Rankings: Villages of Central Mexico

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10. Tepotzotlan

An excerpt from Central Italy Part 2:

... In this church, you'll see a marble slab which is said to contain the footprints of Jesus himself. There's definitely a Hollywood Walk of Fame vibe going on here but Jesus was basically the world's first celebrity so it all makes sense.

Click here for more things to do near Church of Domine Quo Vadi.

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9. Malinalco

An excerpt from Central Italy Part 2:

You're probably asking why we would send you to such a crummy-looking old church, when Rome has some of the most beautiful churches in the world... this church has been around since the 5th century... Be sure to check out the doors, nave, and the sole-surviving mosaic, all originals from that time.

Click here for more things to do near Santa Sabina All'Aventino.

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8. Huasca de ocampo

An excerpt from Central Italy Part 1:

... In Rome, you'll see many beautiful domes but none quite like this one. It looks normal as you approach, but stand directly under it and you'll realize that it isn't even a dome at all. It's an optical illusion painted because the builders lacked the funds to build a real dome.

Click here for more things to do near Chiesa di Sant Ignazio.

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7. valle de bravo

An excerpt from Central Italy Part 1:

... if your legs haven't fallen off yet and you're willing to climb a hundred stairs, you'll find an impressive interior with tons of chandeliers along the flanks and before the altar, plus the famous frescoes of Pinturicchio.

Click here for more things to do near Basilica di Santa Maria in Ara Coeli.

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6. taxco

An excerpt from Central Italy - Part 1:

... There are a couple things that are unique about this basilica. St. Paul is buried here, only two miles from where he was martyred... Finally, notice the portraits of the popes above you. There are only a few spots remaining, leading some to believe that when all the spots are filled, the world will end...

Click here for more things to do near St. Paul Outside the Walls.

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5. tepoztlan

An excerpt from Central Italy Part 1:

...Yes, the Pantheon is touristy, but for good reason. It remains one of the best-preserved buildings from ancient Rome and it's dome is the largest unreinforced concrete dome in the world, a feat that remains even nearly 2,000 years later...

Click here for more things to do near The Pantheon.

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4. jalpan de serra

An excerpt from Central Italy Part 1:

Cool Pope: "...got some expensive art down in here. Michelangelo's Pieta to the right of the entrance. There's Bernini's baldachin over the altar upfront. Statue of St. Peter to the right of the altar. You can also check out the Grottoes from here. All the popes that got capped, they buried down in there. I'd take you down there myself, but it gives me the creeps."

Click here for more things to do near St. Peter's Basilica.

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3. cuernavaca

An excerpt from Central Italy Part 1:

Cool Pope: "...got some expensive art down in here. Michelangelo's Pieta to the right of the entrance. There's Bernini's baldachin over the altar upfront. Statue of St. Peter to the right of the altar. You can also check out the Grottoes from here. All the popes that got capped, they buried down in there. I'd take you down there myself, but it gives me the creeps."

Click here for more things to do near St. Peter's Basilica.

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2. san miguel de allende

An excerpt from Central Italy Part 1:

Cool Pope: "...got some expensive art down in here. Michelangelo's Pieta to the right of the entrance. There's Bernini's baldachin over the altar upfront. Statue of St. Peter to the right of the altar. You can also check out the Grottoes from here. All the popes that got capped, they buried down in there. I'd take you down there myself, but it gives me the creeps."

Click here for more things to do near St. Peter's Basilica.

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1. tequisquiapan

An excerpt from Central Italy Part 1:

Cool Pope: "...got some expensive art down in here. Michelangelo's Pieta to the right of the entrance. There's Bernini's baldachin over the altar upfront. Statue of St. Peter to the right of the altar. You can also check out the Grottoes from here. All the popes that got capped, they buried down in there. I'd take you down there myself, but it gives me the creeps."

Click here for more things to do near St. Peter's Basilica.

Power Rankings: Churches of Rome

7. Church of Domine Quo Vadi

An excerpt from Central Italy Part 2:

... In this church, you'll see a marble slab which is said to contain the footprints of Jesus himself. There's definitely a Hollywood Walk of Fame vibe going on here but Jesus was basically the world's first celebrity so it all makes sense.

Click here for more things to do near Church of Domine Quo Vadi.

