Most Famous Must-See Tourist Attractions in France

 France Travel Guide to Top Tourist Attractions

From Paris' boulevards to Cote d'Azur's seaside resorts, France offers the world's most beautiful scenery. Picture-perfect villages, magnificent cathedrals with towering rooftops, to fairy-tale castles inspire romance. However, the country's contemporary and major monuments, including fast trains services at the same time jolt tourists from the almost intoxicating storybook surroundings into today's 21st century world.

Commence your trip visiting the Eiffel Tower, France's eternal modern emblem. Next, discover world-renowned artistic masterpieces housed at the Louvre Museum. Spend a whole day pretending to be a crowned princess or princess at the fine Palace of Versailles. Make time to enjoy leisurely gourmet meals. Traditional French gastronomy has been listed on the UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Every region in France has both its own unique culture and Cuisine. For example, Brittany's costal region offers the older-world charm of ancient seaports and quaint fishing villages, and the French Alps provides tasty cuisine of Charcuterie and cheese fondue served in comfortable chalets close to ski slopes.

Appreciate the country's magnetic charm and discover the best things you can do and what are the top tourist attractions with this France travel guide.

1) Eiffel Tower.  As a massive symbol glorifying Paris, the Eiffel Tower, rising 320 meters into the blue ski, is a very famous landmark deserving a visit. Gustave Eiffel designed this huge structure comprising 8,000 metallic parts but only as a temporary exhibit to be shown in the 1889 World Fair. Though once even detested by critics at the time, the Eiffel Tower still became both a loved and permanent fixture adorning the Paris skyline.

Because of the Eiffel Tower's grace and beauty, it has earned itself the Iron Lady nickname. Tourists are awed by the tower's airy delicateness in spite of its massiveness and the stunning panoramas at every level--three in all.

Visitors could either dine at the first level and delight in the excellent view or on the next level up eat at the Michein-starred Le Jules Verne restaurant. But at the thrilling height of 276 meters, the highest level provides a wonderful outlook over Paris and more. In fact, vistas may extend as much as seventy kilometers, but on a crystal-clear day.

2) Musee du Louvre.  Housed in a stately palace which used to be a royal residence, the Louvre Museum now ranks among the best European collections that display the finest art pieces. You'll find several Western Civilization's foremost famous works here such as Mona Lisa, the Wedding Feast of Cana, and Venus de Milo sculpture.

Various kings, living in the Louvre, contributed generously to this collection's treasure chest. Other art pieces got added on account of France's treaties with the Republic of Venice and the Vatican, and the spoils of Napole'on l.

Today, the Louvre Museum displays about 35,000 artworks that include numerous masterpieces. Actually, it's not humanly possible, only in your dreams, to see so much in just one day. It's highly recommended to either use a private guided tour or concentrate on a list of favorite artworks to get a more rewarding experience without feeling overwhelmed.

3) Cha'teau de Versailles.  Emblematizing the French monarchy's grandeur before the ancient Re'gime's fall, Cha'teau de Versailles represents France's glorious moment in history, during Louis XIV's reign, when the palace established the standard for princely courts for all Europe.

Louis XIV managed to transform his dad's hunting lodge in 1661 into a full-blown royal palace. To materialize the king's vision, famed architect Louis Le Vau modernized the Cha'teau in a neoclassical fashion of sheer elegance. Later, another architect, Jules Hardouin-Mansart built the luxurious Baroque interiors such as the Hall of Mirrors.

The most extraordinary portion in the palace is found in the Hall of Mirrors, precisely where courtiers had to wait to gain an audience with the king. This sensational gallery shines with sunlight entering through the windows and reflecting off 100's of ornamental mirrors, as many dazzling chandeliers and even gilded details cause a greater and more amazing overall impression.

Versailles is famous for Les Jardins, which are formal French gardens that feature decorative pools, many statues, beautiful fountains, and admirably trimmed shrubbery. Renowned landscape designer Andre' Le Notre built the gardens in the 17th century, encompassing no less than eight hundred hectares of exuberant parkland.

Domaine de Trianon which lies beyond the formal gardens, includes Le Hameau de la Reine, Le Grand Trianon Palace, and Le Petit Trianon Cha'teau. Here you'll see Marie-Antonette's fabricated pastoral village that features quaint cottages lying around a lake. Rural architecture inspired these structures to have a rather weathered finish which was deliberately rendered to provide a more rustic appearance.

