Most Famous Must-See Tourist Attractions in Portugal

 Portugal Travel Guide to Top Tourist Attractions

Go to Portugal and you'll discover an incredibly diverse destination. Inextricably connected with the sea of baby-blue color, the country has over 800 kilometers of gorgeous Atlantic Ocean coastline.

As the capital city, Lisbon enjoys a striking site close to the River Tagus's mouth. From this very point, pioneering mariners embarked on monumental voyages of discovery during the 15th and 16th centuries, and since then Portugal has fostered a prideful seafaring tradition.

Portugal's interior fuses breath-taking northern mountain ranges perfectly with the great rolling flatlands of the nation's sun-bathed central regions. Some of Europe's top beaches, in the south, flank beautiful coves as well as warm, shallow waters. Scattered throughout are almost fairytale-looking towns, stone-built villages, plus cosmopolitan cities brimming over with monasteries, historic castles and palaces, and museums, all awaiting to be explored.

And going to Portugal could also mean visiting the subtropical, lush island of Madeira, or known as the "Garden Isle," but calm Azores archipelago.

Use my Portugal travel guide to find the top tourist attractions in Portugal in order to enhance your overall vacationing experience.

 

1) Mosteiro dos Jero'nimos.  Synonymous with the country's golden Age of Discovery, from Bele'm's shores brave and daring navigators initiated long and dangerous sea journeys to chart largely unknown waters and search for new territories.

One particular mariner jumps out from the history books, Vasco da Gama, who discovered the actual sea rout leading to India in the year 1498, and to honor this feat, King Manuel 1 commissioned the construction of a monument which became an enduring symbol of Portugal's amazing period of both expansion and conquest. Mosteiro dos Jero'nimos today happens to be the nation's most revered and cherished structures and is a major attraction on anyone's tourist agenda.

Both the church and monastery epitomize the spirit of the time and feature the greatest models of Manueline architecture located anywhere in Portugal; the strikingly embellished adornment now situated on the South Portal you'll find breath-taking.

Inside, the lovely cloister is just as exuberant. Suitably, the church contains the remains of Vasco da Gama in a tomb, plus other national personalities such as Luis de Camoes, who is Portugal's greatest poet and even chronicler narrating all worthy discoveries.

2) Oceana'rio de Lisboa.  As perhaps Portugal's most family-friendly and popular tourist attraction, Lisbon's oceanarium was expertly designed to highlight the most diverse ocean habitats in the world. And as one of the best and biggest oceanariums in Europe, it contains an enormous array of marine animals and fish.

It took 4 different sea- and landscapes to recreate the complex ecosystems of the Antarctic, Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. A massive major tank, observable from varying levels, brims with ray, shark, and several other finned novelties and inhabitants of the deep. Thetransparent plexiglass overall design is such that gives the wonderful impression that the smaller tropical species residing in separate aquaria but set around the central tank seem to be just nearby and swimming along with their bigger cousins.

Complementing this stunning spectacle nicely are the harmonious open-air landscapes, from where sea otters, penguins, and other fine birds and even mammals co-exist in easy-going serenity.

3) Pala'cio Nacional de Sintra.  Snuggling in a wooded mountain range, Sintra's lovely site is enough to motivate a tour of this pretty, verdant town. In fact, UNESCO has confirmed the place to be a World Heritage Cultural Landscape, for such is its charm and the importance of the selection of historical sites grouped in and around Sintra Velha.

As a popular summer retreat for Portugal's queens and kings and an irresistible destination for many poets and writers that include William Beckford and even Lord Byron, Sintra exudes romance. The old town appears to be a maze, full of cobbled streets lined with attractive town homes painted in pastel tones of lilac, pink, and mustard. The narrow lanes surround a handsome main square that the beautiful Pala'cio Nacional de Sintra dominates.

Rapidly recognized because of its large conical chimneys, the national palace goes back to the late 14th century and is Portugal's oldest surviving palace. Royally furnished, the structure consists of multiple floors, a lot conveying a special theme and adorned accordingly. You'll want to see the awe-inspiring Sala dos Brasoes, which is a dazzling domed hall decorated with the coats of arms belonging to noble Portuguese families.

4) Kayaking the Lisbon Coast.  Embarking on a kayak for experiencing Lisbon coast will make a real rewarding maritime excursion. In addition to providing another dimension to your sightseeing adventure, traveling through the coastline by paddle offers a superb excuse to get some exercise in a pristine, salt-laden environment.

Without doubt, Lisbon's nearness to the ocean permits a broad range of fun water sports, and exploring the bays, beaches, and coves lying along the area between Cascais and the Portuguese capital is an exciting-crammed way to delight in a day out.

Be sure to stop by Serra da Arra'bida Natural Park, which encompasses Sesimbra and Setubal and comprises a landscape of stunning, ancient sea cliffs which teem with birdlife.

The majority of the coastline about here sits in a protected marine reserve, in fact, a sanctuary which includes the remarkable Ribeira do Cavalo beach.

