Things to Do in Bulgaria

Finally opening its gates in February 2015 after a 20-year-long construction, the Phantasea Tropical Botanical Garden offers a unique collection of tropical plants, spread over a 2-acre plot. The scenic gardens stretch along a mountain ridge at 1,100 feet, with viewpoints offering impressive views across Magens Bay and Tortola, and the paved walking trails dotted with benches and gazebos to relax in.  The real highlight is the plants themselves – a colorful collection featuring over 1,000 orchids, plus hundreds of palm trees, bromeliads and heliconias, creativity arranged and marked with information boards.  

Visit the temple to learn about the temple's history, as well as Isis, who was a very important goddess in ancient times. She was known as the Mother of God, giver of life, and protector and healer of kings.

Perhaps the most important monument in Laos, this 24-carat, 45-meter high golden stupa was built in the 3rd Century and is said to hold a piece of Buddha’s breastbone. Local guides wander the grounds prepared to share with travelers the legend of this religious temple, which resembles the famous lotus flower. Travelers agree it’s worth a visit, but some argue the stupa’s golden splendor is more impressive from afar. 

Understanding Egypt's complex and mysterious history can seem as impossible as becoming fluent in hieroglyphics. However, once you've traveled through the time machine that is the Pharaonic Village, untangling the country’s tale is simplified.

Enter the Pharaonic Village and exit a few hours later with an entertaining education on Egypt from the period of the pharaohs up through modern politics. This painstakingly designed reproduction of ancient Egypt lies on Jacob's Island six miles outside of Cairo, with 5,000 strategically planted trees hiding the view of the modern city to help visitors feel as though they have really traveled back through the millennia. Floating through its winding canals are actors in period costumes engaging in agricultural activities, making pottery, weaving and sculpting among faithful replicas of homes and gardens, a market and a shipyard. There is even an exact reproduction of King Tut's tomb.

There are about a dozen museums in the area, and the nearby Nile River provides a prime way to explore the waters, whether by yacht, paddleboat, rowboat or canoe. Visitors can experience Egyptian cuisine in the village restaurant, while children can play in one of the largest playgrounds in Egypt. Cleopatra's Photo Studio provides a laugh, as visitors can dress up and pose as a pharaoh, sheikh or peasant to remind them of the day they discovered Egypt.

If you’re an animal lover, visiting Philips Animal Garden in Noord is a must during your vacation to Aruba. Philips Animal Garden is a non-profit organization that provides a sanctuary for over 52 species of animals. Philips Animal Garden raises money through its tours of the property as well as from donations. The cost of your visit goes toward the upkeep and care of the animals that Philips Animal Garden rescues and rehabilitates. You’ll find an assortment of tropical birds, pigs, leopards, deer, alpaca and many other types of animals at Philips Animal Garden.

While visiting you’ll get to walk around the tropical grounds, which have walking trails next to the enclosures the animals are in. You’ll also get the chance to interact with the animals, including feeding them. Plus, your admission ticket gets you a tour of Philips Animal Garden with a guide who will share information with you about the animals.

The twin 88-story steel and glass buildings known as the Petronas Twin Towers, completed in 1996, are icons of Malaysia. Designed to symbolize courage and the country’s advancement, the two towers are connected by a double-decker Skybridge between the 41st and 42nd floor—the world’s highest two-story bridge of its kind—to form the shape of an “M” for Malaysia.

The views from the Petronas Twin Towers are a highlight of a trip to Kuala Lumpur. The 1,482-foot (452-meter) towers are so popular that just 1,700 passes are distributed each morning on a first-come, first-serve basis, and most are gone by 9am. Advance tickets are available, or visitors can avoid the long lines to view Kuala Lumpur’s dramatic cityscape from above by booking a tour that includes a skip-the-line ticket. Some tours focus on the towers, providing in-depth immersion in the history and architecture, while other city tours combine a quick stop at the towers with visits to additional Kuala Lumpur landmarks, such as the National Monument, Sultan Abdul Samad Building, National Museum, and KL Tower.

The easiest ways to reach the Petronas Twin Towers are by taxi or as part of an organized tour. By public transportation, take the LRT to the KLCC (Kuala Lumpur City Centre) station and walk from there.

The towers are generally open Tuesday through Sunday from 9am to 9pm. If you want one of the limited number of day-of tickets, arrive at the Twin Towers first thing in the morning. The ticket office opens at 8:30am, 30 minutes before the first entrance, and tickets often sell out within hours. The Petronas Twin Towers are closed on Mondays and for a 90-minute period on Friday afternoons.