6. Basilica di Santa Sabina all'aventino

An excerpt from Central Italy Part 2:

You're probably asking why we would send you to such a crummy-looking old church, when Rome has some of the most beautiful churches in the world... this church has been around since the 5th century... Be sure to check out the doors, nave, and the sole-surviving mosaic, all originals from that time.

Click here for more things to do near Santa Sabina All'Aventino.

5. Chiesa di Sant Ignazio di loyola

An excerpt from Central Italy Part 1:

... In Rome, you'll see many beautiful domes but none quite like this one. It looks normal as you approach, but stand directly under it and you'll realize that it isn't even a dome at all. It's an optical illusion painted because the builders lacked the funds to build a real dome.

Click here for more things to do near Chiesa di Sant Ignazio.

4. Basilica di Santa Maria in Ara Coeli

An excerpt from Central Italy Part 1:

... if your legs haven't fallen off yet and you're willing to climb a hundred stairs, you'll find an impressive interior with tons of chandeliers along the flanks and before the altar, plus the famous frescoes of Pinturicchio.

Click here for more things to do near Basilica di Santa Maria in Ara Coeli.

3. ST. Paul Outside the Walls

An excerpt from Central Italy - Part 1:

... There are a couple things that are unique about this basilica. St. Paul is buried here, only two miles from where he was martyred... Finally, notice the portraits of the popes above you. There are only a few spots remaining, leading some to believe that when all the spots are filled, the world will end...

Click here for more things to do near St. Paul Outside the Walls.

2. The pantheon

An excerpt from Central Italy Part 1:

...Yes, the Pantheon is touristy, but for good reason. It remains one of the best-preserved buildings from ancient Rome and it's dome is the largest unreinforced concrete dome in the world, a feat that remains even nearly 2,000 years later...

Click here for more things to do near The Pantheon.

1. St. peter's basilica

An excerpt from Central Italy Part 1:

Cool Pope: "...got some expensive art down in here. Michelangelo's Pieta to the right of the entrance. There's Bernini's baldachin over the altar upfront. Statue of St. Peter to the right of the altar. You can also check out the Grottoes from here. All the popes that got capped, they buried down in there. I'd take you down there myself, but it gives me the creeps."

Click here for more things to do near St. Peter's Basilica.

Tourist vs. Local: Berlin

This is not an endorsement of certain places over others; they're all featured on our site and are all worth visiting. For some people, it's important to see the main sites, while others prefer to the hidden gems. We recommend seeing them all, or as much as you can, if time allows. 

If you want to see the remains of the Berlin Wall...

WHERE THE TOURISTS GO: EAST SIDE GALLERY

An excerpt from Northern Germany - Part 1:

... The longest-remaining part of the Berlin Wall is now the longest open-air art gallery in the world. The original 1990 murals are symbolically painted on the east side of the wall, which was bare and inaccessible during the Cold War, in contrast to the west side...

Click here for more things to do near the East Side Gallery and where to stay the night.

WHAT THE LOCALS KNOW: TOPOGRAPHY OF TERROR

An excerpt from Northern Germany - Part 2:

... If you want to see what most of the wall looked like before the Cold War ended, check out the second largest remaining section outside the Topography Museum...

Click here for more things to do near Topography of Terror and where to stay the night.

If you want to commemorate the Holocaust...

WHERE THE TOURISTS GO: HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL

An excerpt from Northern Germany - Part 1:

... This unique and stunning monument is a sobering testament to a terrible time in human history. There's also a relatively small but very moving exhibition on the Holocaust underneath the monument that's worth your time...

Click here for more things to do near the Holocaust Memorial and where to stay the night.

WHAT THE LOCALS KNOW: SACHSENHAUSEN

An excerpt from Northern Germany - Part 2:

... If you've never had an opportunity to visit a concentration camp, don't pass this up. While it produced nowhere near the horrors of the death camps in Poland, Sachsenhausen still claimed the lives of 30,000 from disease, hunger, torture and brutal medical experiments. It's not an easy experience...

Click here for more things to do near Sachsenhausen and where to stay the night.

If you want to see Berlin from a distance...

WHERE THE TOURISTS GO: BERLIN TV TOWER

An excerpt from Northern Germany - Part 1:

... the best thing to do before you leave is catch a glimpse of Berlin from above, feel nostalgic, and wish you could stay longer. If you are staying longer, enjoy one last touristy sight before we take you into the real heart of Berlin... 