5) Torre de Bele'm.  As Portugal's very loved historic monument as well as a Lisbon icon, Torre de Bele'm symbolizes the Age of Discovery, plus all those notable voyages of exploration occurring between 15th and 16th centuries.

Built and being completed as a fortress in 1521 to defend against the invasions to the River Tagus, now the tower is considered as a masterful achievement of military architecture. Designed by Francisco de Arruda in the Manueline style, the facade is no less than a confection of wonderfully carved stone, exemplified by maritime motifs like the armillary sphere and twisted rope.

An extraordinary Renaissance loggia accentuates the decoration to new heights. 

  

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Most Famous Must-See Tourist Attractions in Netherlands

Netherlands Travel Guide to Top Tourist Attractions 

Known famously for canals, windmills, enchanting vegetation, visitors surely will find these and much more attractions in The Netherlands.

But together with the country's several marvelous villages and picturesque gardens, those venturing out here will not be disappointed as they run into lively cities such as Amsterdam packed with varying museums displaying a wealth of brilliant artists, including the Old Masters. Other sites to tour include many cityscapes and medieval castles, the mega national park and even the ingenious tide control system that received the designation as one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World.

Considering The Netherlands' rather small size, all of such attractions and exciting activities to engage in are within a rather compact area, plus the landscape is rather flat.

As a result, it's exceedingly easy to conduct some of your tours in the Dutch Way, by cycling. Several of the best traveling destinations, including The Netherlands' major cities, highly recommend cycling and provide free bicycles for exploring the hottest sites. Whichever course you decide to use to experience The Netherlands, you are guaranteed a sensational time in one of Europe's most liberal and friendliest cultures.

Be certain to plan your itinerary using our Netherlands travel guide to find the top tourist attractions in The Netherlands.

1) Amsterdam's Canals in Jordaan.   Know that the canals are as vital a component of Amsterdam's cityscape as they are unmistakably to the city of Venice, and a few of the foremost lasting memories for any tourist are the time invested wisely in exploring Amsterdam's amazing waterways.

Though you can easily access many of the top attractions in Amsterdam by water taxi or boat tour, nothing is better than walking along the quieter, smaller streets which line the waterways.

In particular, Jordaan is charming, a neighborhood constructed in the 1600s to provide homes for immigrants and workers drawn here because of the city's religious toleration. Together with its little canal-side homes, search for Jordaan's many hofjes, which are quaint-looking inner courtyards concealed behind the buildings.

Another beautiful neighborhood is Grachtengordel that has several little bridges and old 17th-century houses. You'll be generously rewarded while you explore the 400-year-old streets, seeing excellent examples of lovely architecture, gardens, small boutique shops, and cafes. Do not forget to search for the several houseboats mooring along the canals.

Only a ten-minute walk away sits Dam Square, a top tourist attraction in Amsterdam. Besides its many shops, cafes, and restaurants, this enormous public square offers a lot of the city's most-visited attractions. These include the magnificent Royal Palace; the enchanting New Church; and The Netherlands' most prized war memorial: the National Memorial Statue.

2) Keukenhof.  Chances are that when you think of The Netherlands, you'll eventually think of tulips, which is the country's favorite flower. Plus, it's one of the foremost prettiest places to tour in the country, displaying them and other beauties in stunning abundance. Given its practical place relative to Amsterdam, under one hour through public transit, or only a 45-minute drive away, it makes an easy, fun day trip from the biggest city.

Regarded as the "Garden of Europe," Keukenhof is situated on the edges of the town of Lisse, and broadly considered The Netherlands' "bulb belt." As the world's largest public garden, boasting over 70 acres that used to be the kitchen garden of a big country property, Keukenhof now showcases over 700 types of tulips which reach their peak between April and May.

However, because of its enormous commercial hot houses, the showcase continues nearly year-round. Here, you'll spot ceaseless rows of blooming tulips, together with thousands of daffodils, hyacinths, and crocuses.

3) Rijksmuseum.  The magnificent Rijksmuseum, the National Museum, located in Amsterdam's Musemplein, Museum Square, has been amassing rare antiquities and art since 1809. So, it's no shocking surprise that its voluminous collection now amounts to almost seven million pieces of art, which include 5,000 paintings arranged in display in over 250 rooms, and a huge library containing 35,000 books.

Besides its special collection of the Old Masters, the museum provides a thoroughly detailed account of the growth of culture and art in The Netherlands, plus is particularly rich in conventional Dutch handicrafts, even medieval sculpture, and of course, modern art. Prepare yourself to exhaust a whole day or two in exploring this museum's countless gems.

If you still have time to get additional Rembrandt squeezed into your itinerary of Amsterdam, here's a nice treat: the Rembrandt House Museum, which stands in the city's old Jewish Quarter. The great artist painted several of his better-known works during the twenty-year period that he spent here, along with yet recognizable scenes originating from the neighborhood.

The home remains largely the same as it did during the artist's life. Guided tours are now available. You could brighten your overall experience by choosing to stay nearby at Luxury Suites Amsterdam, situated only a few steps from the museum.