The French queen's hamlet initially had an operating dairy and farm, serving her children at an educational capacity. In fact, this place was originally designed as a spot for her to escape from the tiresome formality of daily court life, to enjoy short strolls as well as visits with friends. The halmet offers a truly rare glimpse of the French queen's private world.

4) Cote' d'Azur.  France's most trendy stretch of coastline, the Cote' d'Azur, extending from Saint-Tropez to Menton close to the Italian border, means "Coast of Blue," which is a suitable name that perfectly describes the Mediterranean's spellbinding cerulean waters.

This glorious seaside destination is recognized as the French Riviera to English speakers, the words ringing of sun-soaked decadence.

During the summer months, the seaside resorts are generally crammed with sunbathers and beach lovers. The famous and rich can be seen here residing in lavish villas and sailing on luxury yachts. Nice, a town, offers stellar art museums and panoramic sea views. Cannes is renowned for its legendary hotels and celebrity film festival.

The best-ranked beaches can be found in Antibes, plus having superb museums and an atmospheric Old Town. Saint-Tropez now offers both private and public beaches together with the feel of a charming fishing village, but Monaco captivates with its unrivaled scenery and personal ambience.

5) Mont Saint-Michel.  Towering from a rocky islet nearby the Normandy coast, Mont Saint-Michel is France's foremost striking landmark. The mystical site rises 80 meters over and above the bay, while imposing bastions and defensive walls surround it.

The chief tourist attraction is Abbaya du Mont Saint-Michel, a marvelous medieval architectural work boasting soaring Gothic spires. The Abbey Church's serene beauty scarcely fails to awe new visitors with its well-balanced Romanesque ornate and nave high-vaulted choir.

Constructed in the 11th century, the Abbey Church continues to be a significant Christian pilgrimage destination, nicknamed "The heavenly Jerusalem." Mont Saint-Michel still succeeds to inspire modern-day pilgrims who practice the traditional crossing the bay on foot as they did back in the Middle Ages.

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Most Famous Must-See Tourist Attractions in Saint Martin

Saint Martin Travel Guide to Top Tourist Attractions

The little but beautifully formed, the Caribbean island, Saint Martin comprises two separate countries that are divided between its southern Dutch side, Sint Maarten, and its northern French side, known as Saint-Martin. The end result is something extraordinary where no less than 120 different nationalities come together and also where you'll find the Caribbean's absolute best cuisines. Plus, this small paradise offers breath-taking white sandy beaches, quiet hidden bays, vibrant beach bars and nightlife, superb shopping, including very good options for both hiking and water sports and you got a wonderful vacation destination. Experience Saint Martin with this list of 5 best-rated must-see attractions.

1) Marigot Bay Port.  The Marigot Bay Port is a stunning site. 

Marigot happens to be the capital of Saint Martin's French side, constructed close to the bay that bears the same name. As the center of life on the small island, the port is a very exciting place for tourists.

Drop by the port to take memorable pictures of the pretty local homes, typical of the Caribbean's gingerbread-like architecture. In addition, you can enjoy great views of Fort St. Louis as well as tour through the fort. The port also provides bistros and a biweekly market.

2) Maho Beach.  Because Saint Martin is divided between two sides, the French and Dutch side, Maho Beach is an incredible stretch of coastline unfolding on the Dutch side. Tourists could bask in the Caribbean's warm waters and sandy shores.

But Maho Beach's major attraction isn't either the sea or even the sand; it's the air. The beach being situated beside Princess Juliana International Airport, there are hardly other airports elsewhere where tourists could stand extremely close to an airplane's final approach and also observe it landing on the runway. Maho Beach offers you a unique beach experience.

3) Philipsburg.  As the chief town on the Dutch side of Saint Martin, Philipsburg sits between the Great Salt Pond and Great Bay, providing excellent views of the water.

As the town's central shopping district, Front Street offers great deals on China, jewelry, and more. Here you'll run across the Coliseum Princess Casino.

Proceed to Old Street to delight in a quainter and a quieter shopping experience, where historic buildings stand hosting from little shops, bistros, to many photo opportunities such as the iconic yellow automobile that tourists love.

