10 Top Tourist Attractions in Marrakech

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10 Top Tourist Attractions in Marrakech -
Formerly one of Morocco imperial capitals, Marrakech (also spelled Marrakesh) is an exotic city luring visitors with its Moroccan charm. Whether travelers arrive on the express or tour the city with thoughts of Charles Boyer and his Kasbah at the fore, all will be enchanted by what they find. Whether haggling for a bargain in a souk or watching a snake charmer at work, this medieval North African city will always find something new to tempt visitors with. An overview of the top tourist attractions in Marrakech:




10Menara gardens
Menara gardenswikipedia/Acp
The Menara gardens are popular with locals and visitors alike since they provide a cool place to escape the heat of Marrakesh’s scorching summer days. The original purpose of the 12th century gardens was to provide a place for people to cool off and grow crops. Smaller gardens are built around a large arterial lake that is fed by canals. Palm, olive and fruit trees grow in the orchards, so visitors can usually see pruners and pickers at work. A good place to view the gardens is from the pavilion or minzeh, once used by a sultan and his family, that overlooks the pool.

9Saadian Tombs
Saadian Tombsflickr/frankdouwes
The Saadian Tomb were used as a burial place for royalty and nobility for a couple of hundred years starting in the mid-16th century. The last burial took place in 1792, and then the tombs were neglected, until they were rediscovered in 1917. The tombs consist of two main mausoleums where 66 people are buried, while another 100 are buried in the gardens, with their gravestones covered in tile. The buildings are imposing, plain in some places and highly decorative in others.

8El Badi Palace
El Badi Palaceflickr/Jonybraker
El Badi Palace may be in ruins today, but it was once an ornate palace that was funded by ransom paid by the Portuguese after the Battle of the Three Kings in the mid-16th century. Only the most lavish and expensive materials were used during the 25 years it took to construct the palace. Gold and onyx were used throughout, with the sultan trading sugar for the Italian marble used in the columns. The palace had 360 rooms and several pavilions. A later sultan raided the building of its lush materials and furnishings for his own palace; as a result, only ruins remain today.
7Koutoubia Mosque
Koutoubia Mosque
The Koutoubia Mosque is a Marrakesh landmark, towering over the southwest medina of the city. Dating back to the 12th century, the mosque stands out, easily since its minaret is 77 meters (253 feet) high, as Marrakesh’s largest mosque. While other roads may all lead to Rome, In Marrakesh they lead to the mosque. During the French Occupation, the mosque was used as the central point for the network of roads. The red stone mosque has six rooms, one on top of another, so designed to keep people on the minaret from looking in on the king’s harem. Non-Muslims are not allowed inside.
6Bahia Palace
Bahia Palace
It took the best workers in Morocco 60 years to build Bahia Palace, found in the medina or old quarter of Marrakesh. The collection of one big house and several small ones into a palace was certainly worth the wait. Built in the 19th century for a grand vizier, it incorporates the best of Islamic and Moroccan influences. The palace today receives state visitors to Morocco. Because it is a working government building, not all rooms are open to the public, but some of those that are include the harem quarters and gardens.
5Jardin Majorelle
Jardin Majorellewikipedia/Viault
When it comes time to relax in busy Marrakesh, savvy travelers will head to Jardin Majorelle, an oasis of beautiful flowers, lush greenery and patios where visitors can sit and refresh their senses. The garden is named for the French painter, Jacques Majorelle, who spent 40 years creating it after he moved to Morocco. Since 1980 the garden has been owned by Yves Saint-Laurent and Pierre Bergé. The garden is small by some standards, but is exquisitely designed with exotic plants, fountains and meandering pathways, all with the aim of reminding visitors of some aspect of Morocco.
4Ben Youssef Madrasa
Ben Youssef Madrasaflickr/just_a_cheeseburger
Ben Youssef Madrasa was once a theological college devoted to teaching of the Quran. Once the largest learning center in North Africa, it housed up to 00 students at a time. The madras is centered around a large courtyard, with an elaborately decorated prayer hall in back. Now an historic site, the madrasa is marked by distinctive architecture, which is reminiscent of the Alhambra in Spain. Inscriptions in Arabic can be found throughout the complex. Visitors say it’s worth a visit to see the mosaics and 14th century architecture.
3Marrakech Medina
Marrakech Medinaflickr/Evan Williams
The old medina of Marrakech is full of intertwining narrow passageways and local shops full of character. The Medina is also the place to stay in a Riad, a Moroccan house with an internal courtyard. Most windows are inward facing towards the central atrium. This design suits Islamic tradition, as there is no obvious wealth statement being made externally, no windows to peer through. They are great places to stay and offer an intimate and relaxing retreat.
2Marrakech Souks
Marrakech Souksflickr/jbdodane
Shoppers in the souks of Marrakesh are in for a mind-boggling experience. The city has five main souks, each devoted to a single product. There’s one for carpets and another for traditional Moroccan leather slippers known as babouches; note bright yellow slippers are intended for men. A third centers around metalworking, while another sells a fragrant array of spices. The Mellah or Jewish Quarter isn’t really a souk, but it’s a good place to buy fabrics, trims and notions. Haggling is expected; shoppers should start their initial price at no more than half what the merchant is seeking.
1Djemaa el Fna
#1 of Tourist Attractions In Marrakech
Djemaa el Fna, located in the medina, is the main square in the city as well as the most popular tourist attraction in Marrakesh. It also is a market, where travelers can buy orange juice or watch a snake charmer at work. As the day moves on, the snake charmers are placed with traditional dancers and magicians, who are replaced themselves by food stalls. A souk selling daily necessities is on one side, hotels on another. The colorful market square may be familiar to moviegoers, since it was featured in the Hitchcock film, The Man Who Knew Too Much.
10 Top Tourist Attractions in Marrakech10 Top Tourist Attractions in Marrakech