4) The Hague.  Considered worldwide as the place of the International Court of Justice, The Hague in addition is The Netherlands' political center. The nation's government conducts their official work here, and where the Dutch Royal Family calls home in Noordeinde Palace.

The Hague also offers tourists a superb travel destination and for visitors wanting a sample of the small country's rich history. Whatever is your "staying status" in these parts, begin your exploration in the historical Binnenhof district. Its name translating as the "Inner Court," Binnenhof goes as far back as 1250 CE. It's in fact the city's oldest part and fun to explore by foot.

Located around a major courtyard, the charming older structures here, once housing no other than the ruling classes, have been wonderfully well-preserved. The Knights' Hall which is the crown jewel here, constructed in the 13th-century, the imposing castle-looking building that has twin towers, still operates for government functions such as the parliament opening each September. Attractions worth seeing include the Gothic hall that shows off its wood-beamed ceiling and stained-glass windows.

5) Anne Frank House.  This is another must-see attraction in Amsterdam. Anne's family hid most of WWll in this home, located on Prinsengracht, as Jewish refugees, and is where she ended up writing her famed diary. Despite dying only two months prior to the war terminating, her legacy continues through her words, having been now translated into at least 51 languages.

The rear of the completely restored home where the family hid has been preserved as close as to the original condition as possible, a meaningful monument to a dark piece of world history, and a courageous young lady who still continues to inspire readers around the globe.

Warning: tickets for this attraction often sell out. So be certain to book your online well in advance. Also, make time to tour the surrounding area such as the striking old canals by foot.

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Most Famous Must-See Tourist Attractions in Poland

 Poland Travel Guide to Top Tourist Attractions

Not only does Poland promise to wow tourists with UNESCO World Heritage Sites but also with magnificent, rugged coastlines, mountains, national parks, including surprising natural wonders like the oldest salt mine in the world.

On account of its medieval architecture, troubling WWll history, plus several villages which appear to have gotten frozen in time, Poland makes the ideal destination for both architecture lovers and history buffs. Moreover, Poland's cities are buzzing with the vitality of culture and art, and the visitor can choose any as a superb starting point to discover the treasures that the country conceals.

Whether you're seeking nature, art, or history, or a little of all three, plan your trip with my Poland travel guide to find top tourist attractions in Poland.

1) Wieliczka Salt Mine.  The Wieliczka salt mine which dates back to 13th century, is just as vital for the local residents now as it was 100s of years ago, except for another reason: despite being some of the world's oldest as well as longest-functioning salt mines, its commercial operations ended in 1996, switching its focus completely, and since transformed into an artistic attraction.

The Wieliczka Salt Mine today is home to neat corridors, 4 chapels, and statues, which are all carved out from rock salt walls. The mine's first passageways and shafts, going as far below as 327 meters, have been reopened and now allow tourists to explore chambers and pits, touring past all sorts of statues and alongside incredible architectural wonders. Arriving at the depths of the mine, a hidden lake glimmers against the walls, lighted by candles.

The central attraction of the mine happens to be the chapel of St. Kinga, a chamber standing 12 meters tall where everything, such as the furniture and the elaborate chandeliers, are built of salt. The tour resumes to the Erazm Baracz Chamber, and here you'll see a lake which rivals even the Dead Sea as being more salty, and terminates at a museum which educates on salt mining and explains what life was like in the mines.

2) Auschwitz-Birkenau Camps.  Without doubt, both the Auschwitz 1 and Auschwitz 11-Birkenau concentration camps are highlights of a very different type. Situated only one hour west of Krakow, these camps showcase a sobering peek into the past.

During the years 1942 and 1944, more than 900,000 Jews came to the camps from usually German-occupied nations. Moreover, Roma, political prisoners, and other ethnicities were forced here. Still more sobering is the fact that everyone arriving here, less than 10% survived their stay.

As the war ended, and Russian soldiers progressed into Poland, the Nazis hastily destroyed the crematoria and gas chambers as to erase this dark chapter from the history pages before running off. In spite of destroying and burning down a portion of the camp, today several buildings remain standing.

Only with a guided tour can anyone explore the camps that include more than 300 barracks, numerous other structures and crematoriums.

3) Warsaw Old Market Place.  As the oldest part of Warsaw, dating as far back as the 13th century, is the Old Town Market Place. Though the Nazis destroyed 85% of this area during WWll, it has since successfully been restored and now appears precisely like it did before the vast destruction.

A mixture from medieval architecture, Gothic, colorful Renaissance structures, to merchant homes all coexist at the heart of Warsaw, its most popular square. The 19th-century bronze-made statue of a mermaid wielding a sword, symbolizing Warsaw from the medieval era, survived the war as it stands, as if defiantly, at the square.

Now, the Market Square is lined with several restaurants, cafes, street art sellers, and souvenir stalls. You'll find the Historical Museum of Warsaw here, where you can browse through an enormous art collection as well as look through the city's and country's history.