Click here for more things to do near the Berlin TV Tower and where to stay the night.

WHAT THE LOCALS KNOW: TEUFELSBERG

An excerpt from Northern Germany - Part 2:

... During the Cold War, it served as Field Station Berlin, a US listening station. Most of the structures of the station still remain and now serve as a massive graffiti art complex. For a small fee (euro only) you can spend several hours wandering around. Be sure to check out the view of Berlin from the roof before you leave...

Click here for more things to do near Teufelsberg and where to stay the night.

If you want to immerse yourself in Cold War history...

WHERE THE TOURISTS GO: CHECKPOINT CHARLIE

An excerpt from Northern Germany - Part 1:

... Start at the most common Cold War-era crossing point between East and West Berlin... Suffice to say it wasn't a happy place, but nowadays you'll feel like you're taking a picture with a character at Disney World...

Click here for more things to do near Checkpoint Charlie and where to stay the night.

WHAT THE LOCALS KNOW: CHECKPOINT BRAVO

An excerpt from Northern Germany - Part 3:

... Checkpoint Charlie's less-appreciated but way-cooler brother can be found on a highway just south of Berlin... It's technically private property but you can still walk around on either side of the road for a view of the crumbling remains, including several buildings, a bridge, a gas station, and the Soviet Union's dignity...

Click here for more things to do near Checkpoint Bravo and where to stay the night.

If you want to go for a relaxing boat ride...

WHERE THE TOURISTS GO: SPREE RIVER BOAT RIDE

An excerpt from Northern Germany - Part 1:

... This one-hour boat tour takes you through the heart of Berlin, past historical landmarks and other historical-looking buildings. The best part about it: you'll feel like you've seen most of Berlin without moving a muscle. And did we mention they serve cocktails...

Click here for more things to do near the Spree River and where to stay the night.

WHAT THE LOCALS KNOW: SPREEWALD BOAT RIDE

An excerpt from Northern Germany - Part 4:

... From either Lubben or Lubbenau you can hop on a two-hour boat tour on a traditional barge, propelled by punting - just like the gondolas in Venice, but less pretentious. Spreewald is home to hundreds of kilometers of waterways with several ways to explore...

Click here for more things to do near Spreewald and where to stay the night.

If you want to check out the art scene...

WHERE THE TOURISTS GO: MUSEUM ISLAND

An excerpt from Northern Germany - Part 1:

... this island holds most of the notable museums in Berlin. You can either pick a few exhibitions to see from each or just focus on one museum. We recommend spending most of your time at the Pergamon Museum, which houses life-sized replicas of famous buildings from around the world. Just be prepared to stand in line...

Click here for more things to do near Museum Island and where to stay the night.

WHAT THE LOCALS KNOW: BOROS COLLECTION

An excerpt from Northern Germany - Part 1:

... This former Nazi air-raid shelter turned Soviet prisoner of war camp turned hardcore techno night club currently holds the private art collection of Christian Boros. It's still like a nightclub in that it's hard to get in. You have to book a few months in advance but at least you won't have to worry about getting rejected this time...

Click here for more things to do near the Boros Collection and where to stay the night.

If you're just trying to unwind...

WHERE THE TOURISTS GO: TIERGARTEN (NOT FEATURED)

WHAT THE LOCALS KNOW: TEMPELHOFER FELD

An excerpt from Northern Germany - Part 1:

... Chill out on the tarmac of an abandoned airport, its fields covered with lush grass and tarmac filled with stroller and leash-wielding pedestrians. You'll want to bring a Frisbee or soccer ball, as well as a picnic basket and blanket to make the most of your afternoon...

Click here for more things to do near Tempelhofer Feld and where to stay the night.

Power Rankings: Hikes of Utah

SHORT HIKES (<1 HOUR)

5. SNOWBIRD

An excerpt from Utah - Part 1:

... A popular ski destination in the winter, Snowbird is the best way to see the depth and beauty of Little Cottonwood Canyon without doing much hiking. Take the tram to the top, behold the views, walk through the mountain via tunnel, and ride the chair lift down...

Click here for more things to do near Snowbird and where to stay the night.

