

As Cobrador is a remote island with only a small group of locals, this spotless stretch of sand goes on for miles and is free from any commercial establishments. Along with boasting a clean coast, the island also features pristine waters that are perfect for a refreshing swim under the sun.

If you brought snorkeling gear, feel free to dip under the surface to discover the fish swimming close to the beach. You can also lay down on the beach and enjoy the island's laidback atmosphere as you soak up some sun. If you plan on staying longer in this paradise-like place, there are several homestays in the area. 

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4. mount guiting-guiting .

Mt. Guiting-Guiting stands at around 2,058 meters above sea level in the heart of Sibuyan Island. Guiting-Guiting is the Romblomanon word for "jagged," which refers to the jagged peaks on the mountain. Due to its rocky terrain, it is classified by Filipino hikers as one of the toughest climbs in the country as the trail to the summit involves rock climbing with the use of ropes. It is also among the most notable tourist spots in Luzon for hikers.

• Read our guide on hiking in the Philippines

On average, the hike to the peak will take about 4 days. However, hikers who take the time to conquer this mountain are rewarded with a breathtaking view of the nearby steep ridges and the vast forests covering Sibuyan Island.

Aside from being considered one of the best mountains to hike in the Philippines , Mt. Guiting-Guiting is also a crucial wildlife reserve and a significant area for Romblon tourism. It is home to about 54 endemic plants and a diverse group of animals, such as rare rodent and bat species.

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Inararo ecotour with tour guide | pinatubo base camp, tutulari avatar gorge, view deck, 3. cresta de gallo island .

Off the southeastern coast of Sibuyan Island lies a pristine stretch of sand known as Cresta de Gallo Island. To set foot on this unspoiled white sand islet, you will have to take a boat from San Fernando town on Sibuyan Island. If you look out from any point on the island, you will only see the azure waters go on for miles.

Aside from a small forest on one end of the island and a patch of greenery on the other, the island is tranquil and free of any commercial stores. The most eye-catching feature of the island, however, is the spotless sandbar that rises in between the azure waters and connects both ends of the islands.

It is also considered one of the best sandbars in the Philippines thanks to its remote location that offers a relaxing escape from the usual Philippine tourist spots . If you want to enjoy the peace and quiet of the island for more than a day, you can set up camp at the local campgrounds, a welcome change from most beach resorts in the Philippines .

2. Carabao Island 

Carabao Island sits to the south of Tablas Island and to the north of Boracay Island, one of the best places to visit in the Philippines . It boasts a handful of powdery beaches, caves, and cliffs that are ideal for cliff diving. Among the beautiful shores you'll find here are Lanas Beach and San Jose Beach, which boast white sand that rivals Boracay's own White Beach . Meanwhile, Cathedral Cave on the island's eastern coast stands out as the top spot for cliff diving here.

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There are different diving boards placed on both sides of the cave, so you can choose which height you're more comfortable jumping off from. After plunging into the blue waters, you can also swim a bit further out to glance at the vibrant corals underneath the surface.

If you head inland, you can visit the Tagaytay Viewpoint that gives a scenic view of the island and the horizon. From here, you will also get a view of Boracay Island and Tablas Island. Due to Carabao Island's proximity to Boracay, you can also book Carabao Island tours from Boracay.

See our popular Boracay Vacation Packages

Luxurious 5-day boracay package at 5-star movenpick resort & spa with airfare & chocolate hour, stress-free 4-day boracay package at tides hotel with airfare from manila or clark & island hopping, 1. bonbon beach .

When thinking of where to go in Romblon, Bonbon Beach is our top must-visit attraction. It lies on the northwest tip of Romblon Island and is only about 4KM away from Romblon town. This idyllic beach paradise is among the best beaches in the Philippines and is best known for its long white sandbar that stretches up to 2 kilometers. 

During high tide, crystal clear water covers the sandbar. When the tide is low, you can walk across the sandbar to reach the nearby Bang-og Island that is covered in thick greenery and verdant trees. When visiting this stunning beach, feel free to slow down and simply take in the ambiance of the surroundings. At sunset, this beach is also among the most picturesque and romantic travel destinations on the island. 