7 Most Popular Ayutthaya Attractions

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7 Most Popular Ayutthaya Attractions -

As the former capital of the Thai Kingdom, Ayutthaya was an impressive site, with three palaces and more than 400 temples. Home to over a million people, the island city was one of Asia’s major trading ports and international merchants visiting from around the globe were left in awe. In 1767, the Burmese attacked and conquered Ayutthaya. The majority of the once magnificent reliquary towers, monasteries, temples and palaces were destroyed during this invasion. However, several structures have been restored and tourists are welcome to visit these wonderful Ayutthaya attractions.

7Wat Phu Khao Thong
Wat Phu Khao Thongflickr/Dave_B_

Out in the flat plain of rice fields and fish ponds, northwest of Ayutthaya rises the stark white stupa of Wat Phu Khao Thong. The name literally translates to “Golden Mount.” The original chedi on the site was built in 1569 by the Burmese during a brief occupation of Ayutthaya. When they were finally run out of the city, Buddhist law prohibited the Thais from pulling down this reminder of Burmese occupation. They had to put up with it for nearly 0 years until the temple finally collapsed due to lack of maintenance. King Borommakot promptly put up the chedi more or less as you see today on the Burmese base. Visitors can climb halfway up, from which the surrounding rice fields and the town of Ayutthaya can be seen.

6Wat Ratchaburana
Wat Ratchaburanaflickr/hko_s

Wat Ratchaburana was founded in 1424 by King Borommarachathirat II on the cremation site of his two elder brothers. The two brothers had fought to their deaths in a duel for the royal succession. The temple’s main prang (tower-like spire) is one of the finest in the city. The prang’s crypt, accessible by steep stairs, houses faded frescoes. The crypt’s Buddha images, now housed in the Chao Sam Phraya Museum, exhibit both Khmer and Sukhothai influences.

5Wat Phanan Choeng
Wat Phanan Choeng

On the south side of Ayutthaya, right where the Chaophraya and Pasak rivers meet, is one of Ayutthaya’s oldest temples. The large wihan, the highest building within the temple complex, houses an immense gilded 19 meter (63 feet) high seated Buddha from 1334. On the walls of the wihan are hundreds of niches containing small buddha images. Each Buddha represents a donation to the temple. If you make a big enough donation (about 500 Baht at least) you can get your own Buddha placed on the wall.

4Wat Phra Si Sanphet
Wat Phra Si Sanphetflickr/Andrea Schaffer

Wat Phra Si Sanphet was built by King Boromatrailokanat in 1448 as his private chapel within the grounds of the former royal palace. It was reportedly one of the grandest temples in the ancient capital, and it is still one of the best preserved on the island. The temple took its name from the large standing Buddha image erected there in 1503. The statue stood 16 meters (53 feet) tall and was covered with more than 150 kilograms (330 pounds) of gold. The Buddha was smashed to pieces when the Burmese sacked the city. King Rama I collected the remaining pieces and placed them in a chedi at Wat Po in Bangkok. Today, the distinctive three pagodas of Wat Phra Si Sanphet are one of the most famous sights in Ayutthaya.

3Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon
Wat Yai Chai Mongkhonflickr/secruza

Wat Yai Chai Mongkol (or Wat Chao Phaya Thai) is an active temple in the southeastern part of the ancient city. An impressively large Reclining Buddha statue lies in the temple grounds. The temple was built in the 1357 during the reign of King U Thong, the first ruler of Ayutthaya. A large chedi was built in 1592 to celebrate King Naresuan’s single-handed defeat of the then Burmese crown prince in a duel on elephants.

2Wat Chaiwatthanaram
Wat Chaiwatthanaram

Wat Chaiwatthanaram lies on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, just outside the old city of Ayutthaya. The Khmer-style temple was constructed in 1630 by King Prasat Thong to honor his mother. Situated atop a rectangular platform, a 35-meter (115-foot) high central prang (tower-like spire) is surrounded by four small prangs, which are in turn flanked by eight chedi (stupa)-shaped chapels that sit outside the platform perimeter. Buddha statues once populated the chedis and the outer walls of the temple, painted vividly in gold and black, but fragments are all that remain of these decorative elements.

1Wat Phra Mahathat
#1 of Attractions In Ayutthaya

Wat Mahathat (Temple of the Great Relics) is located almost right in the center of Ayutthaya. Apart from being the symbolic center where the Buddha’s relics were enshrined, Wat Mahathat was also the residence of the Supreme Patriarch or leader of the Thai Buddhist monks. At the fall of Ayutthaya in 1767, the large temple was quite thoroughly ransacked by the Burmese. Still, it is one of the most popular attractions in Ayutthaya due to the famous tree that has grown around a Buddha head.

7 Most Popular Ayutthaya Attractions7 Most Popular Ayutthaya Attractions

8 Most Popular Attractions in Vientiane

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8 Most Popular Attractions in Vientiane -
Vientiane is a good place to chill out for travelers weary of the hectic pace of other Asian cities. The Laotian capital offers amazing Buddhist art, graceful temples and lovely gardens. Situated on the Mekong River in southern Laos, the city still has remnants of its French heritage, a time when it was part of French Indochina. An overview of the most popular attractions in Vientiane:


8Haw Phra Kaew
Haw Phra Kaew
Haw Phra Kaew is considered one of the most beautiful and impressive temples in Vientiane. Built in 1565 as the chapel for the royal family, Haw Phra Kaew was home for a while to the Emerald Buddha that was stolen from Thailand. The name of this gracious building translates to the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, though the Thais stole the statue back in the 18th century. It is now a museum, no longer used for religious services. The temple is famous for its wood and stone carvings, and collection of Buddhas. With a dragon guarding the temple, visitors can sit in peace in the garden to rest or meditate.

7Lao National Museum
Lao National Museumflickr/joaquinuy
The Lao National Museum is a good place to learn about the Lao people from prehistoric times on as well as spend a few hours out of the sun. It’s located in an old French colonial building that is falling apart and some of the exhibits are faded, but this doesn’t detract from the contents. The bottom floor concentrates on the country’s early history, with dinosaur bones and pottery shards. The upper floor deals with a more modern Laos, including French colonization and fight for independence, and United States’ presence during the Vietnam War.

