Things to Do in Cairns The Tropical North

Robertson Quay is one of the country’s three wharfs along the famed river offering a diverse mix of internationally renowned restaurants, wine bars and art galleries, covering more than 50 hectares, or about 120 acres, of the Singapore River.

The Quay is a popular destination for expatriates to come relax or take a leisurely walk, as this high-end and fairly quiet part of town also happens to feature a number of boutique shops and cafes offering gourmet cakes and pastries.

What makes the area a favorite for westerners is not just the peaceful open space, but the unique and modern twist on décor and cuisine, such as in Bar Bar Black Sheep, an upscale café-bar with a range of tasty foods from Indian to Thai to Western. The area is also a very desirable residential neighborhood, with some of the best serviced apartments in the city.

Although Robertson Quay is the furthest north of the three quays it is still very convenient, only a few minutes away from Marina Bay and Shenton Way. A little pricey, it is nonetheless an enjoy place to walk around and enjoy a great view of the water.

Singapore’s River Safari, the world's first river-themed wildlife park, introduces visitors to its 5,000 animal inhabitants. The 30-acre (12-hectare) park presents the world of freshwater aquatic animals to guests with a series of walkthrough exhibits inspired by eight iconic rivers, the Mississippi, Nile, Amazon, Congo, Ganges, Mekong, and Yangtze.

Of the animals on display, representing some 300 species, the giant river otter and giant salamander stand out as rare highlights, but not all animals here are aquatic—you'll also find an ever-popular pair of giant pandas, as well as the Wild Amazonia area's squirrel monkeys, jaguars, giant anteaters, and Brazilian tapirs.

Rodney Bay, on Saint Lucia’s west coast, is almost completely enclosed but for a narrow channel leading out to sea. An ideal spot for mooring, in other words, and indeed this protected anchorage is Saint Lucia’s foremost marina. Consequently nearby Reduit Beach, a stunning white-sand stretch facing the Caribbean, is a noted hangout of the rich and famous.

Kite surfing is a local specialty if you can’t bring yourself to lie on the beach all day. In Rodney Bay itself, everyone heads for dining and dancing at Lime restaurant, and there are a number of bars and eating places around the marina.

One of the oldest streets in Paris, running from Maubert place to the Saint Medard Square in Paris' Latin Quarter, Rue Mouffetard is built along the route of an ancient Roman Road. Today, the pedestrianized street is the lifeline of one of Paris' most atmospheric areas, with tourists flocking to visit its lively street market (open every day except Monday) and soak up the quaint Parisian feel.

The Rue Mouffetard market, close by the apartment where Ernest Hemingway once resided, has roots stretching back to as early as 1350AD and remains one of Paris’ most famous street markets. Stretching along the southern half of the street, the colorful market is characteristic of a medieval marketplace with a medley of stalls lining the cobblestones and cabaret singers often busking on the sidewalks to earn a few extra euros. Food is the main produce on offer and there’s an excellent array of fresh fruits, vegetables, meats and seafood. Don’t miss the fragrant cheese stalls, of which there are many, where you’ll be treated to a passionate rundown of France’s most beloved cheeses and might even wrangle a few free tasters.

It’s not only the market itself that holds appeal for visitors. The surrounding buildings, some dating back to the 12th century, house an array of typically Parisian cafés, bistros and boulangeries (bakeries), renowned for their culinary flair. Stick around for a post-shopping lunch and you’ll find plenty of opportunities to sample traditional French delicacies and can satisfy your sweet tooth at some of the finest patisseries and crêperies (pancake houses) in the capital.