Start Planning Your Trip to Romblon's Top Tourist Spots

Beautiful beaches, rich historical sites, and towering mountains are just a few of the reasons why you should visit the Philippines , especially Romblon Island. Discover the many charms of the Marble Capital of the Philippines as you immerse in its understated beauty. Along with the abundance of natural tourist spots in the province, a visit here would not be complete without dropping by the Marble Shopping Center. 

Make the most of your time as you tour the Philippines and Romblon by including Philippines guided tours in your itinerary as well. Plan a hassle-free getaway to this tranquil province by booking any of our Romblon tour packages or vacation packages for couples that include stays at honeymoon resorts . On top of being a destination teeming with marine life and heritage, Romblon’s is only hours away from the Luzon and Visayas regions, which are both home to more top tourist spots in the Philippines . 

See our popular Philippines Tour Packages

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15+ Best Davao Del Norte Tourist Spots (Complete Guide)

Here is a comprehensive list of Davao Del Norte tourist spots you should not miss!

Davao Del Norte is known as “The Banana Capital of the Philippines,” owing to its vast and fertile agricultural grounds. It is also home to the world’s biggest colony of fruit bats, and the world’s biggest rosary. Both of these tourist spots placed Davao Del Norte in the Guinness Book of World Records.

Due to its abundance of eco-cultural wonders, Davao Del Norte is one of the fastest eco-tourism destinations in the Philippines. It hosts white sandy beaches, lush forests, enchanting islands, pristine waterfalls, mystic caves, and historic churches. It’s your getaway for fun, thrill, learning, and adventure.

If you’re planning to visit, don’t miss out on these fascinating Davao Del Norte attractions.

Behold Davao Del Norte Tourist Spots

1. island garden city of samal.

The Island Garden City of Samal is among the top Davao Del Norte tourist spots. Home to unspoiled white beaches, stunning limestone rock formations, thriving marine life, and diverse flora and fauna, Samal Island is your ultimate tropical getaway.

It is home to one of the world’s biggest populations of bat caves including the largest concentration of giant pearls. This makes the island a critical ecological sanctuary.

As a responsible tourist, your visit here can help spur the protection of these species and the promotion of ecotourism.

• Best Time to Visit: April to August

2. Monfort Bat Cave

Monfort Bat Cave is one of the hidden treasures of Samal Island. It contains the world’s largest known population of fruit bats.

In fact, the Guinness World Record recognized it as home to the largest single colony of its kind in 2010. Millions of bats literally live here and you’ll have the chance to see them flying out of the cave or resting upside-down.

• Location/Jump-off: Brgy Tambo, Babak District, Samal Island
• Entrance Fee: Php 40 per person
• Contact: +63 82 221 8925, +63 82 225 8854, +63 917 705 4295
• Email:   [email protected]

3. Hagimit Falls

Hagimit Falls maybe not be that high but it does project an enchanting allure. It cascades for about 20 feet like a long curtain. It has a wide and deep pool where you can jump or dive and have a rejuvenating swim.

Lush forests surround the waterfall, adding to the scenic view. It’s one of the popular Davao Del Norte tourist spots.

• Location/Jump-off: Penaplata, Samal Island
• Environmental Fee: Php 5 per person

4. Mt Puting Bato

Though Samal Island is more popular for its white beaches, it also has several mountains worth climbing. One of which is Mt Puting Bato. From its top, you can glimpse of the coastal views of Samal Island and its lush landscapes.

You can also view the majestic Mt Apo from here. It’s an ideal mountain for beginners as the trails are well-established and not that steep.

• Location/Jump-off: Sitio Tayapoc, Brgy Guilon, Samal Island
• Elevation: 1,345 feet above sea level
• Habal-habal Ride: 30 minutes to an hour on rough road
• Trekking Time: 30 minutes

5. Pearl Farm Beach Resort

Considered as one of the most beautiful beaches/resorts in the Philippines, Pearl Farm Beach Resort is the only 5-star beach hotel resort in Davao. It covers a sprawling area of more than 14 hectares.