Only a few steps away, you may pay homage to the most famous author that Poland produced by visiting the Adam Mickiewicz Museum of Literature.

4) Malbork Castle.  The Teutonic knights originally built this castle in the 13th century. Though the castle began as a modest fortification, it grew and grew throughout the following centuries and inevitably turned into a massive building. Despite once the biggest Gothic structure in all Europe, Malbork Castle still remains the largest castle in respect to land size in the world.

Now, the castle, with several of its rooms wonderfully preserved, has a different function, serving as a museum. Enjoy highlights such as a fine collection of weapons and armor, a medieval kitchen with a 6-meter-broad fireplace, and in a tower discover a knight's private toilet.

Moreover, the castle houses various exhibits that include one displaying the entire conservation process utilized in restoring the castle.

5) Lazienki Park.  Covering 76 hectares that include the city center, makes Lazienki Park a sizable and one of the biggest urban parks in Poland. Lazienki began as only a baths park for the nobility in the 17th century. But today, sitting on the isle the palace is open to everyone, including the gardens surrounding it.

A fine classical theater isle stage, a few smaller palaces and buildings serving as galleries or museums, and a Classicist temple dedicated to the worship of the goddess Diana are arranged in the gardens.

In addition, a big statue of classical composer Frederic Chopin stands tall on the park's grounds. The Germans deliberately destroyed it as they came invading Poland in WWll, but was reconstructed by 1958 with the great help of the original mold. Each Sunday afternoon, visitors can now enjoy free piano concerts that are performed near the statue.

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Most Famous Must-See Tourist Attractions in Austria

 Austria Travel Guide to Top Tourist Attractions

As one of Europe's foremost favorite holiday destinations, Austria attracts visitors all-year-round with fabulous sites to see during summer and winter. Actually, having a few of Europe's best skiing, winter is nearly as busy and popular as summer in the nation's stunning mountainous regions.

Tourists are drawn magnetically to the beautiful scenery in the Alpine republic's provinces as well as to the superb cities such as Vienna and lovely Salzburg where world-famous Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born.

In spite of being one of Europe's smaller nations, Austria is mainly a country of upland areas and tall mountains such as the Eastern Alps occupying no less than 60% of its territory. The River Danube naturally flows for approximately 350 kilometers covering west to east along the northern portion of the nation, enhancing its allure as a prime tourist destination.

Now you can discover the top sightseeing opportunities and what you can do by using this practical Austria travel guide to find top attractions in Austria. Why leave anything to chance and miss seeing something very significant while visiting Austria.

1) The Vienna Hofburg.  The extraordinary Vienna's Hofburg Palace for centuries has been the seat of Austria's monarchy for the mighty Habsburgs. Today the President conducts officially state business precisely in the same rooms which Emperor Joseph 11 once occupied. Almost each Austrian ruler from 1275 ordered alterations or additions that resulted in several various architectural influences such as Classicism, Gothic, Rococo, Baroque, and Renaissance.

Together with its numerous fine gardens and squares, the whole Hofburg complex now comprises about 59 acres that encompass 2,600 rooms and 19 courtyards. A great tour here should include the Imperial silver collection, as well as the various dining services that exude unmistakable aura where sumptuous banquets once occurred here.

Do not forget to visit the Sisi Museum, which focuses on the times of and Empress Elisabeth's life, and then the Imperial Apartments, containing 19 rooms, where Emperor Franz Joseph and his wife once resided.

2) Salzburg Altstadt.  As the place where Prince Archbishops called home, Salzburg became a spiritual focal site from an early period of European Christianity. St. Rupert founded the Benedictine Abbey of St. Peter in AD 690 and in the center of the Altstadt serving archbishops' residence till the early 1100s.

The Prince Archbishops went so far to employing the best architects and artists of their times in both building and decorating their monasteries, churches, and residences, and though those have been restored but in the exacting tastes of consecutive centuries, both the medieval and Baroque structures combine to develop a lovely old quarter worth exploring.

Highlights include from St. Peter's Abbey, its church, its charming cemetery, to its catacombs, immediately identified as a filming location for The Sound of Music.

Close by stands the cathedral, and by roaming around its bright Baroque burgher homes, you'll come across delightful squares and attractions which include Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's birthplace, today a museum. Beyond the striking spires and cupolas rises Salzburg's castle of Hohensaltzburg that you may reach through a funicular.

3) The Spanish Riding School.  The school goes back to Emperor Maximilian 11's time, who introduced the renowned Lipizzaner horses into his country in 1562.

Nowadays, aristocracy prefers the old style of riding and is still practiced. Tourists won't want to miss seeing famous equestrian being displayed in the Baroque Winter Riding School, which occurs here from Charles VI's time.

Constructed in 1735, the handsome hall was designed for the nobles to show their riding skills. Since the tickets to watch the graceful creatures performing their "dance" are popularly sought after, you are advised to book online, far in advance.

