Things to Do in Washington Dc

Tucked away in a former army barracks in Vittoriosa (also called Birgu), the Malta at War Museum narrates the story of Malta during the long-standing Siege of Malta of 1940-43 in World War II. Part of the fortified ‘Three Cities’ with Senglea and Cospicua, Vittoriosa was the home of the British Royal Navy until 1979 and thus was the premier target of sustained Nazi bombing during the onslaught. During the war, the barracks became the police HQ and a labyrinthine system of tunnels was carved out by hand below it to make air-raid shelters that saved the lives of hundreds of people. Together with the barracks, these now form part of the museum, which displays military uniforms, weapons and medals as well as personal testaments and news reels from the time. The mainstay of the collection is the original of the renowned propaganda movie Malta G.C., made in 1943 and narrated by Sir Laurence Olivier at the request of King George VI — who awarded the whole island the George Cross — to pay tribute to the people of Malta and the bravery they showed under constant bombardment from the Germans. Copies of the film can be bought in the museum shop.

Don’t let the lack of spires and bell towers fool you—Managua’s modern Metropolitan Cathedral (New Cathedral, or La Nueva Catedral) is intended as Nicaragua’s preeminent church. A unique structure of a square base topped by 63 translucent domes built in 1993, the then-controversial cathedral is now an unforgettable sight.

Managua’s Metropolitan Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception of Mary was completed in at significant expense—$45 million, some of which was donated by the owner of Domino’s Pizza—which upset some Managuans, as did its unique architectural style. But the project moved forward to replace the Old Cathedral of Managua (Catedral de Managua), which was largely destroyed in the devastating 1972 earthquake (though its ruins are still a popular Managua attraction). For this reason, the Metropolitan Cathedral is affectionately nicknamed the New Cathedral, and is attended by the religiously devout and architecturally curious alike. Take a lap around the cathedral to fully appreciate its avant-garde design by Mexican architect Ricardo Legorreta, or visit during mass for a glimpse into local Catholic traditions. Look for a Managua city tour that includes a stop at the New Cathedral for a chance to learn about its context, history, and significance.

The best way to reach the Metropolitan Cathedral is in one of Managua’s many cheap taxis. A number of nearby bus stops also service the neighborhood, home to popular Managua attractions such as the Rubén Darío National Theatre (Teatro Nacional Rubén Darío) and the National Palace of Culture (Palacio Nacional de la Cultura).

The cathedral is open year-round. Mass is held at 12pm and 6pm Tuesday through Saturday, and at 8am, 11am, and 6pm on Sunday. The weekday 12pm services are typically in English.

The Metropolitan Cathedral is sometimes referred to as La Chichona, derived from the Spanish slang word chichi, or breast. The nickname references the cathedral’s 63 domes, which represent the 63 parishes of the archdiocese.

One of Bogota’s top family attractions, the Maloka Museum is an interactive center of science and technology aimed at children. For a truly fulfilled adventure with the kids, many choose to visit the Maloka Museum as part of a half or full day tour that includes the Children’s Museum of Bogota, plus the Salitre Magico and Mundo Aventura theme parks.

The museum features various rooms themed on different aspects of science and technology. The Telecommunications Room has interactive games relating to computers and the binary system, the City Room explores the development and history of Bogota via 3D images, plus there are the Human, Universe, Petroleum, Water, Biodiversity, and Boys & Girls rooms to explore. The museum also has an Activity Zone with math games and activities, plus a Cine Domo, which shows 40-­minute documentaries on a huge dome ceiling.

An experience unlike any other, Malta 5D in Valletta is a fully immersive audio and visual show that takes the audience on a journey through the history and culture of Malta. Over the course of 20 minutes, you are taken back in time to witness the events that shaped the history of the island archipelago, from the formation of prehistoric temples to the victory of the Knights of Malta at the Great Siege of 1565 to Malta’s heroic efforts during World War II. These stories are experienced through special effects including moving seats, air blasts, water sprays, leg ticklers and 3D imagery. 3D glasses are provided upon arrival and automated multilingual devices in 17 languages are provided for multilingual shows. Temporary exhibitions about Malta are often on display in the lobby of the theater.