4) Orient Bay Beach.  As one of the busiest and nicest beaches, Orient Bay Beach contains wonderful turquoise waters and white sand, as do most beaches on Saint Martin. But what makes Orient Bay Beach especially unique is its vibrant nature. You'll find several restaurants, bars, and shops that line the beach. This is an excellent place for relaxing on the shore as well as enjoying the bohemian vibe.

5) Anse Marcel.  Go to Anse Marcel to have a luxurious traveling experience. Anse Marcel is an unquestionable the foremost beautiful place to visit on Saint Martin. In fact, Anse Marcel is actually a secluded cove with peaceful swimming, waters on the northern part of the island. Because the bay does a fine job of protecting the waters from the most dangerous waves, it's a great destination for families.

Also, there is a fair number of hotels and luxury resorts here, making it the ideal getaway for visitors searching for some quiet time for resting and relaxing.

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Most Famous Must-See Attractions in Dominican Republic

Dominican Republic Travel Guide to Top Tourist Attractions

Majestic postcard-perfect beaches stretching as far as the eye can see, beautiful resorts, and now a well-cemented tourism infrastructure draw numerous visitors to the Dominican Republic each year. But the diverse geography that ranges from mountains, semi-desert areas to lush forests, creates special opportunities for tourists who desire more than just a mere beach vacation.

La Romana, Puerto Plata, and Punta Cana are the beach resorts offering what several packaged vacationers are searching for: an ideal tropical escape intended for relaxation. Here you will have a fair selection of the most all-inclusive resorts in Dominican Republic.

Solo and independent tourists wanting to get away from this scene could proceed to distant areas of the island such as the Samana' Peninsula, which is the mountainous interior, or the often-overlooked cities and towns. Kiteboarders and surfers alike will find precisely what they are looking for while passing places like Cabarete. Plus, Santo Domingo delivers a unique history in its colonial zone.

Enjoy nature, discover secluded lovely beaches, as well as learn about the celebrated culture with this handy Dominican travel guide to find the top tourist attractions and what you can do while in the Dominican Republic.

1) Tour Santo Domingo's Colonial Zone.  In Santo Domingo, where Christopher Columbus first arrived in the America's, you will not only come across lively modern life but also centuries-old buildings. The colonial architecture, most which currently houses from museums, shops, hotels to restaurants, lines the squares and streets, and transports you back to quite another time in jaw-dropping fashion.

A lot of the activity concentrates around the popular Calle El Conde, which is the major thoroughfare and area for either fine dining el fresco or shopping. Roaming around the different streets, you are sure to discover crumbling ruins such as the Monesterio de San Francisco, and wonderfully preserved structures like the Catedral Primada de America, still used today, and even residential areas that offer fleeting glimpses into real local life.

Just devouring a mouth-watering delicious pizza while sitting inside a restored colonial structure on a very warm night or relaxing in the well-decorated courtyard of your 400-year-old hotel room could feel like a special experience in the beautiful city. Make no mistake, Santo Domingo is certainly a place well worth staying for a few days.

2) Puerto Plata and Playa Dorada.  Located in the north coast, with a great view of the Atlantic Ocean, the pretty stretch of beach called Playa Dorada and Puerto Plata's resort destination is the Dominican Republic's major tourist draw. The golden-sand beach is dotted with luxury resorts, though mostly less densely crammed than what you might expect to find in Punta Cana.

This area in addition is far more subdued, having a rather tranquil feel. Although these beaches are not usually busy with water sports and boats, it's a fine area for either snorkeling or swimming. You could walk past the resorts and visit undeveloped beaches surrounded by forest and palm trees.

3) Kiteboarding.  A well-known kiteboarding destination, Cabarete, with its center of action happening on Kite Beach, is not very far from Cabarete's central beach. It's around a twenty-minute stroll along the beach, the town's center to Kite Beach.

This little part of Cabarete has all its own special vibe. Most mornings the beach is calm, except for walkers, joggers, swimmers, and people engaged in stand up paddleboarding. Often in the afternoon, as the winds blow harder, kiteboarders start descending on the beach, and soon the blue skies are filled with colorful kites.

The sand parades unusual colors as kites wait for the perfect winds to materialize. Some restaurants here provide casual meals, several focusing particularly on vegetarian food, plus other healthy side dishes. A free circus always entertains where the beach ends, on every Friday afternoon. It's still worth visiting to enjoy the spectacle, even if you aren't a kiter. 

