The Sydney Opera House is Australia's most recognisable building and is an icon of Australia's creative and technical achievement. Since its completion in 1973 it has attracted worldwide acclaim for its design and construction, enhanced by its location on Bennelong Point within a superb harbour setting.
The design of the building, with its soaring white roof shell shaped sails atop a massive red granite platform, has been internationally acclaimed as an architectural icon of the 20th century. As a dominant sculptural building that can be seen and experienced from all sides, it is the focal point of Sydney Harbour and a reflection of its character.
It is placed right at the end of Bennelong Point, juxtaposed to the harbour and completely to scale in relation to the Harbour Bridge, the sandstone cliff face, Macquarie Street and Circular Quay. Viewed from a ferry, from the air, or by approach on foot, the vision is dramatic and unforgettable. It took 16 years to build.
Statue of Liberty and Battery Park
The Statue of Liberty was France's gift to America. It was built in 1886 and remains a famous world symbol of freedom and one of the greatest American icons. It is the world's largest statue and stands just less than 152 feet tall from the base to the torch, and weighs approximately 450,000 pounds. The statue offers a fine view of the New York Harbor and lower Manhattan. It is located on Liberty Island and a short boat ride is required to get to the statue. To see the statue from shore, Battery Park sits on the southern tip of Manhattan and affords great views of New York Harbor and the Statue of Liberty. From here visitors can catch the ferry to the statue and Ellis Island.
Empire State Building
Along with the Statue of Liberty, The Empire State Building is New York's most famous landmark. The 381 m tall, 102-storey building was the tallest in the world until the 1 World Trade Center tower rose higher 41 years later. Topped with a mooring mast for airships, the Empire State Building immediately became a landmark and a symbol for NYC when it opened in 1931. There are actually two observatories atop the Empire State Building. The 86th Floor Observatory (1,050 feet) is reached by high speed, automatic elevators, and has both a glass-enclosed area, which is heated in winter and cooled in summer, and spacious outdoor promenades on all four sides of the Building. The 102nd Floor Observatory stands 1,250 feet above the bustling streets below. On clear days visitors can see for distances up to 80 miles, looking into the neighboring states of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut and Massachusetts, as well as New York.
Central Park
Central Park is the playground of New Yorker's. This huge park in the city center is one of the things that makes New York such a beautiful city and not simply a concrete jungle.
The park has many attractions within its borders and has been featured in countless TV shows and movies. Some of the places of note within this green space that visitors will probably be familiar with are Strawberry Fields, the Central Park Zoo, and the Lake, which is used for skating in winter, and paddling in summer.
Broadway and Shubert Alley
Taking in a Broadway show is one of the highlights of a visit to New York City. Considered the pinnacle of American theater, it has long been world renowned for its performances.
This is the place to come to see the latest shows and the long running classics. Broadway usually refers simply to Broadway theater which encompasses a large number of theater venues in the theatre district and along the street of Broadway. For the most popular shows tickets should be purchased well in advance. Shubert Alley is a famous pedestrian only alley in the theater district, and home to two well known playhouses; the Shubert on 221 West 44th Street and the Booth at 22 West 45th Street. Historically, aspiring actors would frequent Shubert Alley looking for opportunities to perform in a play sponsored by theater baron, Sam S. Shubert. "A Chorus Line" played at The Shubert for a record 6,137 shows. The musical, "Oklahoma" debuted in 1941 at the St James playhouse just down the street. Other legendary places include Sardi's restaurant where many famous actors met and the Music Box Theater, where Irving Berlin staged "The Music Box Revue" in 1921.
Brooklyn Bridge
The Brooklyn Bridge, completed in 1883, was the world's first bridge to be constructed of steel.
It spans the East River from Manhattan. The bridge is an American landmark that has inspired generations of poets, songwriters and painters. Engineer John Roebling conceived of the bridge in 1855 and worked out every detail from its two granite towers to its four suspended steel cables. In June 1869 while determining the Brooklyn tower site, a ferry crushed Roebling's foot. Three weeks later, before ground had been broken, Roebling died of tetanus. Roebling's son, Washington, picked up the reins and executed his Father's grand plans. In 1872, however, Washington developed caisson's disease which robbed him of his seeing, walking and writing facilities. The bridge features two powerful stone towers which are connected at the top with Gothic-shaped arches. They carry four cables that cross the East River.