4) Schonbrunn Palace.  Situated on the outskirts of Vienna, the palace was built in 1700s, and then, some time later, Empress Maria Theresa transformed it into a summer residence. A tour will include highlights, from taking you through the palace's 40 rooms, open to the general public, the Great Gallery with decorative ceiling paintings, the Royal apartments, the Million Room, and then Maria Theresa's salon that displays its gilded and carved rosewood panels. Also, you'll see the striking Hall of Mirrors, built with gold Rococo-framed mirrors. Behind the palace extend 500 acres of gardens and parks, all in the Baroque style common in the 18th century.

Be sure when visiting Schönbrunn that you don't miss attractions such as the maze-like formal gardens; the Palm House that's filled with exotic and tropical butteries and plants; an Alpine garden attached to a farmhouse; Europe's reputed oldest zoo; and finally, the classical Gloriette, which is a great marble building beautifying a hill beyond the gardens.

A carriage museum located in the old Winter Riding School now displays many historical state sleighs and coaches. The whole palace and complex of gardens are today a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

5) Innsbruck's Hofburg.  The Emperor Maximilian l, reigning between 1400s and 1500s, decided to make Innsbruck the central residence as well as the power base of the Hapsburg government, and as a consequence, becoming Europe's focal point. Empress Maria Theresa remodeled his palace in 18th-century Rococo and Baroque styles. A tour's highlights include the opportunity to see the lavish royal apartments, the painted ceilings all over, and the marble Giant Hall.

The highlight of the Court Church is the stunning Tomb of Emperor Maximilian l, dying in the year 1519. Everywhere considered the greatest example of Renaissance sculpture by the Germans, the monument's main feature is the huge black marble sarcophagus showing the emperor in a bronze figure. Nearby are twenty-four marble reliefs which depict major events in the emperor's life. Close by, stand 28 bigger-than-life-size statues of bronze that represent the emperor's ancestors and even contemporaries.

Additional works of sculpture include twenty bronze busts of Roman rulers and twenty-three bronze statues of saints which belong to the Habsburg family.

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Most Famous Must-See Tourist Attractions in Turkey

 Turkey Travel Guide to Top Tourist Attractions

Crammed to brimming with striking ancient monuments that a succession of empires left behind, and blessed with annual scenery which impresses unfailingly, Turkey is a brilliant destination which borders between Asia and Europe.

While its lively culture, world-renowned mouth-watering food, and mega history that fills volumes from endless imperial intrigues to hostile empire takeovers, wow everyone who ventures here, its glamorous landscapes that include from arid steppe, mighty mountains to the sun-drenched Mediterranean, are charming attractions in themselves.

Whether you wish to drink in either the Byzantine or Ottoman glories of Ankara while taking a brief city break, sunbathe on the sandy beach, dig into history roaming through ruins like Ephesus, or observe a few of the world's foremost surreal vistas in Coppadocia and Pamukkale, Turkey offers tourists a broad range of things you can do.

To avoid missing unusually great places to visit, use my Turkey travel guide to find top attractions in Turkey.

1) Hagia Sophia Mosque.  Famous as some of the world's most lovely buildings, the intoxicating Byzantine glory attributed to Hagia Sophia Mosque must be experienced in person to be fully appreciated.

Constructed in 537 CE by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian, it's renowned no less as the Byzantine Empire's grandest architectural achievement, remaining the world's biggest church for one thousand years.

While the astonishing bulk of the exterior is fringed by the towering delicate minarets that were added following the Ottoman conquest, the lavish and cavernous frescoed interior never fails to remind one of old Constantinople's strength and power.

2) Ephesus.  Not to be overlooked, the impressive ruin of Ephesus happens to be a city of marble-columned roads and giant monuments.

As a nearly complete and yet standing famous and ancient city located in the Mediterranean region, one must come here to get a far better idea what life had to be like during the Roman Empire's golden age.

Though the city's history goes as far back as to the 10th century BCE, the central monuments tourists see now all date from a Roman era--the time it was a flourishing commercial center.

For example, the Great Theater, the Library of Celsus, and the sophistication of frescoed terraced homes all demonstrate the importance and wealth of Ephesus when the Romans ruled.

Keep in mind that a sightseeing tour here will take no less than half a day in order to visit the main attractions and even longer, if you truly wish to explore; so plan accordingly.

3) Cappadocia.  Cappadocia's surreal and swooping rock valleys are any photographer's dream.

Hill crests and cliff ridges are filled with rippling vistas of either wacky-shaped or wave-like rock pinnacles developed through millennia of water and wind action.

Also, there's the option to ride a hot-air balloon trip, if you do not want to hike for the beautiful views.

Snuggled in this special lunar-shaped landscape you'll find the rock-cut frescoed churches and cave-carved architecture of the Byzantine period, when monastic Christian communities existed in this area.

Some of the cave-churches belonging to the Gereme Open-Air Museum and Ihlara Valley represent the best models of religious art surviving from the mid-Byzantine era.