4. FANTASY CANYON

An excerpt from Utah - Part 3:

... the natural rock formations in this canyon look like they belong in an abstract sculpture garden. It's only ten acres large, but if you're snap-happy with a camera you can probably spend a few hours here...

Click here for more things to do near Fantasy Canyon and where to stay the night.

3. EMERALD POOLS (ZION NATIONAL PARK)

An excerpt from Utah - Part 6:

... This area features three hikes at various levels of difficulty. The longest hike is three miles. Each path takes you to a different view of the pools...

Click here for more things to do near Emerald Pools and where to stay the night.

2. SILVER LAKE

An excerpt from Utah - Part 1:

... Part of Big Cottonwood Canyon, this hike is a breeze - the trail is paved by boardwalk. It should take you no longer than a half hour to encircle the lake, but when you get here, you might feel more inclined to take your sweet time...

Click here for more things to do near Silver Lake and where to stay the night.

1. PARK AVENUE TRAIL (Arches national park)

An excerpt from Utah - Part 3:

... At just over two miles, this short hike is a great way to stretch your legs. You won't find any famous arches here, but the huge sandstone monoliths along the trail will defy logic to the geologically uninformed...

Click here for more things to do near Park Avenue Trail and where to stay the night.


MEDIUM HIKES (1-4 HOURS)

5. DOOLEY KNOB (ANTELOPE ISLAND STATE PARK)

An excerpt from Utah - Part 1:

... This two-hour long, moderately strenuous hike will reward you with stunning views of Salt Lake. The more adventurous will opt for the half-day Frary Peak, but that's a lot more effort for only slightly better views...

Click here for more things to do near Dooley Knob and where to stay the night.

4. FIFTH WATER HOT SPRINGS

An excerpt from Utah - Part 2:

... A 2.5 mile hike (one-way) with a moderate incline will take you to about a dozen hot Sulphur pools, which you are free to bathe in. Get there early or you'll be bathing with a bunch of tourists and a few naked old men...

Click here for more things to do near Fifth Water and where to stay the night.

3. LOWER CALF CREEK FALLS (ESCALANTE NAT'L MONUMENT)

An excerpt from Utah - Part 4:

... A literal oasis from the surrounding desert, this hike takes you in and out of lush greenery along the flow of a creek... The trail ends at a picturesque waterfall, where you can stop for a nice picnic lunch. If you don't mind freezing water, feel free to take a dip...

Click here for more things to do near Lower Calf Creek and where to stay the night.

2. DELICATE ARCH (ARCHES NATIONAL PARK)

An excerpt from Utah - Part 3:

... Hopefully you've saved your energy for this short but strenuous hike uphill to see the park's crown jewel perched above a sandstone bowl...

Click here for more things to do near Delicate Arch and where to stay the night.

1. ANGEL'S LANDING (ZION NATIONAL PARK)

An excerpt from Utah - Part 6:

... If you have the slightest fear of heights, skip this. Renowned for its narrow trail and rather insane drop-offs, there is little room for error and nothing stopping you from falling to your demise other than a chain. Most hikers stop at Scout Lookout; the final stretch of the hike can only be described as death-defying...

Click here for more things to do near Angel's Landing and where to stay the night.


LONG HIKES (5-16 HOURS)

5. SUNSET POINT - SUNRISE POINT (BRYCE CANYON NAT'L PARK)

An excerpt from Utah - Part 6:

... From Sunset Point, descend down the switchbacks (trails switching back and forth), past the most famous hoodoo in the park, Thor's Hammer... The Queens Garden Trail takes you up to Sunrise Point, where you can walk back to your starting point, with beautiful views along the rim...

Click here for more things to do near Sunset Point and where to stay the night.

4. DEVIL'S GARDEN TRAIL (ARCHES NATIONAL PARK)

An excerpt from Utah - Part 3:

... The trail is easy terrain, but it's eight miles long, so it'll take you a half-day to complete. Along the way, you'll see seven great lesser-seen arches, beautiful wild-flowers, wildlife, and a solitary, towering monolith known as the Dark Angel. For an extra treat, try to find the petroglyphs hidden west of the monolith...

Click here for more things to do near Devil's Garden and where to stay the night.