In February, Cabarete hosts the yearly Master of the Ocean contest, where the world's best appear to compete from kitesurfing, surfing, stand up paddleboarding, to windsurfing. This is a good time to observe amazing kiting on Kite Beach.

Now you too can take up kiteboarding with many schools offering lessons and hotels catering to kiters.

4) Whale Watching.  Imagine: every winter, December through March, countless humpback whales enter Samana' Bay to start mating and giving birth, doubtlessly making this a hot spot for seeing these amazing huge animals in the wild. The city of Samana,' situated on the Samana' Peninsula, is a central departure place for whale watching tours.

Though the city provides little more for tourists, whales are a popular attraction that several companies offer now day trips here from different locations around the island. You can sign up for a 12-hour worth of whale watching in Las Terrenas.

5) Las Terrenas.  Sitting on the north coast, Las Terrenas is rather a busy Dominican city boasting a calm and relaxed beachfront area, and where one-lane dirt roads wind and meander beyond little French cafes, beaches, and the ocean.

This is a great place to taste Dominican culture and many of the city's conveniences, mixed with a fine beach destination. Such as Las Galeras, several French people have chosen to call Las Terrenas home and also have gone into business by putting up restaurants and inns.

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Most Famous Must-See Tourist Attractions in Cuba

Cuba Travel Guide to Top Tourist Attractions

 

As the Caribbean's biggest island, Cuba is unmistakably dripping with culture, history, and an enchanting sort of mystique rarely seen or felt elsewhere. Music from live bands playing is heard vibrating through the beautiful, cobbled squares of Havana's Old Town, neat vintage automobiles are still cruising the streets and avenues, and the old charming structures in Cuba's colonial cities truly evoke the feeling of a country getting frozen in time.

Cuba provides abundant natural beauty with over 5,000 kilometers of coastline which is mostly rimmed by incredible beaches. Coral reefs shine in the turquoise-colored waters, plus Cuba's sublime islands and lush countryside have one point in time hosted presidents; given refuge to revolutionaries; and also inspired authors from all over the world, including Hemingway.

Together with all this intoxicating beauty, rich history, and excellent fishing and diving, Cuba offers a diversity and depth that few Caribbean islands could match. Use this practical Cuba travel guide to find the top tourist attractions in Cuba.

1) Old Havana.  As a UNESCO World Heritage site, Old Havana is an admirably-preserved place representing a piece of Cuban history. Just by walking about the cobbled streets and staring up at the row of neoclassical and the grand Baroque buildings, it's quite easy to begin imagining the kind of life Cuba was like 300 years ago.

Major renovations are currently reviving the historic structures. Main attractions around this area are the Plaza de la Catedral which contains the Cuban Baroque Catedral de San Cristobal, the fine restaurant as well as Hemingway's hangout, Bode Guita del Medio, and the impressive military fortress, Castillo de la Real Fuerza.

In addition, the Old Town, Plaza Vieja is another place worth visiting in Havana. This lively gathering location boast a few notable structures such as the 18th-century Casa del Conde Jaruco, the first floor displaying lovely stained-glass windows. Close by, the camera obscura provides remarkable views from the uppermost height of its 35-meter tower. You'll need at least one solid day in order to experience the Old Town.

2) Varadero.  As Cuba's foremost famous beach destination, offering the best-rated beaches in the Caribbean, Varadero extends along the Peninsula de Hicacos, jutting into the beautiful sea only off the north coast; a drawbridge now connects it conveniently to the mainland.

This popular strip is filled with over 50 hotels, and its glorious white-sand beaches never fail to draw tourists from all over the world.

Other delightful highlights in Varadero include Cueva de Musulmanes, Cueva de Ambrosio, and Parque Ecolo'gico Varahicacos, plus its 2 caves.

In addition, you'll find the calm Parque Josone which is filled with lush flower gardens, swimming pool, restaurant, and a little lake where you could paddle in rowboats.

Other fun things to do include snorkeling, diving, deep-sea fishing, skydiving, golf, and day hikes to cultural attractions.

3) Trinidad.  When you start exploring this town in Cuba, is like going back in time. Both the cobblestone streets and wonderfully restored buildings in the city center always exude a sort of quaint colonial feel.

A lot of the architecture goes all the way back from the 17th to the 19th centuries, the times when Trinidad was flourishing from both the slave and sugar trades. 