The floor plan for the towers was designed with the Islamic eight-point star in mind, and the five sections of each skyscraper are meant to represent the five pillars of Islam. Climbing to the top of one tower would require scaling 2,170 steps, and each tower weighs more than 300,000 tons—that’s equivalent to 42,857 elephants.

Set near the center of the Royal Enclosure in Angkor Thom, Phimeanakas served as the king’s personal temple during the 10th and 11th centuries, before Jayavarman VII constructed Angkor Thom around it. Historians believe the three-tiered temple was once topped with a gold-covered tower, but very little of it remains.

According to local legend, the king would visit the top of the temple each night to meet a woman with the head of a naga (a serpent deity), and that if he failed to show up for the tryst, disaster would strike his kingdom.

While many of the temple’s decorative elements have been removed over time, it’s still worth making the short but steep climb to the top, where you’ll be rewarded with excellent views of nearby Baphuon.

Built in 1891 for the Czech Tourist Club’s General Land Centennial Exhibition, Petrin Tower resembles a mini Eiffel Tower perched atop Petrin Hill. The highest point in Prague, with panoramic views, the landmark is popular with tourists who brave the 299 steps to get a bird’s-eye view of the city.

 

Petrin Tower was built just two years after the completion of the Eiffel Tower in Paris. It was the brainchild of Dr. Vilem Kurz and architect Vratislav Pasovsky, who were inspired to create a smaller version of Gustave Eiffel’s masterpiece after traveling to Paris to see the original at the World Exhibition in 1889. Members of the public largely funded the tower’s construction.

 

Many people choose to hop on the cable car to ride up to Petrin Park, or visit as part of an electric bike, Segway, or walking tour that takes in some of the city’s top landmarks. On a clear day, it’s possible to see all the way to the Czech Republic’s highest mountain, Snezka, some 93 miles (150 kilometers) away.

 

 

Petrin Tower is located in Petrin Park. It is accessible on foot (although the climb is quite steep) from Malostranska metro station (Line A) or via the cable car that departs from Ujezd station.

 

The tower is open seven days a week year-round. Opening hours vary by season: 10am–6pm November to February, 10am–8pm in March and October, and 10am–10pm April to September. Last entrance is 30 minutes before closing time.

 

Petrin Park is home to another interesting attraction, the Stefanik Observatory. Built in 1928, its home to several interesting exhibits explaining the basics of astronomy, and three observation domes with powerful telescopes that track the day and night skies. Visitors can use the telescopes to get a closer look at the stars and planets.

Phakding is a small village in the Everest region. It’s one of the first places that many hikers stop on the Everest Base Camp trek. Situated at 8,530 feet (2,600 meters), it’s at a lower elevation than Lukla—where the airport is—and thus an ideal place to acclimatize before heading higher into the mountains.

A roughly 3-hour hike from Lukla—Phakding is a natural stopping point on the first day of the Everest Base Camp hike. The walk there from Lukla is pleasant and relatively easy, through rhododendron forests and farming villages, and is a good way to acclimatize to the higher altitudes of the Khumbu region. The village itself is typical of the area, dominated by ethnic Sherpa people, with stone houses and hikers’ teahouses.

Most hikers pass through or stop at Phakding on the Everest Base Camp trek, although there are lots of other hiking options in the area. These include the Gokyo Lakes hike, the Three High Passes hike, and the shorter Everest Panorama hike.

Hiking is the only way to reach Phakding. Fly to Lukla from Kathmandu (a spectacular and nail-biting flight of about 30 minutes) and then hike a gradual slope down to the village. 

Peak hiking season in the Everest region, like most of Nepal, is spring (March–May) and fall (September–November). The weather at low and medium altitudes is warm, and skies usually clear. Hiking in winter (December–February) is possible as long as you are well prepared for the cold. Monsoon season hiking (June–August) is not advised.

If money is not an object but time or mobility is, consider taking a helicopter tour of the Everest region. It’s a spectacular and unforgettable way to see the landscape change from the green foothills of the Himalayas to the icy, barren landscape of Everest Base Camp. Helicopters can be chartered in Kathmandu.