6COPE Visitor Centre
COPE Visitor Centreflickr/CMC
Laos is the most heavily bombed country in history, with about 30 percent of the ordinance failing to explode properly. Even though Laos is at peace now, these devices are still going off, killing and maiming people. COPE, short for Cooperative Orthotics and Prosthetics Enterprise, works to rehabilitate people whose lives have been destroyed by these devices, which include bombs and grenades. Visitors to the center can learn more about the problem of unexploded devices in Laos as well as the treatment provided to victims. An excellent gift shop offers fun, offbeat souvenirs that support a good cause.
5Wat Si Saket
Wat Si Saketflickr/snotch
Wat Si Saket is a Vientiane temple that is famous for a wall that contains hundreds of seated Buddhists sitting before thousands of tiny images in soft triangular shaped openings in the wall. The 6,800 images are made from wood, stone and bronze. This amazing collection of Buddhist art dates from the 16th to the 18th centuries. Savvy travelers will visit the temple early in the morning for the colorful Buddhist services. The oldest Buddhist monastery in Laos, Wat Si Sake sports a graceful architectural style that is enhanced with verandas and a five-tiered roof.
4Buddha Park
Buddha Parkwikipedia/GuillaumeG
Buddha Park, with its amazing collection of Buddhist and Hindu statues, is adjacent to the Mekong River about 24 km (15 miles) from Vientiane. It contains more than 0 statues, including a 40-meter (131-foot) high statue of a sleeping Buddha. Travelers who want the best pictures of this famous sculpture park will need to deal with the demon. Shutterbugs need to climb a stone ladder three stories to the top of a pumpkin structure; the entrance is shaped like a demon’s mouth. The park’s best known statues include a Hindu god riding a three-headed elephant and another god with 12 faces and lots of hands.
3Patuxai
Patuxai
Patuxai is reminiscent of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris but with Laotian characteristics, including four arches and five ornate towers at the top. The arch or gateway, as it translates, was built to commemorate Laos gaining its independence from France. This Vientiane attraction is dedicated to the Laotian soldiers who died in World War II and in the battles for independence from France. Patuxai is sometimes known as the “vertical runway” because it was built with American money and materials intended for a new airport. Visitors can climb up to the 7th story for a nice view of Vientiane.
2Vientiane riverfront
Vientiane riverfrontflickr/DerFussi
When the workday is over in Vientiane, locals head to the riverfront, which teems with a smorgasbord of activities. Located on the Mekong River that separates Vientiane from Thailand, visitors will find a colorful night market, lined with stalls selling daily necessities and food to snack on while walking the promenade. Travelers also may want to relax at a bar with a Beerlao while watching the sun set or fishermen at work. They’ll also find kids playing soccer and elders doing their nightly exercises. It’s the happening’est place in Vientiane.
1Pha That Luang
#1 of Attractions In Vientianeflickr/A_E_P
Located in the center of Vientiane, Pha That Luang (“Great Stupa in Lao”) is one of the most significant monument in Laos. The stupa has several terraces with each level representing a different stage of Buddhist enlightenment. The lowest level represents the material world; the highest level represents the world of nothingness. Pha That Luang was built in the 16th century on the ruins of an earlier Khmer temple. Pha That Luang was smashed by a Siamese invasion in 1828, then later reconstructed by the French in 1931.
8 Most Popular Attractions in Vientiane8 Most Popular Attractions in Vientiane

10 Top Things to do in La Paz

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10 Top Things to do in La Paz -
La Paz is a city that isn’t on every traveler’s radar, but it should be. It’s an amazing city, set among the Andes Mountains and is the highest capital in the world. As Bolivia’s largest city there is a wealth of things to do in La Paz: great museums, stunning views of the mountains and the opportunity to get around by cable car rather than a boring public bus. Warm clothes are a must, almost any time of year, and do take time to get used to the high altitude before doing serious touring.


10Chacaltaya Ski Resort
Chacaltaya Ski Resortflickr/Felipe Ernesto
Chacaltaya Ski Resort was Bolivia’s only ski resort. Unfortunately, the 18,000-year-old glacier it sat on no longer exists. Little remains today of what was once the world’s highest ski resort because the glacier melted, a victim of global warming. There’s been no skiing here since 05. But the resort had a glorious past, once that included the first funicular in South America to carry skiers to the top. Chacaltaya however does offer spectacular views of La Paz, Illimani and Huayna Potosí and a ’50s-style stone ski lodge still remains on the mountain. It’s a high-altitude, relatively easy 100-meter (330-foot) or so climb from the lodge to the summit of Chacaltaya.

9Plaza Murillo
Plaza Murilloflickr/Dimitry B
Surrounded by government buildings, including the Presidential Palace, and a cathedral, Plaza Murillo is the central square in La Paz. From the 16th century on, the square, located in what is now the old town, was called the Plaza Mayor, but its name was changed in 102 to honor Pedro Murillo, a Bolivian leader who was hung by the Spanish in the 1810 independence revolt. The square is filled with pigeons, people feeding them and people resting on benches when the city’s high altitude overcomes them. The plaza is also a place where many city celebrations take place.