Half-cut into the hillsides precisely where travelers can set up camp to explore the charming wide-spanning countryside, Cappadocia's villages are also a fascinating attraction in themselves, plus their boutique hotels allow you to retire inside a real cave but with all the modern conveniences to entice anyone to prolong his stay.

4) Topkapi Palace.  The sheer shocking sumptuousness alone in Topkapi Palace, transports you into the wondrous, luxurious world of the sultans.

It was here, between the 15th and 16th centuries, the Ottoman sultans created an empire that would expand and push into Europe down through most of the Middle East and then into Africa.

The interiors which display lavish jeweled decor and decadently exuberant tiling, are a memorable glimpse into the Ottoman's central power base.

Be sure to visit the Imperial Council structure where the Grand Vizier conducted the empire's daily business; the arms collection shown in the Imperial Treasury; the renowned collection of tiny paintings; and then the flashy Harem rooms that the famous Ottoman architect Sinan designed.

The nearby surrounding public gardens though once the Royal Court's only domain, today are open to the general public and offer a calm and nature break from the busy city streets.

5) Pamukkale.  As one of Turkey's famed natural wonders, Pamukkale's snow-white travertine terraces cascade below the slope that resemble a snowfield oddly amid lush landscape.

Even though the travertines are a highlight, the massive and twisting ruins of Roman-Greco Hierapolis, an old spa town, sits scattered over the calcite hill's summit.

After you have explored the ancient "theater" that boasts fine views over the countryside and the remains of the city's grand gates, necropolis, agora, and gymnasium, you could now jump in and swim in the mineral-laden waters that help make the ancient spa town well-known.

Next, stroll below the travertine hill, trudging through the pools in the upper terraces, and then to Pamukkale's little modern village below.

 

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Most Famous Must-See Tourist Attractions in Italy

Italy Travel Guide to Top Tourist Attractions

As the Roman Empire's birthplace and where the Renaissance originated, it's no shocking surprise that Italy must be overflowing with gorgeous architecture, masterpieces, or that no other country in the world can come even close to rivaling it in respect of having far more UNESCO World Heritage sites.

However, Italy's best-ranking attractions for visitors aren't all the marvelous art and architecture; it's the country's breathtaking mountains, lakes, and a spectacular coastline which give it excellent natural attractions, in addition. You can plan a whole itinerary inspired by only one interest, ranging from Renaissance art, scuba diving, hiking, to sunbathing, though most tourists coming here for the first time want to sample nothing but the best of what Italy offers in many various types of experiences.

The attractions listed below are meant to show off Italy's history, art, architecture, striking landscapes, as well as provide the sweetest opportunities for energetic pursuits. To ensure that you do not overlook anything particularly significant and worth visiting, use this Italy travel guide to find the top tourist attractions in Italy as you plan your itinerary.

1) Colosseum.  This massive amphitheater, the biggest of its type that the Roman Empire ever constructed as well as the largest of their buildings to survive as undeniable proof of their ingenuity, today still remains a fine example for sports facilities. Constructed by Vespasian and completed in AD 72, plus expanded when his son added a fourth story, it became a site for shows and public spectacles, including mock sea battles as if to relive old sea victories over their enemies.

A wooden floor, 83 by 48 meters, covers 2 more underground levels with tunnels, cells, rooms, and even passages which provide space for gladiators, wild beasts, workers, and storage.

But today the building stands in sharp contrast to the surrounding modern development and is a prime reminder of both ancient times and the Romans' far-reaching, lasting impression. 

2) Florence Duomo Santa Maria del Fiore.  Reputed as the world's foremost finest cathedral, the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore monopolizes the Florence skyline. Constructed between 13th and 15th centuries, the cathedral had the most celebrated piece, the outstanding dome, finished in 1434 by Filippo Brunelleschi.

The cathedral's bell tower which stands near next to the cathedral in Piazza del Duomo, covers in similar patterned marble common of Tuscan Romanesque architecture.

Giotto designed the campanile which, standing 82 meters high, you could climb all the 414 steps to a viewing platform that boasts incredible views of the dome and the city.

Opposite the Duomo you'll find a remarkable baptistery, famous for its paneled doors of bronze by Lorenzo Ghiberti. Now you can tour the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo to see the real beautifully crafted panels, having been replaced by same replicas for protecting the originals from the element's destructive effect.

3) The Grand Canal in Venice.  The tradition of a gondola trip that takes one through the Grand Canal in Venice, travelers have been adoring for centuries. As a city of islands, the canals have been as forever Venice's main streets that are united by a maze of narrow passageways.

As the biggest and most renowned of these water ways, the Grand Canal cuts a broad S-shaped path through the city. Along the way you'll see the greatest palaces still standing proudly where the most powerful and the richest families once owned. The best manner to see several of such amazing palaces is to ride a Vaporetto through the Grand Canal.

But make certain that your gondola trip and sightseeing explorations by foot include better atmospheric smaller canals, so you'll see lines of older structures which have remained largely the same for ages.