Now, Trinidad is a great city in Cuba worth visiting. You could delight in its vibrant ambience in the cobblestone Plaza Mayor, which is the city's main square. Then you'll find the neoclassical church of the Holy Trinity standing above the square.

Other Trinidad attractions include the bell-towered Church and Monastery of Saint Francis, the art gallery at the Casa de Aldeman Ortiz, the Museum of Colonial Architecture, and the Palacio Brunet, which is a fine home constructed in 1812 and yet featuring original marble floors and frescoes.

If you proceed east of Trinidad, and in route to Sancti Spiritus, the lush Valle de los Ingenios boasts many monuments and relics from the 19th century, when both mills and sugar cane plantations prospered. It is recommended to just drive or go on horseback through the lovely scenery of mountains, green sugar cane fields, and palm trees.

4) Guardalavaca.  Located in the Holguin province and rimmed by dazzling beaches, Guardalavaca is calmer and more distant than Varadero. Fringed with lush foliage, these beaches offer an abundance of shady patches perfect if you're searching for a break from the hot tropical sun. Both snorkelers and divers could explore plenty of sea life that exist along the coral reefs.

Consider taking a day trip beginning from Guardalavaca, including enjoying jungle adventures, sailing, as well as a sightseeing tour of Santiago de Cuba.

West of Guardalavaca, you'll find Bahia de Naranjo encompassing a big slice of 3 islands, coast, and Cayo Naranjo which features the popular Dolphinarium that provides close-up encounters with such friendly sea animals.

Chorro de Maita is yet another worthy side trip option now available from Guardalavaca, where you'll see a native Indian burial area as well as a rebuilt Taino Indian village.

5) Playa Paraiso.  Reputed for its lovely beaches and located on the island of Cayo Largo del Sur, Playa Paraiso is Cuba's top-ranking beach. This lofty stretch of powdery white sand, plus the light-blue sea enhances the island's sheltered western edge, merging finally with the rivaling but equally enchanting Playa Sirena.

Cayo Largo de Sur island is really a sunworshipper's little heaven with a typically sunny, dry climate, including some decent attractions dotting here and there among stunning beaches, and several resorts and hotels.

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Most Famous Must-See Tourist Attractions in Peru

 Peru Travel Guide to Top Tourist Attractions

Peru is a South American country, home to fair stretch of Amazon rainforest as well as Machu Picchu, the ancient Incan city that stands high in the Andes Mountain. Peru is a nation crammed with history, enchanting beauty, culture, and many adventurous opportunities for tourists. Besides Machu Picchu as a high point of a trip here, there's a lot more that Peru promises you to discover.

You could board a boat on the world's highest navigable lake, admire an extremely deep canyon, go sandboarding in the dunes, fish for piranha in the Amazon, or hike for hours in the Andes. Also, you can explore the Nazca Lines' mysteries, walk through Sacred Valley's ancient ruins, or experience Peru's modern life as you wander Lima's streets.

The sheer diversity of the people, landscape, including the experiences here easily make Peru a very unique destination on the South American continent. 

Now you can use my Peru travel guide to find the top tourist attractions in Peru.

1) Machu Picchu.  Sitting high on a ridge, some 300 meters over the Urubamba River, the glorious Inca city is an unmatched dramatic setting of a ruined city. Nearly as extraordinary as the ruins themselves is the stunning backdrop of lush, steep, and cloud-covered mountains.

Situated close to the caretaker's hut, overlooking Mach Picchu, the jungle-shrouded mountains, plus the river that runs far below, you could just start imagining why the wise Incas picked this particular site to construct their beloved city.

In 1911 Hiram Bingham discovered Machu Picchu and firmly believed to his last dying breath that it was the Incas' Lost City. But historians today differ in thinking that the genuine lost city of the Incas was Espiritu Pampa, which Hiram actually knew of but just dismissed it as unimportant.

Also, the trip becomes part of your experience of touring Machu Picchu, whether it is seeing the path by rail, or by just hiking the Inca Trail. Whatever is the case, the scenery will unquestionably inspire you. Trains leave from Urubamba, Cusco, or Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes.

From Aguas Calientes, which is a town standing below Machu Picchu, you can hop on a bus that takes you up to the high-standing Inca city, only a twenty-minute ride through a harrowing switchback road. Though it's quite possible to walk up this road to Machu Picchu, it is a long and uphill climb and we seriously do not recommend it as a practical option for safety reasons.