8Witches' Market
Witches' Marketflickr/myguerrilla
Visitors may want to take an amulet to ward off evil spirits when they go to the Witches Market or Mercado de las Brujas. This isn’t the normal market, unless, of course, one wants to buy dried frogs or llama fetuses, which are the market’s specialty. Llama fetuses are buried in new building and businesses as an offering to the goddess Pachamama.. Herb and folk remedies also are available as are products used to manipulate spirits that exist in the native world.
7Huayna Potosi
Huayna Potosiflickr/Justin Vidamo
Experienced hikers and mountain climbers may want to give Huayna Potosi a try, but only if they’re fully acclimatized to high altitudes. Located about 24 km (15 miles) from La Paz, this is the most popular spot for hiking in the area. The trek over glaciers is not recommended for beginners, though some have done it. The hike takes two to three days, the first of which is spent practicing for the climb ahead. Mt. Potosi is 6,000 meters (nearly 20,000 feet) high; hikers leave about 3 a.m. to start the climb to the summit on the final day.
6Basilica of San Francisco
Basilica of San Franciscoflickr/myguerrilla
The Basilica of San Francisco predates the founding of La Paz by a year. Construction on the church, dedicated to St. Francisco of Assisi, started in 1548. In 1610, heavy snows caused it to collapse; more than 170 years would pass before it was rebuilt. The church is a blend of cultures: Bolivian native and Catholic art. Its Baroque exterior is decorated with native symbols, including birds, snakes and dragons. The interior has gold-leaf decorated small cedar chapels. Great views of La Paz can be seen from the rooftop.
5Calle Jaen
Calle Jaenflickr/David Baggins
Calle Jaen, near the Plaza Murillo, is a cobblestone street that is considered the finest colonial street in La Paz. The narrow street is lined with brightly colored houses built in the 16th century. Boutiques, cafes and entertainment spots also make up the street’s complexion. Named after the Bolivian revolutionist Apolinar Jaen, Calle Jaen also is home to some of the most important museums in La Paz. They include the Museum do Pre Metales Precioso; the Museo del Libral Boliviano, which commemorates a battle Bolivia lost against Chile, and Museo Costumbrista Juan de Vargas, which contains colorful artifacts from La Paz’s history.
4Valle de la Luna
Valle de la Luna, La Paz
Only a handful of people will ever travel to the moon, but those who want to see what it’s like can visit Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley) just a few miles outside of La Paz. Not really a valley, but an amazing collection of canyons and spires that are reminiscent of the moon’s landscape. The clay and sandstone terrain was formed by erosion over the millennia. Because of mineral content, the rock formations present a colorful scene, ranging from beige to dark purple. This moon valley does have something the real moon doesn’t have: cactus.
3Cycle the Yungas Road
Yungas Roadwikipedia/Ilosuna
Dubbed the “World’s Most Dangerous Road” Yungas Road runs from La Paz to Bolivia’s Amazon rainforest region in the north of the country. From La Paz, the road climbs around 4,500 meters (15,000 feet) before descending around 1,0 meters (4,000 feet) to the town of Coroico. The road has proved dangerous for those traveling in vehicles, but Yungas has become a favorite thing to do in La Paz for mountain bikers who rave about the 65-km (40-mile) long stretch of downhill riding from La Cumbre back to the city.
2Day trip to Tiwanaku
Tiwanakuflickr/_tom_
Located 72 km (44 miles) west of La Paz, near the south-eastern shore of Lake Titicaca, Tiwanaku is one of the most important precursors to the Inca Empire. The community grew to urban proportions between the 7th and 9th centuries, becoming an important regional power in the southern Andes. At its peak the city had between 15,000–30,000 inhabitants. While only a small part has been excavated, Tiwanaku represents the greatest megalithic architectural achievement of pre-Inca South America.
1Mi Teleferico
#1 of Things To Do In La Pazflickr/David Baggins
Travelers looking for a different way to get around La Paz may want to consider Mi Teleferico or My Cable Car. It’s a great way to get bird’s eye views of the city while moving around. The state-of-the-art cable car system opened in 2014 with three lines serving 10 stations; additional lines are planned. When it opened, it was the longest aerial cable car system in the world at 10 km (6.2 miles). The Red and Yellow lines connect La Paz with nearby El Alto, a city that is time-consuming to reach by car because of ground traffic.
10 Top Things to do in La Paz10 Top Things to do in La Paz