One of the world’s most fearsome predators is on display at Mamba Village, East Africa’s largest crocodile farm. A typical day at Mamba Village begins with an informational video introducing the crocodile, its lifecycle and the important ecological role it plays. Visitors to the farm can observe crocodiles ranging from hatchlings to behemoth adults, including the supposedly 100-year-old Big Daddy.

The highlight of the day occurs in the afternoon at feeding time, when the giant reptiles duke it out for fresh meat. The village also offers horse and camel rides, botanical gardens and a restaurant serving up grilled crocodile among other game meats.

The Malta National Aquarium is one of the most popular attractions in Malta. Designed and built in the shape of a starfish, the aquarium features 26 display tanks, many of which showcase Mediterranean fish found in the waters around the island country. All of the tanks are designed to imitate a natural underwater environment, but also feature historical artifact replicas famous to Malta, such as a Roman shipwreck or wreckage of wartime planes. 

The aquarium houses nearly 200 various species of fish, many of which are featured in the main tank. Travelers can wander the main tank's walk-through tunnel to experience the feeling of being underwater while also getting close-up views of many Indian Ocean species, including the black tip shark. Visitors can also check out the interactive touch pool and view a short film about the aquarium's offerings.

Even more than other Southeast Asian capitals, Manila is a city of contrasts. And never are those contrasts more acute than in Makati, home to sleek skyscrapers, high-end malls, and slick hotels. But Makati has historical appeal as well, with highlights including Saint Peter and Paul Parish Church, dating to 1620, and the Manila American Cemetery.

You don’t need a tour to explore Makati, although a set of wheels will come in handy, as this is a large, sprawling district. One very Filipino way to experience Makati is by hanging out in malls—the Ayala Center alone offers three, as well as a museum. 

Most Makati tours check off the key sights in half a day or visit the area as a stop on a more general Manila tour. Historical Manila tours may visit the American cemetery or one or more of Makati’s churches.

Though it’s possible to drive and malls provide easy parking, gridlock during Manila’s lengthy rush hours makes public transit a more popular option. And getting to Makati by public transit is easy: Just ride the MRT (Metro Rail Transit) to Ayala station on Line 3. 

If sundowners form part of your Makati plan, aim to arrive at the rooftop bar between 5pm and 6pm, depending on the time of year; arriving by 5pm should enable you to beat the evening rush hour. Malls are at their busiest on weekends, which can make them particularly entertaining for the traveler in search of local color.

Manila was pretty much flattened during World War II, leaving opportunities for wealthy Filipino families. One such dynasty was the Ayala family, who built Makati almost out of nothing: Makati Avenue and Ayala Avenue were the runways of the city’s old airports. Today, the Ayala group is worth billions of dollars and remains family owned; attractions from museums to shopping centers as well as streets and stations bear their name.

The Caribbean is full of wide, sandy beaches that go on uninterrupted for miles, and the Caribbean island of Aruba is no exception. However, if you enjoy beaches that are a bit more rocky and rugged, then you’re also in luck in Aruba thanks to Malmok Beach. 

Malmok Beach has a thin strip of sand that runs alongside and sometimes around jagged limestone and rocks both large and small. Next to the sand and rocks is the Caribbean Sea, still just as teal and clear at Malmok Beach as it is at other beaches on the island. This area of the sea is also home to one of the best snorkeling spots on the island. Catamarans often stop at Malmok Beach for a few hours of snorkeling, but you can also drive to the beach and wade into the water with your snorkel gear and easily find sea life a short distance offshore. Scuba divers will also enjoy Malmok Beach thanks to its proximity to reefs and the SS Antilla shipwreck.

Not just for history and culture buffs, the Malay Heritage Centre is a must-visit attraction for anyone interested in learning about the rich heritage of Singapore’s Malay community. Set in a grand former royal palace, you’ll see galleries focused on the history of Kampong Gelam, along with an interesting collection of artefacts from the National Collection and the wider Malay community.

Built 160 years ago, the former Istana Kampong Glam was once the royal seat of the Malay sultans in Singapore. Beautifully restored to its former glory, the Malay Heritage Centre sits within well-preserved grounds that can be explored as part of a Kampong Glam and Sultan Mosque walking tour.

Did You Know? Entry into the Malay Heritage Centre is included on the Singapore Ultimate Attractions Pass, which allows you to explore more than 25 of the city’s most popular attractions across two, three, or five days while saving money on individual ticket prices.