Aside from its rustic tourism amenities, the resort also advocates for ecological conservation. That’s what I love about it most. It also aims to promote Filipino design and culture.

• Location/Jump-off: Bo. Adecor, Kaputian District, Island Garden City of Samal
• Tel: 082-235-1234 to 36
• Email Address: [email protected]
• Website: https://www.pearlfarmresort.com/

6. Kaputian Beach

If you’re after the cheapest beach option in Davao Del Norte, check out Kaputian Beach. It’s a public beach managed by the local government. But t don’t let that stop you from visiting.

Aside from being a budget-friendly destination, Kaputian Beach boasts of powdery white sand beaches. It also has crystal-clear waters. Among the activities, you can do here are diving, snorkeling, and several water spots.

• Location/Jump-off: Kaputian, Samal Island
• Entrance Fee: Daytrip (Php 10 for adults, Php 5 for children); Overnight (Php 75 for adults, Php 25 for children)
• Camping Fee: Php 250 (inclusive of a tent)
• Cottage Rent: Php 300- Php 800 depending on size; Php 100 for table rental; Php 10 for chair rental

7. Tambo Vanishing Island

Tambo Vanishing Island is a protected marine reserve. It is named as such because it literally disappears during high tide. During low tide, a small strip of enthralling white sands appears.

• Location/Jump-off: Brgy Tambo, Babak, Samal Island
• Boat Ride: 15 minutes from km 11, Sasa Port, Davao City

8. Mamacao Spring

Mamacao Spring is a small body of water that is crystal-clear. A huge balete tree grows beside it and is surrounded by lush forests. Different wildlife species often settle temporarily on the site.

You’re lucky if you spot on them during your arrival. There are also several stories and myths about the spring. Let’s leave that up for the locals to share when you visit there.

• Location/Jump-off: between Brgy San Isidro, and Libuak, Babak, Samal Island

9. Japanese Cave House

The Japanese Cave House is among the historical Davao Del Norte tourist spots. The Japanese used the cave as a safe-house during World War II. Inside, you’ll find various artifacts and materials such as handwritten markers and ammunition supplies.

• Location/Jump-off: Camudmud, Samal Island

10. World’s Largest Rosary

If Brazil is known for its giant statue of Christ the Redeemer, Tagum hosts the world’s biggest rosary. It weighs more than 2,815 kilograms and measures 85.5 meters long.

The beads are made from magcono (ironwood) which used to abound in the mountains of Davao Del Norte.

• Location/Jump-off: Gonzales Avenue, Sobrecary St., Magugpo, Tagum City

11. Panas Falls

Panas Falls is a multi-layered waterfall with multiple pools you can enjoy. It is part of the Panas Eco-Cultural Park, a protected site with rich flora and fauna species.

It has pristine waters coming from the forests, making it ideal for relaxation. Aside from chasing Panas Falls, you can also stroll around the park to explore other sights.

• Location/Jump-off: Brgy Carcor, New Corella
• Habal-habal Ride: 30 minutes from New Corella town proper

12. Canibad Beach

Canibad Beach is one of the laid-back Davao Del Norte tourist spots, making it also one of the most preserved. You’ll find both sandy and pebbled beaches here.

There are also several resorts in the area, each offering you a breathtaking view of the surrounding blue waters.

• Location/Jump-off: Brgy Aundanao, Penaplata District, Samal Island

13. Malipano Island

If you prefer less touristy destinations, check out Malipano Island. Located near the Pearl Farm Beach Resort, the island offers one of the most stunning beaches in the Philippines. It has a gorgeous tropical view, sparkling green waters, and ivory sands. It hosts several villas with modern amenities.

• Contact Number: 082-235-1234 to 36

14. Baga Cave

Baga Cave is one of the several caves found in Talikud Island. It has a small opening and some narrow passages but as you go deeper, you’ll find large chambers.

Here, various stalactite and stalagmite rock formations await to satisfy your spelunking experience. You’ll also glimpse of beautiful pools glistening with the rocks.