10 Top Tourist Attractions in Toronto

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10 Top Tourist Attractions in Toronto -
With more than 2.6 million people, Toronto is the largest city in Canada, ensuring the capital of Ontario province offers plenty of things for visitors to see and do. The list of tourist attractions in Toronto includes world-class museums, great shopping, a smorgasbord of dining options, and summer and winter outdoors activities. The city is known for its professional sports teams, including baseball’s Blue Jays and hockey’s Maple Leafs. Toronto is a vibrant city, with its large Chinatown, its restored Victorian buildings and its modern-day skyscrapers.


10Hockey Hall of Fame
Hockey Hall of Fameflickr/prasad.om
Toronto is ice hockey country and has been since 1917 with the founding of the Toronto Maple Leafs. It’s also home to the Hockey Hall of Fame, which makes it a must-see attraction for visitors who love this exciting sport. Home to the prestigious Stanley Cup, the museum features the greatest players in this sport as well as explains its history through artifacts and film. It also has state-of-the-art interactive multi-media exhibits that allow visitors to project themselves playing against the professionals or to become play-by-play broadcasters.

9Toronto Eaton Centre
Toronto Eaton Centreflickr/detsang
Visitors can shop till they drop at Eaton Centre, Toronto’s premier shopping mall. Hungry visitors can take a break at one of the mall’s many restaurants, which range from fast foot to ethnic cuisine. Altogether, Eaton Centre has more than 235 stores and restaurants, right in Toronto’s city center. This huge complex, which also contains offices, gets around a million visitors a week, making it the most popular attraction in Toronto. Unfortunately, visitors won’t be able to shop at Eaton’s, the department store chain for which it is named, since it is no longer in business.

8High Park
High Park
High Park is for anyone who wants to enjoy the outdoors. Toronto’s largest public park has hiking trails, a playground for children, gardens and a zoo, among other amenities. It also has a waterfront since it is on Grenadier Pond filled with ducks and other marine birds; the best view is from the observation deck at Hillside Gardens. For visitors who prefer more activity than walking the nature trails, the park also has an outdoor swimming pool, baseball diamonds and tennis courts. A “maple leaf” made up of flowers or other vegetation is considered the park’s most famous landmark.
7Royal Ontario Museum
Royal Ontario Museum
The Royal Ontario Museum says it’s one of Toronto’s favorite museums. With the variety of exhibitions it holds, it’s hard to dispute that claim. The museum combines natural history with world cultures, with exhibits ranging from dinosaurs and prehistoric peoples to textiles and biodiversity. There are plenty of hands-on and interactive exhibits to increase visitors’ knowledge of the past and present. It is home to the largest collection of Chinese architectural exhibits outside of China, but also has extensive collections of artifacts from other countries, including Africa and the Middle East.
6Casa Loma
Casa Loma
Casa Loma is a Toronto landmark that’s hard to miss. It’s a huge castle that has stood out since the moment it was built on a hill in the early 20th century. Casa Loma was the dream of a wealthy man who always wanted to live in a castle, so he built one. Casa Loma has 98 rooms and was the largest house in Toronto when it was built. It also has secret passageways, lovely gardens, a library, a hunting lodge and even an elevator. Three hundred people worked three years to construct this magnificent complex.
5Ripley's Aquarium of Canada
Ripley's Aquarium of Canadaflickr/Jamie McCaffrey
Wow doesn’t begin to describe Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada, which has 16,000 aquatic animals all swimming in one tank. The tank is not your ordinary home fish tank, however. It’s filled with more than 1.5 million gallons (5.7 million liters) of water. Visitors observe all this marine life by walking through an underwater tunnel that is North America’s largest viewing tunnel. See sharks, sting rays and other sea life up close. The aquarium has more than 100 interactive exhibits to teach visitors more about marine life. Live shows starring the animals are presented every two hours.
4Toronto Islands
Toronto Islands
Toronto Islands is another hot-spot recreation destination. Located just offshore a ferry ride away from Toronto proper, they are the only islands in this part of Lake Ontario. Since only a few vehicles are permitted, they are the largest urban car-free zone in North America. Recreation opportunities abound, from swimming and kayaking to biking and Frisbee golf. Centerville, located on the largest island, Centre, is a 100s style amusement park for children, complete with miniature railway and antique carousel. Toronto Islands also hosts annual arts and rock music festivals.
3Distillery District
Distillery Districtflickr/Kevin Cabral
The Distillery District is the place for visitors to go when they want to experience the charm of Victorian Toronto. Set in the historic district just a short walk from downtown, this pedestrian-only shopping area centers around restored buildings that were once the Gooderman & Worts whiskey distillery. Considered one of the hottest spots in Canada, visitors will find more than 80 retail shops, boutiques and eateries as well as art galleries and entertainment venues. The district hosts a number of events, including art shows and music festivals, throughout the year.
2St. Lawrence Market
St. Lawrence Marketflickr/stu_spivack
Travelers are shopping in history when they visit St. Lawrence Market, which has been a going concern on the site since 1803. Today it’s contained in three buildings, including one for specialty foods, another for a Saturday farmer’s market and a third that has retail shops. The South Market is home to 0 shops selling specialty foods, such as brads and produce; Toronto’s cultural services are showcased on the second floor. The North Market hosts the Saturday farmer’s market that began in 1803; on Sundays it becomes an antique market. Built in 1850, the St. Lawrence Hall houses retail businesses.
1CN Tower
#1 of Tourist Attractions In Torontoflickr/Scarleth White
Located in the heart of Downtown Toronto, the CN Tower is Canada’s most recognizable icon. The communication tower was built from 1973 to 1976 by the railway company “Canadian National” and standing 553.33 meters (1,815.4 ft) tall was the tallest structure in the world for over 30 years until it was surpassed in height by the Burj Dubai. A glass elevator takes visitors up to where they can look out from behind glass windows or from an outside observing area through a metal screen. Restaurant diners with reservations can avoid the queues for the observatory, and at night the lights from distant Rochester, New York are visible over the lake.
10 Top Tourist Attractions in Toronto10 Top Tourist Attractions in Toronto