2) The Inca Trail.  The famed Inca trail is a lengthy 4-day hike that ends at Machu Picchu, and almost all fans regard it as the highlight of their journey to Peru. 

The scenic trail is both quite demanding physically than most tourists expect and what makes it yet more rewarding. A number of varying beginning spots exist for the Inca Trail; however, the old 4-day hike starts at km 82 of the Cusco--rail line of Aguas Calientes. From here, the trail will pass over thirty Inca ruins and travel through impressive scenery. The most challenging part of the trail merges during the second day when you have to climb 1200 meters in both elevation gain and 2 high passes. This hike has to be arranged with an agency, and you must book reservations well in advance, especially during the high season from the months of June to August.

Certain agencies provide the option of getting a shortened version of the hike, entailing the last 2 days or only the hike's last day to lighten the physical burden for some. Campgrounds are scattered along the trail, including one at the base of Machu Picchu. A Hiker could carry his/her own backpack, or have it brought to him/her, depending on the kind of tour.

3) Cusco's Architectural Wealth.  Taking a walk through Cusco's streets is comparable to roaming through a museum, with many layers of history everywhere in this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The foundations of several beautiful old colonial structures sit on Inca ruins; these buildings line the narrow roads and display Cusco's long history.

The chief square, Plaza de Armas, standing in the city center is where you'll find La Compania and the Cathedral, two lovely buildings. In addition, the square is a very good place to begin a tour on foot, get a meal, or just watch people going about their business during your day.

Though there are many fine structures and museums worthy of being visited, the church of Santo Domingo sitting on Coricancha's ruins of the Inca, is Cusco's must-see attraction.

4) Lake Titicaca.  Lake Titicaca's sparkling blue water is surrounded by traditional little villages and rolling hills. The lake area happens to be a combination of culture and lovely scenery which makes it quite unique from other regions. Located 3,820 meters beyond sea level, Lake Titicaca is recognized as the world's highest navigable lake.

A boat ride to the islands, including surrounding villages, is the ideal way to truly appreciate the lake. Uros Floating Islands is a major tourist attraction which sustains little communities of Uros Indians. In fact, they are man-made islands built of reeds which have sustained a traditional manner of life from the Incas' time.

The chief gateway to Lake Titicaca is presently the city of Puno, and here you will find travel agencies, hotels, and restaurants. There are buses and trains to Puno as well as flights coming and leaving the close by city of Juliaca.

5) Colca Canyon.  Though it once was thought to be the world's deepest canyon, Colca Canyon, being twice as deep as the Grand Canyon, is still the second deepest after Cotainuasi Canyon. In fact, resulting from a seismic fault between 2 volcanoes, Colca Canyon reaches an amazing depth of 3,400 meters. The base and far below sits a winding river.

Inhabited for 1000's of years, Colca Canyon was home to the Collagua, then Cabana, and inevitably the Inca peoples. Stone that terraces along the ancient canyon walls actually dates to AD 800.

Colca Canyon is approximately a 4-hour drive from Arequipa, where day trips to the canyon are always available; two days at least are recommended in order to access the canyon. Plus, there are hot springs, villages, churches, and you can explore Inca ruins. You may even sight condors soaring over the cliff walls.

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Most Famous Must-See Tourist Attractions in Jamaica

Jamaica Travel Guide to Top Tourist Attractions

  

                    

As an island-nation situated in the Caribbean, Jamaica is famously characterized by a glittering blue sea, emerald mountains, powder-soft beaches, lush rainforests, and unmatched coral reefs. Recognized as reggae's birthplace, the entire island is bursting with African charm, and personality. 

Any tourist will fall in love with Jamaica. There are numerous exciting highlights ready to be discovered on this character-filled and diverse island, but we can just name a few. Use my Jamaica travel guide to find top tourist attractions in Jamaica that you surely don't want to miss.

1) Falmouth.  As a well-preserved Georgian town in the Caribbean, Falmouth has become a popular cruise stopping port that runs along the island's northern shore. Settled in 1769 as a town farming for sugarcane, Falmouth got its name following Trelawny's birthplace, Jamaica's governor at the time. Falmouth today is loaded with waterfalls, 19th-century architecture, lush forests, sugar and coconut plantations. On account of Falmouth's central location, it was a major slave trade center throughout the late 18th and 19th centuries, and you can discover such history by taking a Heritage Walk.