Lions and tigers and sun bears and elephants and deer and gibbons and snakes, oh my! At this sanctuary for rescued animals, guests can see a vast array of Cambodia’s wildlife (which is usually very difficult to spot), ranging from the world’s largest captive collections of Malayan sun bears and pileated gibbons to rare animals like greater adjutant storks and Siamese crocodiles. Rescued from poachers or abusive owners, all of the animals at the Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center—there are more than 1200 animals of more than 100 species—receive shelter and medical care as part of a sustainable breeding program. When possible, the center’s residents are released back into the wild once they’ve recovered and the center does its best to educate the public on issues of wildlife protection.

The variety of animals that you can see here is extensive, including an impressive tiger population. There is also a large population of elephants who enjoy painting as well as eating. The conditions are excellent in comparison to some other organizations and the residents are given room to roam; work by various NGOs has helped with this. As a result, the Center feels much like a zoo (which it is, to some extent) that’s also a safari park, or vice versa. While there is a lot of work being done, there is still plenty left to do and donations from visitors help immensely.

Just outside the Belgian border with France stands a First World War cemetery built by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission containing the graves of 250 British and Australian soldiers who died on July 19, 1916, in the Battle of Fromelles - a diversionary battle, which only occured in order to draw the attention of the Germans away from the larger attacks elsewhere in Somme. It involved units of the Australian 5th Division and the British 61st Division, but alas, the Germans were well-prepared and the British Empire troops suffered great losses.

Dating back from just 2009, Pheasant Wood Military Cemetery was the first new Commonwealth War Graves Commission cemetery to be built in commemoration of World War I in over 50 years; the last such cemeteries having mostly been in remembrance of the Second World War. The reason for this somewhat unusual delay is that analysis of historical aerial photographs showed the presence of mass graves on the edge of Pheasant Wood, which were confirmed after excavation works in 2008. Over 250 British and Australian bodies from five mass graves and some 6,200 individual artifacts have since been successfully identified using DNA analysis.

Located high on the right bank of the Danube River in the city of Novi Sad, the Petrovaradin Fortress has played a significant role in Serbia’s history. Over the centuries, the site of the fortress has been used by the Romans, Byzantines, Celts, Turks, Hungarians and Austrians. Starting in the 17th century, the Austrians spent nearly a century building new fortifications, including new walls, water moats and channels with movable bridges and control gates. A 16-kilometer long system of underground tunnels was completed in 1776 and visitors today can explore about one kilometer of the system with a guide. While many other fortresses were destroyed when Serbia became part of Yugoslavia, the colonel responsible for the destruction is said to have spared Petrovaradin because he thought it was too beautiful to destroy.

The fortress complex is divided into an Upper Town and a Lower Town. The Upper Town is home to old military barracks, the clock tower and the Novi Sad city museum, while the Lower Town is where you can see military officer residences, the Monastery of St. George and the Baroque style Belgrade Gate. The clock tower is notable for its large clocks with Roman numerals and the minute and hour hand reversed so that fishermen on the Danube can see the time from a distance.

Phahurat Market is located in the Little India area of Bangkok in the Phra Nakhon district of the city, which has a large Sikh community. Just a stone’s throw from Chinatown, visiting the market and its surrounding areas means a discovery of smells, sights, sounds, and tastes—a true feast for the senses. 

The market is so named due to the main road that connects it, where stall and shop owners sell all manner of Indian-style clothing, jewelry, and food amid a labyrinth of narrow alleyways. These crowded lanes are mainly filled with swaths of fabrics, as well as ready-to-wear items of clothing. The area also extends along Chakrawat Road and further along Sampeng Lane, where neighboring restaurants offer a range of Indian cuisine to choose from.

The Phahurat Market is a popular and often crowded place, where visitors can wander around and soak up the atmosphere, stopping to haggle for some fine silks or to nibble on a delicious Indian snack from a street cart. This area is also home to the second-largest Sikh temple outside of India, with its huge golden dome dominating the skyline.

The Berlin Philharmonic is the city's concert hall and home to the city's Philharmonic Orchestra. The facility actually has two venues, one with 2,440 seats for orchestra concerts and a chamber music hall with 1,180 seats. The hall was constructed in the early 1960s, and it replaced one that was destroyed during World War II. The chamber music hall was added in the 1980s.

The building is know for its acoustics, its bright yellow color, and its asymmetrical, tent-like shape. The innovative design of the concert hall and the unusual architecture initially caused some controversy, but today the design serves as a model for concert halls all over the world.