11 Most Amazing Hotels in Greece

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11 Most Amazing Hotels in Greece -
There are many reasons to stay in Greece. The country is the birthplace of democracy, the Olympics, and a host of beautiful myths of gods, goddesses, and heroes. It has a plethora of spectacular ruins and art pieces in every corner of the country to explore, many of which are thousands of years old.
People here are festive and warm, and bring with them a culture and cuisine that celebrates what is great about living here. The beauty of the Mediterranean Sea and breathtaking islands like Santorini, Mykonos and Crete make it one of the world’s most spectacular sites.
The choices of hotels in Greece are vast, and there is a perfect fit to be found for the family or the solo traveler, the budget-conscious, the ecotourist, and the high-end luxury nomad. Furnishings range from simplistic to lavish, and from ancient to hip and ultra-modern. Locations can be far from the beaten path and authentically Greek, a slice of the home country in a foreign land with all of the expected amenities, or urban and full of new adventures to experience.
One of the most breathtaking aspects of some of the island hotels is their position built right into cliffsides hanging over the turquoise sea. Here is a look at some of the more unique and spectacular hotels that Greece has to offer:
11Astra Suites, Santorini
Astra Suites, Santorini
This multi-tiered cliffside resort in Santorini is designed as a modern interpretation of a traditional Cycladic village. It is perched with a perfect view of a dormant volcano caldera over the deep blue Aegean Sea. The Astra Suites hotel constantly wins top 25 in the world accolades, and the high end suites offer luxuries like private heated swimming pools. Its location near the smaller town of Imerovigli allows for all of the culture with fewer crowds. This is perfect for those who want the privacy of romance with opportunity for adventure.
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10Bill & Coo Suites And Lounge, Mykonos
Bill & Coo Suites And Lounge, Mykonosflickr/
This boutique hotel is a few miles outside of the town of Mykonos, and features 24 luxury suites perched along an infinity pool over Megali Armos bay. The name comes from the slang term, “to bill and coo,” meaning to whisper endearments, and takes on a double meaning here, as it is a perfect place for couples, and every aspect of the resort from rooms to spa and Mediterranean-influenced gourmet restaurant is designed to make guests feel pampered and cared for.
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9Anemi, Folegandros
Anemi, Folegandros
The Anemi Hotel consists of several white plaster block buildings along the gray rocky coast of the island of Folegandros. The sleek modern design of these buildings uses accents of stone from the island to create a clean, natural elegant aesthetic. The hotel is family friendly, and offers children’s programs and a kid’s cinema and children’s pool onsite. Special accommodations like pillows to prevent cervical issues are touted on their site and available for guests with special needs.
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8Sani Asterias Suites, Halkidiki
Sani Asterias Suites, Halkidiki
This family-friendly boutique hotel sits right on the white sands of the Aegean, and goes out of their way to be kid-friendly. Rooms at the Sani Asterias Suites are spacious with plenty of room for larger family groups. The grounds are expansive with plenty of green lawn for play, shallow pools for safety approaching the water, and childcare in the form of organized activity or babysitting services.
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7Mystique Santorini
Mystique Santorini