4) Pompeii & Mount Vesuvius.  Though the Mt. Vesuvius still smokes while looking down on Pompeii's remains, destroying it in AD 79, the same eruption preserved several of the city's timeless art treasures that include from mosaics, frescoes to sculptures which the lava encased after cooling.

Many excavations that followed have been revealing the remains that include from homes, baths, markets, theaters, temples, streets to human remains. Tourists could visit the site by walking along the ancient streets that racing chariots once scarred and see the amazing feat of engineering that Romans used over 2,000 years ago.

Close to Pompeii you'll find the excavated old city of Herculaneum, which the same eruption destroyed back in AD 79, except lava and ash burying it that resulted in solidifying and freezing it and the town becoming how it was. Now you have the option to combine tours to the 2 sites in only one day; however, a long stay permits time for climbing to the rim of yet active Vesuvius.

5) Leaning Tower of Pisa.  The Leaning Tower of Pisa's world fame does not actually come from the design's substantial elegance, but because of a major flaw. Construction started in 1100s, but sinking that led eventually to the lean, initiated when the tower reached the stage in construction where the third story was built.

As the tower began leaning more and more through the centuries, prior to being restored in the 1990s, experts predicted it would just end up falling down in the year 2000. But today, defying all such predictions, tourists could climb up the tower's stairs to enjoy a fantastic sight over the city.

Standing on the Piazza dei Miracoli, the Leaning Tower shares the setting with a rounded freestanding baptistery and the lovely Romanesque Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, which features excellent works of medieval stone carving.

  

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10 Best-Rated Must-See Tourist Attractions in the USA

 

The United States is home to many of the world's picturesque scenery and extremely recognizable icons found on earth. Several of the best attractions in the US happen to be bucket list destinations that draw millions of tourists from all over the world.

Putting together a pretty good list of things to do and places to visit is the first step. However, bear in mind, given the vast size of the USA, many prospective tourists plan their travels to a specific location, whether it's the outlying regions such as Alaska, Hawaii, or Puerto Rico, the beaches of California or Florida, the Southwest, or the East Coast to make the trip more doable and to avoid feeling overwhelmed. You might want to experience the highlights of a key city in a state like Arizona or visit rural areas and public parks. With careful enough planning in advance, you could combine the 2 and see such sights in a one- or two-day trip.

A superabundance of options is available, with amazing attractions scattered across the country. If you have plenty of time, or even if you must work with a limited time frame, the list of 10 best-rated must-see attractions in USA can be easily added to your itinerary to enhance your overall experience while visiting this great nation.

1) Grand Canyon.  This striking natural wonder is a very popular and most-visited site in the US. As a natural attraction that the Colorado River helped carve out, the Grand Canyon penetrates deep into the earth, creating both dramatic ledges and cliff walls. By simply standing on the canyon's rim, tourists could see down to the floor of the canyon as far as a mile below, and even lookout beyond the cliffs and ridges which run as if forever.

The South Rim, which is around 4.5 hour-drive from Las Vegas, happens to be the most-visited area of Grand Canyon National Park. Here you'll find a big visitor center, a reliable bus serving along the Rim during the high season, plus a walkway running along the canyon that boasts many platforms and viewing points. A lot of fantastic hikes as well as the Bright Angel Trail, begin from here.

The Skywalk, a real glass bridge which leads out over the Grand Canyon's edge, is a popular attraction you won't want to miss. Situated on the West Rim, at Eagle Point, this section is around a four-hour car ride from the South Rim, however often a 2.5 hour--or even less--drive from Las Vegas. This section is an excellent option if you plan to do a day trip beginning from Las Vegas.

The North Rim that provides fair lookout areas, offers a unique perspective. This part of the park is not so frequently visited and is less accessible during the months from November to May because of winter snow conditions.

2) Niagara Falls.  Sharing the common US-Canada border, Niagara Falls is the world's most stunning and famous waterfalls. Lake Erie's water in fact flows into Lake Ontario across these huge waterfalls. Well-known for incredible amount of water that's unceasingly tumbling, making massive roaring splashes as a mist rises.

Niagara Falls is really a set of 3 falls that consists of the biggest section, called Horseshoe Falls, with an 18-foot drop; another section located on the river's American side, called suitably the American Falls with an 89-foot drop; and then a thinner section situated beside the American Falls, called Bridal Veil Falls with only a 78-foot drop.

Though views are nice on either side of the river, the Canadian side yet features a dramatically unique perspective which is worth the trouble crossing into Canada.

Summer happens to be the wildly popular time for visiting Niagara Falls, and while the weather is hot, gardens are blooming, and roaming about is favorable. But winter offers a special opportunity for seeing ice-covered railings, snow-shrouded shores, trees, and street signs; it's really a winter wonderland.

On perfectly clear days, the Niagara Falls' constant plumage of mist rising could be observed from as distant as the CN Tower that stands in downtown Toronto, Canada, on the other shore of Lake Ontario. 

