While exploring a new city, it's often tempting to rush through tourist attractions, simply ticking them off our list and moving on to the next. We usually pay for admission, see the most famous parts, and quickly move on to the next stop. However, this rushed approach may prevent us from fully experiencing the hidden gems that these attractions have to offer. Some tourist attractions have more to offer than what initially meets the eye and are worth dedicating a day or even two to fully explore. Thus, here are 5 tourist attractions that deserve some extra time and attention. Let's get to it!
Which global attractions deserve your utmost focus?
1. Vatican City
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Even if you do not practice Catholicism, Vatican City is an impressive architectural achievement that should be visited at least once in your lifetime. While you may be tempted to only visit St. Peter's Square, which is free of charge, there is much more to see beyond just the Basilica from a distance. The Sistine Chapel is not the only place to admire the masterpieces of Michelangelo, so consider taking a tour that showcases his other frescoes, as well as artwork by renowned artists, such as Raphael and da Vinci. Additionally, the Hall of Maps, Vatican Gardens, and underground catacombs are worth exploring. If you're up for the challenge, climbing the 551 steps to the Cupola of St. Peter's Basilica will reward you with a café offering gelato at the top.
2. Angkor Wat, Cambodia
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While it may be tempting to allocate only a single day for Angkor Wat, we recommend dedicating a minimum of two days to fully explore this extensive temple complex outside Siem Reap. Renowned as one of the most remarkable feats of ancient architecture worldwide, the complex spans 400 square miles and encompasses numerous temples within its boundaries. From the Gothic towers and intricately-carved faces of Bayon to the partly obscured Ta Prohm nestled amidst a forest of trees, each temple presents a remarkable sight. Instead of joining the crowd at the lake for a sunrise view, opting to visit the various underrated and less-frequented temples in the nearby complexes would be a preferable choice.
3. 9/11 Memorial and Museum, USA
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The 9/11 Memorial and Museum was constructed on Ground Zero. The museum itself is built around the remaining parts of the Twin Towers, which includes a concrete staircase that survivors utilized to evacuate the building. While the museum has a somber and emotional atmosphere that evokes great sadness, it serves as a profound tribute to the victims and heroes of 9/11. The memorial, on the other hand, is peaceful, contemplative, and aesthetically pleasing, and should not be hurried through. Ultimately, it's advised to take your time to fully engage with this meaningful memorial and sincerely reflect on the tremendous loss experienced on that fateful day.
4. La Sagrada Familia, Spain
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In Barcelona, the streets are adorned with architectural marvels created by the brilliant Antoni Gaudí, and none are more renowned than La Sagrada Familia. Despite being in construction for over a century, this grand Gothic church is comparable in size to a football field, with every perspective deserving of careful appreciation. The exterior of the basilica, featuring intricate facades and towers, is truly spectacular. Equally awe-inspiring is the interior, adorned with exquisite stained glass, columns resembling tree trunks, and a substantial organ. While exploring the interior, it's highly recommended to take a moment to witness Gaudí's tomb, which can be glimpsed through a window into the crypt.
5. Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, USA
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The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington D.C. is among the most popular museums globally and offers exceptional value through free admission. Many visitors head directly to the second floor to explore permanent exhibits, such as the Butterfly Pavilion and the Hall of Geology, Gems, and Minerals, which showcases the renowned Hope Diamond. However, the first floor attracts fewer crowds and provides a more manageable experience. Additionally, it houses remarkable displays of marine life, including intricately crafted narwhal replicas and skeletal remains of mosasaurs.
The stress-free path to airport parking: ParkingNearAirports.io!
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In addition to our ultimate travel guide, we would also like to convey some more useful information on traveling, which will be handy for those who prefer doing this by air.
If you use your own car to reach the airport, you know it is critical to park it safely for the duration of your trip. Almost every airport has special on-site parking for this purpose. However, travelers aren't ready to spend a lot of money at the beginning of their trip, as this option is pretty costly. So what should we do then?
Our booking platform, ParkingNearAirports.io, offers travelers online reservations for parking just outside airports that are affordable and convenient. Our experienced team is dedicated to providing travelers parking options at over 100 airports in the US and Canada. The app allows customers to search and compare parking rates at up to 70 percent savings compared to the cost of on-site parking at all major airports.
What is actually off-site parking, and which advantages has this parking type, you may ask? So let's take a closer look at this question.
First of all, off-site parking is much cheaper. So you can save money and then spend the most considerable amount on the things you really want to try or see while traveling.
Secondly, off-site parking services are faster. It might seem that it's faster to park your car at the airport, but that's not always the case. Off-site parking offers you the following convenience: when you drive directly up to the entrance, a staff member pulls your luggage out of your vehicle and loads it into the shuttle. Then they park your car for you. After your baggage is loaded, you can take your seat in the shuttle, which will bring you and your bags to the airport. It is a hassle-free option that is usually faster.
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Thirdly, it's much more convenient. People are always stressed before the trip, as there are many things you should keep in mind. Not to be late when taking off, fighting traffic, finding a parking place, wondering how long the shuttle service will take, and more can leave you annoyed before you step foot inside the airport. If you choose off-site parking, you are using the assistance of a private company that caters to travelers' needs. Such services can make your trip much more comfortable when you arrive at the airport and return home.
With ParkingNearAirports.io, it takes just a few clicks within the application to reserve a parking spot. Upon arrival at off-airport parking, customers receive a booking confirmation and a guaranteed parking spot. The app helps customers find the most convenient airport parking lots. If plans change, cancellations are hassle-free and refundable.
We also offer you services for top cruise ports in Florida, Louisiana, Maryland, New Jersey, and Texas.
Let's look at an example. Imagine that you live in Los Angeles, California, USA. If you're planning a trip to Cambodia, you can choose cheap parking near LAX with shuttle. If you're coming from Miami, Florida, the situation is the same – you can use affordable Miami Airport valet parking. So it depends just on where you are flying from.
On our official website, you can find the best deals, airport parking rates, and other information connected with parking near US and Canadian airports.