Stop by the Albert George Market, the refurbished courthouse, and the Baptist Manse. You'll want to explore the Great Hall estates, especially Greenwood Great House as well as the Good Hope Great House; here you can choose to either tube or zip-line along the Martha Brae River. Other worthy attractions include the Luminous Lagoon that's home to amazing phosphorescent marine life, and the open-air markets overflowing with homemade crafts and arts.

2) Port Antonio.  Because of a scenic fishing village boasting 2 ports, once upon a time Port Antonio was a vibrant chief banana hub. But today it's a much calmer holiday haven, which adds to its charm.

The village is made up of a fascinating variety of both Victorian and Georgian architecture, colorful markets, and chilled cafes ideal mainly for people-watching. However, it's the stunning nature that is the major appeal here. Just imagine for a moment, exploring through sensational jungles, discovering turquoise lagoons, crystal-clear waterfalls, huge hiking trails, and lovely beaches.

You'll find many opportunities for relaxing, except Port Antonio motivates a bit of activity. For example, try surfing at Boston Beach, go bamboo rafting below the Rio Grande, turn into the aquamarine lagoons at Frenchman's Cove, before deciding to hang out at the Blue Lagoon which is a freshwater spring where precisely the movie with the same name got filmed.

3) Nine Mile.  It's a small village as well as a rather tight-knit community that sits in the Saint Ann Parish, only a few miles south of Brown's Town. There's barely any distinction about the town but for one main claim to fame, which is that Bob Marley, famous reggae artist, happened to be born and even buried here.

Nine Mile's rural character played a huge role in Marley's music career, no doubt influencing several of his songs. The actual house where Bob Marley grew up in is a big attraction here, and the home features only original furnishings. Both the Bob Marley Mausoleum and his mother's, Cedella Bokker, are located on the estate.

Bob Marley's fans will want to visit Nine Mile as a sort of pilgrimage to pay their humble respects. In fact, Rastafarian guides provide a tour to the artist's final resting place. You'll see noteworthy memorabilia that includes photographs, guitars, and awards. Watch out for the Rasta-colored "rock pillow" which Marley utilized when looking to be inspired for his music.

4) Treasure Beach.  Treasure Beach encompasses 6 glamorous golden miles that crosses 4 idyllic fishing villages through the south coast where you'll find relaxation, reggae music, and cool drinks.

After Jakes Hotel had opened their doors and became far better known over 25 years ago, Treasure Beach now is offering exactly what the name hints at: it's the perfect getaway spot. But in spite of its recent popularity, the beach has retained its unassuming charm, none of all those notorious tourist traps and overcrowded beaches of the north coast here.

Rather, it's quite popular for sporting enthusiasts, and you can engage in water sports, tennis, football, or cricket. But if you prefer soaking up a slower life, you'll find many coral-colored beaches for relaxing on. You may spend your time swimming, snorkeling, dolphin spotting, body surfing, zip-lining, cycling, and hiking. Consider taking a Black River safari cruise.

5) Kingston.  Situated along the coastline in the South-East, Kingston is the island's biggest capital-city where more than half of its people live. Kingston was created in 1692 because an earthquake ended up destroying Port Royal at the harbor-mouth.

Now, you can discover Kingston's rich history with the help of a guided tour of Fort Charles. Be sure to tour colonial-era Devon House, Bob Marley Museum, and the National Gallery of Jamaica, which is the Caribbean's oldest public art gallery. 

Enjoy the outdoors by having a nice picnic in Holywell National Park, visiting Hope Botanical Garden, or just strolling along the harbor front. Or you can even brush up in your bargaining skills at Coronation Market. 

Also, if you wish by now to sunbath under the Caribbean town's sunshine, go padding out to Lime Cay island where you can learn to surf, or just delight in the therapeutic Rockfort Mineral Baths. 

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Most Famous Must-See Tourist Attractions in Brazil

Brazil Travel Guide to Top Tourist Attractions

 

Brazil is the largest nation in both Latin and South America. In fact, at 8.5 million square kilometers and brimming with more than 211 million people, Brazil is the 5th largest country in the world by area and 6th most populous. As the biggest country in South America, Brazil actually occupies nearly half the continent. Almost all of it sits in the Southern Hemisphere, and a main part of its tropical with huge expanses of rainforest loaded with exotic wildlife and plants. 