3) Statue of Liberty.  As a major attraction symbolizing universal freedom, the Statue of Liberty is not only the most famous icon but also the world's biggest statue. Towering in New York Harbor, tourists could admire the attraction from different angles around the city, especially Battery Park, or just board a ferry directly to the statue.

If you are planning to visit the statue, now options include from grounds tickets, pedestal tickets, to crown tickets, permitting access to various levels to the site. A great option available is to tour Ellis Island and the statue of Liberty. Skip-Line Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Tour + Pedestal Ticket Upgrade is a popular tour that makes visiting this sight straightforward and much easier.  

4) White House.  As the US President's official residence, the White House should rank high on your list as a major attraction to see in Washington. The historic building was the home of each president, excluding George Washington. Lafayette Park lies on the northern side of the presidential residence, and you'll find a pedestrian-only zone beyond it, filled with fascinating characters, including a great spot for taking a wonderful photo.

James Hoban originally constructed it in 1792, and after British soldiers burned it down in 1814, it was rebuilt in 1818. Though touring the White House is free, you must make reservations at least 3 weeks in advance. Bear in mind that uncompromising security rules are constantly in effect to ensure everyone's safety.

5) Walt Disney World Resort.  As a top-ranking family attraction, the Orland's mega amusement park has been catering young and old alike for decades. Opening their doors back in 1971, Walt Disney World wonderfully has succeeded in maintaining its relevance as well as its allure for kids and even adults over the years.

Walt Disney World Resort contains different theme parks, Downtown Disney with theaters and shopping, water parks, and much more such as from great dining to golf. This is a fine site where you and the entire family could stay a day or longer.

If you want to enjoy both sand and surfing, know that the lovely beaches of Florida's Atlantic coast lie just one hour away.

6) Waikiki.  As Hawaii's most popular beach and even the most famous beach in the Pacific, for more than a century Waikiki has been a main tourist destination. Today the area is a blend encompassing both modern city and tropical paradise.

Relaxing on this breath-taking stretch of white sand as palm trees sway in the wind shall surely tell you that you are now in the tropics, except the busy street and towering buildings in the background are a constant reminder that civilization is quite near. Dining, shopping, sunbathing, and surfing are all the perks making this little area of Oahu extremely popular with tourists from all around the world.

7) Las Vegas Strip.  Just strolling along the Las Vegas Strip, the major street that leads through the city beyond the massive resorts, resembles walking through a genuine amusement park for most adults. Recreations of the Eiffel Tower, the New York Skyline, the Canals of Venice, plus several other foreign attractions line the famous street.

Starting at one end where Luxor Hotel stands, shaped as a pyramid, a nice walk going down the street shall reveal a volcano erupting and then dancing fountains, but the resorts, inside, offer all types of entertainment and oddities. Several of the top things both to see and do in this flashy city are places that could be enjoyed for free.

One of Las Vegas' central attractions is the ceaseless lineup of shows. World-renowned singers perform regularly here. You'll find fine groups performing from magic, comedy to acrobatics every evening.

After having enough of city lights and the nightlife, now you can explore the close by attractions from Las Vegas on a day trip. For example, visit Death Valley National Park, Valley of Fire State Park, or Hoover Dam. Or choose to explore the nearby desert on hiking trails that surround Las Vegas, only a few minutes from downtown. 

8) Yosemite National Park.  As perhaps America's most loved park, tourists and especially nature lovers will want to visit Yosemite National Park. Famous sights such as the amazing granite domes of Half Dome and El Capitan, must be experienced in person in order to completely appreciate their grandeur.

The huge waterfalls tumbling off cliffs from sudden summer rainstorms or mountain snowfall are additional highlights that the park offers.

The park is loaded with activities you can do, ranging from horseback riding, walking, climbing, to hiking. Hiking trails often lead to spectacular scenic areas, a perfect way for escaping the crowds around lookouts.

If you are not physically inclined, you can always enjoy Yosemite's natural beauty from a picnic table while eating a home-packed peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Plus, you could catch highlights when taking a driving tour throughout the park.

Accommodations are limited in the park which include many lodges and some excellent campgrounds. But outside that national park, you'll find more options.

9) Golden Gate Bridge.  Arcing across San Francisco Bay, and then joining Marin County and San Francisco, Golden Gate Bridge, constructed in the 1930s, has been a notable California icon since then. The sharp contrast of the blue water with the bridge's dark-orangish color creates an aesthetic quality which gives the city a unique distinction.

But when covered in fog with only the main towers' peaks shooting through the lower clouds, it has a majestic presence. The bridge is about 2 miles in length as well as part of SR 1 or Hwy 101. If the day is very clear, a great viewing place is on Conzelman Road, located in Golden Gate National Recreation Area.

10) Times Square.  Lively Times Square, notable for its dazzling billboards, endless throngs of people, countdown of New Year's Eve, is centered in Midtown Manhattan. 

This intersection, most normal days, is truly about the vibe and energy that you feel as you stand on any corner while taxi cabs fly by and traffic lights flash overhead, instead of any one particular location on the square. Though night is the best time to experience its full impact, during the day is still okay.