• Location/Jump-off: Santa Cruz, Talikud Island, Kaputian District, Samal Island
• Entrance Fee: Php 50 per person
• Php 550 (minimum of 1 person)
• Php 450 (minimum of 2 persons)
• P 350 (minimum of 6 persons)
• Php 250 (minimum of 14 persons)
• Php 200 (minimum of Php 200)

15. Talikud Island

Talikud Island is home to some of the most preserved beaches in the entire Davao region. It is actually a part of the bigger Samal Island. There are beaches in Talikud Island that can rival those found in Boracay.

Almost anywhere around the coast, sparkling turquoise waters will greet you. The surrounding seas also team with corals and various marine species. It is one of the best eco-tourism spots in the Philippines.

• Location/Jump-off: Samal Island, Davao Del Norte

For More Information

If you need more information to help in setting up your itinerary to Davao Del Norte tourist spots, do contact DOT Davao Region via the following:

• Tel: 0822210070
• Website: http://www.tourism.gov.ph

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Hi there fellow traveler! My name is Daniel although you can call me Kumafor. That's my indigenous name. I grew on a remote village called Lias in Barlig, Mountain Province.

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Norway’s unlikely cultural capital that its government wanted to hide

Obliterated by german bombing during the second world war, bodø has successfully reinvented itself as a tourist destination.

Every year Europe gets three new (temporary) cultural capitals. These are not Berlins or Barcelonas, but less well-known destinations that could do with a marketing leg-up. This year we have secondary cities in Estonia and Austria (Tartu and Bad Ischl), plus an outsider, both literally and metaphorically, up in Norway .

And “up” is the operative word: the town of Bodø (pronounced “buddha”) is the first European cultural capital north of the Arctic Circle.

Furthermore, it is the first wannabe capital of culture to put itself forward against the wishes of its own minister for culture, who said it wouldn’t be able to assemble the necessary funding, and who also wanted to promote her own home city , Trondheim.

Fortunately for Bodø, Norway subsequently saw a change of government, and the new minister took a different view. Bodø now has its moment in the midnight sun.

I was there while there was more night than day, standing on the waterfront in a howling wind, looking across at a herring oil factory. I could see why the original minister poured cold water on Bodø’s candidature.

Obliterated by German bombs during the Second World War, until recently the town’s bread and butter was as a Nato airbase and a transport hub for a multitude of outlying islands, including the spectacular Lofoten.

But then the Nato planes moved elsewhere (although there is still an operational HQ with 600 staff deep inside a nearby mountain). So, the municipality turned its attention to tourism, to create a new identity.  At first sight it didn’t have much to work with. There is no historic downtown, and hasty post-war rebuilding means that its architecture is functional.

What it does have, though, is a spectacular setting. Mountains, islands, beaches, great wildlife, Northern Lights, midnight sun, all of it prime territory for friluftsliv (“free air living”).

Moreover the region of Nordland, an area the size of Switzerland but with a population of just 230,000, has cleverly been swept up into the cultural year, which means performances can take place on specks of land way out to sea, if you can set aside the time to get there.

But the focus is Bodø itself, a pragmatic place where islanders and uplanders come by ferry and plane for a haircut, an education and a taste of the wider world. Here they can go to a show in the British-designed (DRDH Architects) Stormen (storm) Concert Hall, home to the Arctic Philharmonic, the world’s newest orchestra. Director Geir Nordeng tells me that his musicians are putting on more than 200 performances around town, both individually and collectively, during this celebratory year. 

Alternatively, visitors can sample music bar Dama Di, which translates as “my lady”. Its owner, Bent Lindahl, walked me through a creatively decorated warren of rooms to where local indy band Tidevann were doing a set. The crowd was earnest and appreciative, the acoustics excellent, and the music reminded me of the Icelandic supergroup Sigur Rós.

After this first taste of culture, I tried a bit of the friluftsliv on short trips from downtown. Initially on a three-hour moose safari, so new this year that no-one has yet told the moose. Local guide Ola was increasingly perplexed as we ranged along the bridge-connected island of Straumøya, seeing only hoofprints.

“The locals here are always complaining about the moose,” he muttered.

“Some of them as big as carthorses.”