Malahide Castle is one of Ireland’s most easily accessible, important, and oldest castles. The crenelated site was in the hands of the Talbot family for almost 800 years before being sold to the state in 1975. Behind its sturdy stone exterior, the oldest parts of which date as far back as the 12th century, is an antique-rich interior, while the 260-acre (105-hectare) estate features walled gardens and glasshouses.

Castle admission can be booked in advance. Once on site, visitors can explore the area with a tour guide or opt to independently tour  the castle grounds and botanical gardens, where more than 5,000 species of plants grow. Malahide Castle can also be seen during guided full- or half-day tours of Dublin’s north coast. These typically include round-trip transport from Dublin city center and free time to explore Howth village, which overlooks Dublin Bay. 

Malahide Castle is eight miles (13 kilometers) from Dublin city center. Car-free visitors can get there by organized tour, by Dublin Bus routes 32 or 42, or by taking the DART (Dublin’s electric rail system) to Malahide station, which is located in Malahide village. The station is less than a 5-minute drive (25-minute walk) from the castle entrance.

To explore the walled gardens and grounds, and perhaps even enjoy a picnic at the castle, the best time of the year to do so is in summer. This is when the weather is warmest, though be warned—rain is still a common occurrence even in summer. Avoid the biggest crowds by coming on a weekday, or if it’s a weekend, first thing after opening (9:30am). 

Malahide Castle is popular among ghost hunters and rumors fly concerning the castle’s spectral residents. It’s said that up to five separate ghosts haunt the estate, with Puck—a 16th-century jester—being the most famous of them all. His last reported appearance was way back in 1976.

Mumbai’s most exclusive neighborhood, Malabar Hill sits at the northern end of Marine Drive and is home to some of the most expensive real estate in the city. An eclectic mix of modern buildings and old colonial mansions, Malabar Hill is where Mumbai's rich and famous reside. 

Yet Malabar Hill is an area you wouldn’t visit unless you knew about it beforehand, or if you happened to extend a walk to the very end of Marine Drive; its exclusivity comes not only from accommodating Mumbai’s rich and elite then, but from having a location that is simply not on the way to anywhere else.

At the north end, in the crook of Malabar Hill, lies the infamous Chowpatty Beach, a long stretch of grey-white sand and a focal point in Mumbai for locals and tourists alike. While strolling up the hill, be sure to stop to admire the views of Marine Drive and take a photo or two. Malabar Hill is also home to a smattering of tourist attractions, including Banganga Tank, Walkeshwar Temple, and the Hanging Gardens.

Mandralisca Museum may not rank among Italy’s (or Sicily’s) largest cultural attractions, but visitors say it’s still worth making a stop. That’s because this small, privately owned destination is a Mecca for Greek ceramics, Arab pottery and some incredible Italian Renaissance portraits.  The museum dates back nearly two centuries and houses the personal art collection of Barone Mandralisca, including an iconic portrait by Donatello da Messina. 

Although the museum is full of rare wonders, travelers and locals say visitors should be prepared, as most of the museum’s signage is only in Italian. Still, the works alone make it well-worth the trip.

Blessed with eternal sunshine, pristine beaches, and lush coconut palms, the Mamanuca Islands are the definition of a tropical paradise. The cluster of tiny islands, dotted along the western edge of Fiji, were also the filming location for the film Cast Away and the TV show Survivor: Fiji.

To reach the Mamanuca Islands, half- and full-day catamaran cruises set sail from Denarau Marina in Nadi and there are plenty of options from which to choose. Enjoy island-hopping around the Mamanuca archipelago, stopping to swim or snorkel at the beaches of Malamala, Bounty, Treasure, or Vomo islands. Alternatively, spend the whole day at a resort on Beachcomber or South Sea Island, where you can take part in water sports, tuck into a beachside barbecue lunch, and watch traditional Fijian dance performances. Independent travelers can also opt for a hop-on hop-off island pass valid for up to 15 days and offering unlimited boat rides between the Mamanuca Islands and Yasawa Islands. 

The Mamanuca Islands lie just off the coast of Denarau, making them among the most easily accessible of all Fiji’s islands. The quickest way to get there is by seaplane or helicopter, which takes 15 minutes from Nadi, but there are also regular boats and catamarans that travel between Nadi and the islands.  