Brazil's extensive Atlantic coast is lined with gorgeous golden sandy beaches, while its interior contains mineral resources. In fact, real gold from Brazil's old mines today lines Portugal's churches, the colonial power ruling Brazil till 1822. This powerful influence from Portugal is obvious in Brazil's colonial architecture, in the language itself, and in decorative arts like glazed tiles found in convents and churches. 

Tourists will find Brazil to be both a tropical heaven and a fun cultural destination with all sorts of attractions to satisfy the most discriminating taste, from world-renowned art museums, beach holidays, jungle explorations to the fabulous pulsing rhythms and sounds coming from Rio's Carnival. 

Use this Brazil travel guide to discover the top tourist attractions in Brazil. 

1) Cristo Redentor.  With arms widely stretched out 28 meters, as if to embrace the whole of humanity, the massive Art Deco statue representing Jesus Christ, better known as Cristo Redentor, is gazing out over Rio de Janeiro as well as the bay from the peak of Corcovado. It stands 709 meters high on top of the Tijuca National Park, and a rack railway actually climbs 3.5 kilometers to its peak, where a wide plaza is surrounding the statue. 

Constructed in 1931, the tall 30-meter statue was the artwork of French-Polish sculptor Paul Landowski and engineer Heitor da Silva Costa; the work is built of reinforced soapstone and concrete. The broad base encloses a nice chapel which is popular for constant weddings. 

A mid-point halt on the railway will lead you to trails along the Tijuca National Park, which is a very large forest protecting waterfalls, springs, and a rather broad diversity of tropical plants, birds, and butterflies. Many more equally scenic viewpoints unfold as you advance within the park.

2) Sugar Loaf.  The rounded stone peak of Sugar Loaf which sticks out towering 394 meters above the city and sandy beaches, is a fast recognized symbol of Rio de Janeiro. Tourists will want to climb to its summit to get amazing views of the harbor, Rio, and for the excitement of rising suspended inside a cable vehicle. 

Rio's initial settlement started below that peak, close to the Praia da Urca beach, and you can now enjoy touring the 3 early forts such as the star-looking Fort Sao Joao.

3) Copacabana.  Downtown Rio's famous area while following Avenida Nossa Senhora de Copacabana, is bordered through one side thanks to 4 kilometers of interrupting surf and lovely white sand. The beach is divided from traffic and buildings by a wide promenade that's paved in white and black mosaic in a fashionable undulating pattern that recalls memories of streets of an earlier Lisbon, Portugal. 

The beach is not only for show; it's a popular spot crowded with swimmers, sun-lovers, and children erecting sandcastles. If you walk here, you'll run into cafes, restaurants, smart stores, and nice old buildings from the times when Rio was once Brazil's capital. One of such hot spots is the Copacabana Palace, now protected like a national monument. Stepping inside, you could readily imagine seeing the movie stars and royalty who must have lived here.

4) Carnaval.  There are hardly any shows that can rival Rio's Carnaval extravaganza on account of its action, color, sound, and exuberance. Be quite certain that this isn't only another out-of-control street party, but actually a well-planned showpiece which spectators could admire as they see samba dancers competing in the parades that show off their skills in the famed Samborombón with its series of grandstand boxes, dressed in brilliant costumes.

 

5) Ipanema.  Past Copacabana's beaches, the beautiful white sands merge into the comparably famous beaches found in Ipanema. In fact, the same type of design of Copacabana's broad promenade goes on here, which separates from the nearby line of art galleries, hotels, cafes, restaurants, including cinemas which make this a fun social place--all year-round. 

Further along, past the Jardirn de Ala Canal, the beaches of Leblon are situated. Families prefer these beaches. Sunday happens to be very busy, alive with music, handcrafts, art, music, street food, as well as the Feira da Artesanato de Ipanema and antiquated market at Praca de Quentaland. 

But Ipanema's and Leblon's waves could be exceedingly strong and unpredictable, so be super alert and careful where exactly you swim. Follow the example of the locals and keep out if no one else is swimming at a certain spot. If you are interested in surfing, proceed to the area between Ipanema and Copacabana, where you'll likely find local surfers hanging out.

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