But I was just happy to be out in a mountain-frescoed land of birch and marsh, under a gloriously copper-coloured evening sky. Later that evening, I even got a first glimpse of the Northern Lights.

By the next day I was back in the same vicinity, but this time in a high-speed RIB (rigid inflatable boat) from downtown, tackling the fastest tidal current in the world. The Saltstraumen maelstrom can reach speeds of up to 20 knots as a huge volume of water tries to force its way through a 150-metre strait into a fjord.

Our skipper had to concentrate hard to evade deep scars of overtopping turbulence and scouring four-metre wide whirlpools. Above us, some of the world’s highest concentration of fish eagles hung in the sky, looking for easy pickings.

Back in town I reverted to the safer world of museums, of which the heavyweight contender is Norway’s Aviation Museum. Its remarkable collection of military aircraft, including a U2 spy plane of the type that almost caused Bodø to be obliterated by Russia (it’s a long story), testifying to the air base’s huge significance during the Cold War.

And then there’s the more arty side, which I first tasted in a perplexingly big “darkroom” where photographs of a book of old buildings were projected rapidly onto a gauze screen, some of them sideways. No Capital of Culture would be worthy of the name without something truly impenetrable, and this was Bodø’s.

Happily, there was safer ground at the Bodøgaard gallery, with its collections of paintings celebrating the extraordinary luminosity of the light you can find north of the Arctic Circle.

As he showed me round, owner Harald said he very much hoped that being a cultural capital would “bring something new to the city”. It was, he said, “a strong combination of culture and nature”, and that surely was very good for travel.

You can’t argue with that.

Travel essentials Getting there To get to Bodø you need to fly via Oslo or Trondheim, with SAS ( flysas.com ) or Norwegian ( norwegian.com ). More information visitnorway.com bodo2024.no

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15 Best Tourist Spots in the Philippines

As we all know, and I’m sure that you do, the Philippines is home to some of the world’s best and finest tourist attractions you can ever find. All of our country’s 7,641 islands are absolutely worth visiting because each of them offers a stunning surprise that will make you fall in love with the Philippines even more.

We are blessed with countless natural wonders that are simply breathtaking that you shouldn’t miss the chance to witness their beauty at least once in your life. We also have world-class islands such as El Nido, Coron , Siargao, and Boracay that attract tourists from different parts of the world!

Aside from our country’s never-ending list of tourist attractions, we Filipinos are also known for our warm culture and hospitality that foreigners absolutely love. No matter where you’re from, Filipinos will surely make you feel at home. On top of all that, Filipinos are also known to make some of the most amazing food in the world! The food culture in the country is unrivaled and I’m sure that wherever you go, your taste buds will always be satisfied.

The Philippines has a lot of things to offer to everyone. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie, a solo backpacker, a history buff, or a food connoisseur, you will have the best time of your life in our country. So, are you ready? Come and join me as I help you discover the 15 Best Tourist Spots in the Philippines!

Located in the beautiful province of Surigao Del Norte is a teardrop-shaped island considered to be the Surfing Capital of the Philippines. There’s no doubt that this tropical paradise is the hottest and most in-demand tourist destination in the country right now! Yes, Siargao Island is currently on the top of the list of the best tourist destinations in the Philippines. More and more tourists from different parts of the world are going crazy thanks to the island’s extraordinary natural features, rich culture, and friendly community.

Photo by Alejandro Luengo on Unsplash

Siargao has all kinds of fun and exciting activities prepared for you and I’m sure that you’ll definitely have a good time. Of course, there’s surfing, kayaking, scuba diving, hiking, and many more! But the best part about Siargao is that the island has an endless list of surprises that are yet to be discovered.

Breathtaking white-sand beaches, sparkling waterfalls, majestic mountains, stunning cave systems, and many more are all waiting to make your memorable Siargao trip even more exciting! Some of the must-visit attractions you shouldn’t miss on the island are Cloud 9 Siargao, Magpupungko Rock Pools , and the famous Sohoton Cove National Park.

Siargao is still in the process of developing the island’s establishments and infrastructure to maximize its potential in tourism. So if you want to experience Siargao in its pristine and finest condition, then I suggest that you book a tour now! Trust me, it’s going to be one of the best decisions you’ve made in your life.