With temperatures reaching 86 °F (30°C) year-round, any time is a good time to visit Fiji. Peak tourist season is June and July, when it’s best to book tours and accommodation in advance. The summer months (November to April) have the hottest weather and the most rainfall. 

Lazing about in the sun is one of the best ways to enjoy the Mamanucas, and they offer plenty of opportunities, from the tiny, uninhabited Monuriki, which was featured in the movie Cast Away, to Bounty Island where Survivor: Fiji was filmed. There are ample opportunities for snorkeling and water sports at the islands’ many resorts, with popular activities including kayaking,  jet-skiing, waterskiing, and banana boat rides. More adventurous type can try wakeboarding or parasailing, go scuba diving at famous dive sites known as Gotham City and the Supermarket, or try surfing around the southern islands. If you prefer calmer activities, try the islands of Tokoriki and Navini, which offer great walks, good native bird-watching and decent game fishing.

The Mall of the Emirates, Dubai’s second largest shopping complex after the Dubai Mall, houses 560 international retailers spread over 2,513,017 square feet (233,467 square meters) of retail space. Superlatives are plentiful — the mall houses the largest Carrefour supermarket in the city and five dozen stores made their Middle Eastern debut here.

While the shopping remains a huge draw to the Mall of the Emirates, even non-shoppers will find something to do. Ski Dubai (the first indoor ski slope in the region), multi-screen VOX Cinemas, Magic Planet arcade and family entertainment center, Peekaboo play area and the Dubai Community Theatre & Art Centre also make their home within the Mall of the Emirates.

Two five-star hotels, the Kempinski Mall of the Emirates and the Sheraton Dubai Mall of the Emirates Hotel both adjoin the shopping mall.

Stationed in the heart of Accra, this bustling market’s kinetic vibe has an energy that’s uniquely its own. Whether it’s discarded car parts, fresh produce, pots, medicine, plants or giant land snails, Makola Market sells practically everything under the sun. 

The market also holds some historical significance. Established in 1924, Makola was the first wholesale and retail spot in Accra, making it a staple of both community and commerce. In 1979, it was destroyed by the government in hopes of improving local economy, but was quickly brought back to life by citizens eager to trade. Today, Makola is one of the most popular markets in Accra and travelers claim it’s possible to get just about anything, from anywhere, in its hundreds of hot, crowded stalls.

According to Hindu lore the goddess Bhagwati, an incarnation of Parvati, grants wishes to those who make a sacrifice in her name. Newlyweds praying for children and other favor seekers visit Manakamana Temple, located in Nepal’s Gorkha district, to do just that, often in the form of a goat sacrifice made in a pavilion behind the temple.

The pagoda-style temple has a history dating back to the seventeenth century, but the structure as it stands in its current form was built in the nineteenth century. While worshipers and visitors once had to make an arduous trek up uphill, today the temple is serviced by the Austrian-designed Manakamana Cable Car now makes the 1.7-mile (2.8-kilometer) journey in less than 10 minutes. From the top, the temple offers spectacular views of the Trisuli and Marshyang-di River valleys as well as the peaks of Manaslu, Himalchuli and Annapurna.

Housed in a formal naval bakery in Vittoriosa, the Malta Maritime Museum is yet one more example of how proud the country is of their history – this time, with the focus being the seas surrounding the island. And because there is an ongoing search for more artifacts, it's a site that's worth revisiting on subsequent trips.

From the largest Roman anchor in the world to Napoleonic battleship parts to more than 60 traditional Maltese boats, this 20,000+ collection not only exhibits Maltese Maritime history, but puts into context the importance of seafaring on a global scale throughout the ages. 

The Mamaeva Sloboda Open Air Museum replicates a traditional Cossack settlement of the 17th and 18th centuries in the heart of Kiev. With nearly 100 buildings spread out over 9.2 hectares, the museum offers visitors a glimpse of Ukrainian architecture and a look into the Ukrainian way of life, starting with the Cossack three-domed wooden church that stands in the center of the museum. As visitors make their way through the grounds, they will also see the estates of a church warden, blacksmith, potter, fortune teller and several Cossacks, each with multiple structures such as storehouses, stables and barns. Visitors also have the opportunity to sample traditional Ukrainian dishes at the museum restaurant, to ride Cossack horses, to feed farm animals and to learn more about Ukrainian customs, rites and handicrafts.