This five-star Starwood hotel sits in the hills of Oia and offers guests all kinds of luxuries. Access to outdoor sporting events like horseback riding and scuba, infinity pools, and Asian and European spas are just the beginning of the amenities at the Mystique Santorini. High-end clients can request luxury items like butler service and private helicopter transportation to and from the mainland. Rooms consist of suites and villas, and all have luxurious in-room jacuzzis, though amenities increase from there.
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6Lindos Mare Hotel
Lindos Mare Hotel
This hillside hotel on the island of Rhodes sits just a short walk from the town of Lindos, but feels secluded with its position over beautiful Vilha bay. The Lindos Mare Hotel can be a secluded getaway, as a stay in one of the approximately 100 rooms and suites offers a chance to enjoy the beach, freshwater pools, tennis courts, restaurants and spas. However, a walk or drive nearby offers many opportunities to see the acropolis of Lindos and historic Rhodes.
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5Mykonos Grand Hotel
Mykonos Grand Hotel
Modern luxury meets classic Greek architectural design in this five star beach resort. The Mykonos Grand Hotel is located on the beach of Aiyos Yannis, just outside of Mykonos town. Rooms range from simple to high-end suites, and guests here can choose from a number of on-site restaurants, or even pre-order a personalized dining experience as a candlelit beach meal, barbecue or picnic. Athletic facilities, spa and fitness classes is all available as well.
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4Katikies Hotel, Santorini
Katikies Hotel, Santorini
The architecture of Katikies is spectacular and unique. Carved into the white cliffs of Santorini are several levels of spectacular, one-of-a-kind rooms and suites with simple, arched roofs. On the decks are spectacular sea and island views, and turquoise pools sit on balconies perched high over the water with similar chiseled white archways. The outdoor balcony restaurant and onsite spa make this the perfect place to relax in elegant beauty and luxury.
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3Hotel Grande Bretagne, Athens
Hotel Grande Bretagne, Athens
This iconic landmark sits in the heart of Athens, just steps from the Acropolis, Syntagma Square and the Parliament. The Hotel Grande Bretagne was originally built for a Greek businessman just a decade after the nation’s independence from the Ottoman Empire. The building continues to highlight the elegance of 19th century opulence and design, and gives guests an opportunity to stay in rooms and suites fit for the royals. A rooftop garden and dining establishment allows visitors to see the sights of ancient Athens from up high.
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2Blue Palace Resort, Elounda, Crete
Blue Palace Resort, Elounda, Crete
Infinity pools and beachside spas are taken to a new level on this Crete gem. The Blue Palace Resort boasts a long pool that heads into the sea, with your choice of pool or ocean just feet away from one another. Classic Greek archways lead the pools under protected lanai areas for rainy days. Views and sailing trips to ancient Spinalonga island are easy to find here, and the resort offers both private rooms and suites as well as public gathering and wedding venues.
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1Perivolas, Santorini
#1 of Amazing Hotels In Greece
The stark beauty of the Perivolas lies in both location and architecture. Built into the cliffs overlooking the Aegean sea, this hotel offers a number of infinity pools that appear to hang straight over into these ancient waters. The hotel is a restoration of traditional Santorini cave homes that once housed fishermen and farmers, and is a celebration of traditional architecture with a luxury twist. Circular doorways and built-in arched recesses for beds and tables, hot tubs in the floor of rooms and balconies with water views are just some of the treats to discover here.
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11 Most Amazing Hotels in Greece11 Most Amazing Hotels in Greece