Ah, of course! Boracay still remains as one of the supreme icons of Philippine tourism. Known all over the world for its pristine white-sand beaches, Boracay grew to be the favorite beach destination of countless tourists from different parts of the world.

More than its extraordinary natural features, Boracay became a premier tourist destination because of the multiple world-class hotels and resorts offering top-notch accommodation services and all the exciting activities you could ever ask for. There’s island hopping, scuba diving, kayaking, swimming, and more!

From its mesmerizing sunsets to crystalline turquoise waters and long stretches of white-sand beaches, Boracay is truly a tropical paradise worth visiting in the Philippines.

3. Batad Rice Terraces in Ifugao

The truly picturesque and breathtaking view of Batad Rice Terraces has got to be one of the Philippines’ treasured gems. The unparalleled beauty of these rice terraces was recognized to be a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995. That fact alone will already give you an idea of how amazing the sights really are!

Batad Rice, Terraces

These awe-inspiring rice terraces were carved and constructed about 2,000 years ago yet it is still perfectly preserved and fully functional to this day. Aside from Batad Rice Terraces’ aesthetic view, more and more tourists are also falling in love with the lovely community behind the landmark. Moreover, it also houses the rich culture and history of the Ifugao tribes residing in the mountains surrounding the rice terraces.

Read the Blog Post: Batad Banaue Ifugao Travel Guide

4. El Nido, Palawan

Another world-class tourist destination you should absolutely visit in the Philippines is no other than El Nido, Palawan. Known for its white-sand beaches, heavenly lagoons, and dramatic black limestone cliffs, El Nido is the best choice for those who want to cast themselves away and enjoy a peaceful escape from reality.

El Nido’s island hopping tours are some of the most magical and enchanting experiences you can ever encounter in the world. Each island possesses a unique beauty that will leave you stunned for a lifetime. That’s why there’s absolutely no doubt how El Nido became one of the best islands in the world.

El Nido has an endless list of tourist attractions you definitely shouldn’t miss including Nacpan Beach , Secret Lagoon, and Shimizu Island.

READ THE BLOG POST: El Nido Palawan Experience and Guide

5. Coron, Palawan

Next up, another tropical treasure of the beautiful island of Palawan is Coron which is known for its world-class wreck diving sites filled with abundant marine and aquatic life. Coron’s crystal clear waters are famous for diving enthusiasts all over the world. Aside from its premier diving spots, the island is best known for its stunning white-sand beaches, karst limestone cliffs, evergreen forests, and magical islands.

Photo by David Köhler on Unsplash

Aside from Coron’s breathtaking natural wonders, the island is also blessed with thriving wildlife and marine biodiversity. The island preserves its pristine condition making it a perfect habitat for multiple species of birds, mammals, reptiles, fishes, and coral reefs. On top of all that, the community in Coron, Palawan is also very friendly and accommodating, making it a suitable place for adventurers and nature lovers.

Some of Coron’s best tourist attractions are Busuanga Island, Banol Beach, and the magical Coron Bay where you can find some of the most popular Japanese shipwrecks surrounded by majestic limestone cliffs and turquoise waters.

6. Cebu Island

Cebu Island is the largest island in the Visayas which is known for its rich Spanish colonial history and is blessed with multiple natural wonders such as majestic mountains, rolling hills, sparkling rivers, falls, and many more. It is also where you can find the iconic Queen City of the South, the island’s capital city, Cebu which is one of the country’s largest metropolises.

Photo by Olga Tsai on Unsplash

Given its particularly rich history, Cebu Island has become a top tourist destination because of its multicultural heritage. From its thriving food culture, countless natural attractions, historical landmarks, and overall incredible experience, Cebu should be on your list for the Philippines’ top tourist destinations.

Photo by Jessa Marie Pedrola on Unsplash

Cebu Island’s most notable and must-visit destinations include Kawasan Falls, Camotes Island, and the enchanting Moalboal Island which is truly a glimpse of a stunning tropical paradise.