Though the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra existed in some form since the late 1800s, the orchestra and its chief conductor Sir Simon Rattle celebrated its 50th anniversary in October 2013. This marked 50 years since the orchestra debuted in its new home. The Berlin Philharmonic Foundation offers guided tours of the orchestra hall and chamber music hall. The tours cover topics such as the architecture and acoustics of the building and the history of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra. Tours are offered in German and English, though other languages are offered for group bookings made ahead of time.

Decrepit “stairs” at the bottom of the climb point to the direction of the trail. Visitors in the know recommend wearing good walking shoes to negotiate the rocks, planks and slippery slopes that lead to spectacular views. Swimming in the pools proves the perfect reward for a difficult climb and gives travelers a place to relax and unwind before heading back to the city center.

Also known as the Pharmacy Under the Black Eagle, the Pharmacy Museum in Lviv is also the city’s oldest pharmacy. Founded in 1735 by a military pharmacist, it is still an operating drugstore today and continues to mix its “iron wine,” which can be bought as a souvenir. The museum opened in 1966 and now features a collection of more than 3,000 pharmaceutical items, including instruments, medicine bottles, prescriptions, pharmacy-related books and, most notably, an 18th century pharmaceutical scale on display in the Trade Room. The scale is attached to one-meter high figures of the God of Medical Treatment and his daughter, the Goddess of Health.

The second room, known as the Material Room, showcases the collection of ancient medicines and pharmaceutical instruments, as well as ancient machinery used for making pills. The third room of the museum tells the history of pharmacy dating back to ancient times and the fourth room recreates an old pharmacist’s laboratory and features a collection of rare medicinal plants from all around the world.

Phantasialand is a theme park near Cologne, Germany with attractions for all ages. The park has six different themed areas, including Fantasy, Deep in Africa, Berlin, Mexico, Mystery, and China Town, where you can enjoy rides and attractions based on the theme. There is a steam carousel, a log flume ride, water rides, playgrounds and activities for children. The park has a good mix of calm entertainment and thrilling adventures, and visitors can experience relaxing boat trips and cable car rides as well as looping roller coasters. Other attractions include the Maus au Chocolat, the Talocan roller coaster, and the Wakobato water ride.  

In the winter, Phantasialand has winter-themed illuminations and special events like the Berlin Advent, the Wild West Christmas, and the Christmas market food and drink tour. The park hosts special shows throughout the year. There are two hotels connected with the park for those who want an extended visit. Several restaurants, cafes, and bars conveniently located throughout the park. 

The Petrosains Science Discovery Centre occupies levels four and five of the Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur. It’s a fun and interactive science discovery center that focuses on the petroleum industry, yet embraces all the general sciences. Full of rides and unconventional exhibits, this is a family-friendly attraction that’s good for a few hours of fun-filled activities.

Since its opening in 1999, this hands-on interactive science museum has been popular with locals as well as international visitors. Arranged in an easy-to-navigate way, the center is divided into 11 main interactive galleries, showcasing everything from space age exhibits to fossils. It explores and explains science and technology in a fun and interesting style, with plenty of information on display for each exhibit.

A trip to the Petrosains Science Discovery Centre can be enjoyed as part of a Kuala Lumpur Petronas Twin Towers exploration tour. This combines a visit to the center with climbing the Skybridge that links the towers together, complete with sweeping views of Kuala Lumpur from the 86th-floor observation deck. It also includes visits to the onsite art gallery, and the exquisite 51-acre As Syakirin mosque.

Insider’s Tip: Weekends at the center tend to get busy. The best time to visit is on a weekday in the late afternoon when most of the school trips are over.

The Acropolis is Athens’ most famous hill, but one that can’t escape notice (especially as you climb up to the Parthenon) is the nearby Philopappou Hill. This forested hill was once called Mouseion Hill, or “Hill of the Muses,” but has been known as Philopappou Hill since a monument of the same name was built atop the hill in the year 116 C.E. The monument and tomb, the most noticeable part of the hill when viewed from anywhere else in Athens, was for the Roman consul and senator Gaius Julius Antiochus Epiphanes Philopappos. He was a powerful and respected man in Athens, having lived there for many years, and was a prominent theater sponsor. The monument is a partial ruin today, but you can still see aspects of Philopappos’ life carved into the stone.

Lower on Philopappou Hill, you can also visit what some say is the cell where Socrates was imprisoned in 399 C.E. before he was executed. Many others contend the cell was in the Ancient Agora, but that doesn’t stop city officials from labeling the caves on this hill as “Socrates’ Prison.”