3. ESCALANTE SLOT CANYONS (ESCALANTE NAT'L MONUMENT)

An excerpt from Utah - Part 4:

... If you've never seen a slot canyon before, here's your chance to see three in a row - Peek-a-Boo Gulch, Spooky Gulch, and Brimstone Gulch - each increasingly difficult to pass. If you go for three, it's a five-mile loop, but it's pretty technical at certain places...

Click here for more things to do near Escalante Slot Canyons and where to stay the night.

2. NEON CANYON - GOLDEN CATHEDRAL (ESCALANTE MONUMENT)

An excerpt from Utah - Part 4:

... At ten miles round trip, you won't have much time for anything else today, but when you arrive to the end of the hike, which involves crossing a river several times and walking across shadeless desert, you'll be treated to a naturally shaded sandstone amphitheater with a pool just deep enough for a dip. Spend some time here - it's a special place...

Click here for more things to do near Neon Canyon and where to stay the night.

1. THE NARROWS (ZION NATIONAL PARK)

An excerpt from Utah - Part 6:

... You'll be hiking through a river at mostly knee-deep, though sometimes waist-deep water, surrounded on both sides by massive canyon walls. Because of it's popularity, you'll be joined by hundreds of other people in what feels like some kind of religious exodus to the promised land. Consistently ranked among the top hikes in the world...

Click here for more things to do near The Narrows and where to stay the night.

Power Rankings: Waterfalls of Iceland

5. GODAFOSS

An excerpt from Iceland - Part 4:

... One of the most spectacular waterfalls in all of Iceland, "the waterfall of the Gods" is the site where Iceland became a Christian country. In the year 999, Icelandic lawman Thorgeir Ljosvetningagodi threw his Odin statues into the waterfall, marking the transition...

Click here for more things to do near Godafoss and where to stay the night.

4. GULFOSS

An excerpt from Iceland - Part 2:

... You can hike 10 minutes down to the face, or 10 minutes to the top. It's a bit touristy, due to its proximity to Reykjavik, but it's still one of the top waterfalls you'll see in Iceland...

Click here for more things to do near Gulfoss and where to stay the night.

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3. DETTIFOSS

An excerpt from Iceland - Part 4:

... Welcome to the north, home of the most powerful waterfall in all of Europe. It's so powerful, even if you stand on the cliffs that flank the drop-off point, you'll still get sprayed from impact 144 feet below...

Click here for more things to do near Dettifoss and where to stay the night.

2. glymur

An excerpt from Iceland - Part 1:

... At four hours roundtrip, some might consider this hike to be strenuous... There are two paths to go up to the falls. It is recommended to take one up and the other down, just to diversify the scenery. When you do get to the top, you'll come face to face with Iceland's second tallest waterfall...

Click here for more things to do near Glymur and where to stay the night.

1. HAIFOSS

An excerpt from Iceland - Part 2:

... This stunning waterfall, literally "tall waterfall," is the third tallest in the country, and you won't have to compete with anyone for photo ops. It's 90 minutes from the touristy Golden Circle... you'll have it mostly to yourself. From the viewing area you'll see Haifoss, it's sister falls and the most stunning landscape you'll ever see...

Click here for more things to do near Haifoss and where to stay the night.


Honorable Mentions:

6. Dynjandi

An excerpt from Iceland - Part 6:

... The best part about this one is it's just the beginning of a series of waterfalls, flowing downhill toward the sea. Work your way up the hill and marvel at every moment along the way, then turn around and take a good look at the vista below...

Click here for more things to do near Dynjandi and where to stay the night.

7. seljalandsfoss/Gljufrabui

An excerpt from Iceland - Part 3:

... One of the first and most popular is Seljalandsfoss, which attracts hundreds of tourists daily, all looking to take a "behind the falls" selfie. Unknown to most people, however, there are two more waterfalls in the area, one of which is hidden inside the crevice...

Click here for more things to do near Seljalandsfoss and where to stay the night.

8. skogafoss

An excerpt from Iceland - Part 3:

... Another touristy fall, it's but worth checking out because you can actually climb to the top; there's a staircase to the right. When you're at the top, you'll notice a hiking pass that stretches into the hills. Feel free to walk the trail for a half hour to an hour - it's a really beautiful view of the hills with plenty of wild sheep sightings on the way...

Click here for more things to do near Seljalandsfoss and where to stay the night.