READ THE BLOG POST: 15 Best Beach Resorts in Cebu 

7. Balabac Islands

Ah, and there it is. Nestled in the south-westernmost and farthermost tip of Palawan lies a secluded island filled with everything that describes paradise on earth. Balacbac Islands is a small group of islands that houses several untouched islets bathing in the crystal clear waters of the Sulu Sea and surrounded by stunning white-sand beaches. Balacbac Islands truly offers a mind-blowing out-of-this-world experience to everyone taking the chance and effort to visit its unspoiled beauty.

Photo by Cris Tagupa on Unsplash

Balacbac Islands is also home to a wide variety of species of animals and plants that make the islands even more beautiful. Prepare yourself to be in awe of everything that Balacbac has to offer because rarely do you get a chance to experience the beauty of nature in its finest condition like this one.

Ah, Batanes is known as the northernmost province of the Philippines. Over the years, Batanes was struck by powerful typhoons causing extreme winds and strong waves to destroy houses each time. This made the locals adapt and in turn construct houses entirely made of stones. That’s why when you visit Batanes, it’s like you’re in a completely different country because of the picture-perfect postcard setting of the province.

Photo by Rene Padillo on Unsplash

The rolling hills, deep blue waters of the Pacific, lighthouses, and the gigantic boulders will make you fall in love and appreciate the simple way of life being practiced in Batanes. The reason why you need to visit and personally witness Batanes’ picturesque beauty is actually simple. It’s simply amazing.

9. Vigan, Ilocos Sur

We all know that the Philippines is a multicultural nation thanks to the countless years of war and colonialism that shaped our history. Our country was under the Spanish Colonial government for 333 years and that’s why they had a huge impact on our culture as Filipinos. And do you know where you can catch a glimpse of the Old World Spanish Colonial Era version of the Philippines? That’s right. Only here at Vigan, Ilocos Sur.

Vigan is known for its perfectly-preserved Spanish Colonial buildings and churches. It is so beautiful that walking around the iconic Calle Crisologo will make you feel like you’re traveling back in time and walking along with the forefathers of our nation. Aside from the truly aesthetic vibes of Vigan, the city is also known for its amazing culture which attracts tourists from different parts of the world.

From discovering hidden gems of antique shops, restaurants, and cafes, you will never get tired of exploring the breathtaking beauty of this U NESCO World Heritage Site .

If you’re looking for some of the most amazing sights and sceneries atop the Philippines’ highest mountain ranges, then Sagada is definitely the perfect place for you. Sagada is a small town in the Cordillera Mountains known for its breathtaking natural attractions and exciting activities for everyone. It is a haven for hikers and trekkers that love the thrill of adventure and rewarding themselves with heavenly views atop the mountains.

Photo by Aldrino on Unsplash

Sagada is also blessed with several natural wonders such as massive caves, sparkling waterfalls, rivers, and cliffs that attract tourists from different parts of the country. That’s why when you visit Sagada, prepare to engage yourself in countless fun and exciting activities such as swimming, waterfall hiking, spelunking, and food trips all day long!

In the Philippines, when we talk about Bohol, there’s only one thing that automatically comes to mind and that’s the majestic beauty of the Chocolate Hills. Trust me, there’s a reason why these jaw-dropping hills are visited by tourists from the farthest parts of the planet and it’s truly worth it. For those who don’t know, the reason why it’s called the Chocolate Hills is because of the color of the hills that changes to brown during the rainy season.

Another reason why tourists visit Bohol is that it’s the only place in the world where the world’s smallest primate, the Tarsier, can be seen. Moreover, Bohol is also known to be blessed with several natural wonders such as majestic islands, evergreen forests, sparkling rivers, rice terraces, and many more!

If you’re ever in Bohol, be sure to not miss the chance of visiting Panglao Island, the Loboc River, and the breathtaking Hinagdanan Cave!

Read the blog post: 10 Best Beach Resorts in Bohol

12. Intramuros, Manila

Located in the capital city Manila, this secluded place filled with countless stories significant in Philippine culture and history will give you an Old World vibe during your visit. Intramuros is known as the Walled City because it is literally surrounded by walls that are meant to protect the Spanish government from enemies.

Photo Credit: Agustin Rafael Reyes via Compfight, Creative Commons

Inside the Walled City are precious Spanish Colonial buildings that served a great purpose during the 333-year rule of Spain over our country. Well-preserved monasteries, government buildings, and schools are situated inside Intramuros that today serve the Filipino people in many ways. Today, Intramuros has become a popular tourist destination that enables visitors to have a glimpse of the Philippines’ rich culture and history.

Oh, and aside from the Walled City’s historical significance, it is also filled with countless shops and restaurants that exude an aesthetic vibe to everyone who’s visiting! You can also ride the kalesa while exploring around, so don’t miss out!

READ THE BLOG POST: 15 Tourist Spots in Intramuros, Manila

13. Mayon Volcano, Albay

The Mayon Volcano ( Albay ) of the Philippines is truly one of the country’s most iconic tourist destinations. Mayon is known all over the world as the volcano that has the most perfect and symmetrical cone-shaped features. Despite the continuous danger that it imposes being the most active volcano in the Philippines, Mayon Volcano has remained as a must-visit tourist attraction in the country.

Mayon Troop!

Photo by Cojo Rosales on Unsplash

Due to the volcano covering a massive area, it has also become the home of many endangered animal and plant species. Moreover, tourists are also in for fun and exciting adventures revolving around the Mayon Volcano such as ATV rides, hiking, trekking, and many more!

READ THE BLOG POST: Albay Tourist Spots in One Day

14. Tubbataha Reef, Palawan

Finally, another gem located off the coast of Palawan is the iconic Tubbataha Reef. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to millions of species of stunning coral reefs and marine biodiversity that will simply blow your mind. The reef is located in the middle of the Sulu Sea and is currently considered a protected area.

Credit: Philippine Tourism USA

The Tubbataha Reef is truly a heavenly place and recognized as the number one (1) diving site in the country where you can witness the astonishing sight of large marine animals like sea turtles, manta rays, and shark species. Trust me, scuba diving in the Tubbataha Reef is a life-changing experience that you will forever remember for the rest of your life.

15. Rizal Park, Manila

Of course, visiting the most important historical landmark in the entire country should definitely be on your list. Rizal Park is one of the largest urban parks in Asia covering a wide area of 60 hectares. Also known as Luneta, this park is a shrine dedicated to the Philippines’ national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal.

Credit: Wikimedia Commons

Exploring the huge park will truly give you a glimpse of the Philippines’ rich history because you can visit some historical landmarks such as the statue of Dr. Jose Rizal, Lapu-Lapu, and the National Museum of the Philippines .

Rizal Park is also the perfect chance for tourists to walk around in peace and discover some popular attractions like the Manila Orchidarium, Central Lagoon, and the Chess Plaza where you can challenge your wits and brains in the game of Chess with random strangers.

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One comment.

Armando A. Suñe

You included Rizal Park but you forgot about ILOILO CITY. ILOILO CITY has plenty of well-maintained Spanish and American era plazas,parks, open squares with monuments to heroes and patriots, and its riverside garden Esplanades are about as big in hectarage as the Rizal Park. If history and antiquity is your interest, ILOILO CITY has the most number of museums and art galleries among the cities south of Manila. ILOILO’s delicious cuisine has iconic dishes that are famous nationwide: La Paz Batchoy, Pancit Molo, Villa Chicken Inasal ( which started to become popular since WWII). The delicious Fresh Lumpia Ubod rolls was first time concocted in Molo District where the old Chinese population lived during the Spanish period, and was known as the Parian, much like Binondo. ILOILO CITY has lately become a favorite convention destination because of its besuty, cleanliness, orderliness, and plentiful attractions like it’s numerous Spanish and American era heritage buildings, grand palatial mansions , beautiful Spanish era cathedrals and churches, beautiful bridges, fountains and belfries. ILOILO CITY should be included in the list of the best tourist places in the Philippines.On January 25, 2020, ILOILO CITY received the ASEAN CLEAN TOURIST CITY AWARD 2020-2022 from an ASEAN TOURISM ORGANIZATION.

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