Eiffel Tower
Visiting the iconic symbol of Paris usually ranks as the number one thing to do for most tourists.
Towering more than 1,000 feet (300 meters) high in the Champ de Mars park, this iron structure was constructed for the 1889 World Exposition. One of the world’s most photographed tourist attractions, the Eiffel Tower presents an excellent photography opportunity for both day and night times. Visitors can ride the elevator to see incredible views of the city or dine in one of the two fine restaurants that are situated within the tower.
Louvre
Topping the list of the world’s most visited museums, the Louvre Museum is located in the Louvre Palace with its signature glass pyramid marking its entrance.
Housing a collection of more than 1 million objects, the Louvre boasts some of the world’s most famous art works such as Leonardo da Vinci’s “Mona Lisa,” Michelangelo’s “Dying Slave” and the Greek statue, “Venus of Milo.” Other popular exhibits include the extravagant apartments of Napoleon III, the ancient Code of Hammurabi, Egyptian antiquities and paintings by masters like Rembrandt and Rubens.
Sky Tower
Kaikoura
This small coastal town on the South Island is a haven for seafood lovers. You can spot fur seals, dolphins, sperm whales and albatrosses off the shore, then indulge in a feast of fresh crayfish, mussels, blue cod and more. Land lovers can take a wilderness walk through the untamed and dramatic Kaikoura forest.
Bay of Islands
The Bay of Islands is one of the most popular holiday destinations in New Zealand. The picturesque area contains 144 islands, many secluded bays and some great sandy beaches. This beautiful bay has an abundance of marine life including whales, penguins, dolphins and the big marlin. Not surprisingly, it is a popular tourist spot for sailing yachts on world cruises and international sport fishermen.
The Dubai Fountains
At the base of the world's tallest tower is one of the world's most amazing fountains! In fact it is the world's largest dancing fountain! Set on the 30-acre Burj Khalifa Lake, the fountain shoots water jets as high as 500 ft, equivalent to that of a 50-storey building.
The fountain is 900 ft long and has five circles of varying sizes and two central arcs. It is designed by California-based WET, the creators of the Fountains of Bellagio in Las Vegas. The Dubai Fountain performs daily, with the performance repertoire including Sama Dubai; Baba Yetu, an award-winning song in Swahili; the Arab world’s top-selling dance number Shik Shak Shok; and the signature piece of world-renowned Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli, Con te partiro (Time to Say Goodbye). Over 6,600 WET Superlights and 25 colour projectors create a visual spectrum of over 1,000 abstract attractions. The beam of light shining upward from the fountain can be seen from over 20 miles away, and will be visible from space making it the brightest spot in the Middle East, and quite possibly in the entire world.
The Blue Mountains
Another essential natural gift for the greater Sydney region in New South Wales is the Blue Mountains - a range that is comprised of a kaleidoscope of contrasts and colour rich in Aussie bush and wildlife that is always accompanied by a blue-haze horizon. A trip to the Blue Mountains from Sydney will give you a true escape from the negatives of city life and the rush-rush of urban atmospheres while providing a chance to experience a great combination of spectacular scenery, wildlife, plants and the clean freshness of mountain air. A great getaway destination for honeymoons as well as a cool refuge from the heat of Sydney's summers, there is plenty to see and do in the region along with many small towns, each of which offer various attractions.
The Merlion
The Merlion is more than just a statue. It’s a mythical symbol of Singapore, a place to take in some incredible views, and of course, is the city’s most sought after photo-op. The term ‘must see’ will forever be used to describe the Merlion, with the iconic statue attracting over a million visitors per year. Although the 70-tonne, water-spouting Merlion is the main focal point, you can also relax on the terraced seating area, which boasts some great views across the water to Marina Bay Sands.
Gardens by the Bay
Gardens by the Bay is a huge, colourful, futuristic park in the bay area of Singapore; and has been crowned World Building of the year at the world Architecture Festival 2012. The famous Supertree structures offer an impressive skywalk over the gardens, over-sized seashell-shaped greenhouses recreate chilly mountain climates and there are hundreds of trees and plants to discover, making this destination great fun for both kids and adults.
Universal Studios
The Universal Studios Singapore is the first of its kind to open in Southeast Asia. Though not all rides and attractions are complete and ready for service, the park has more than 20 attractions in themed zones including the Lost World, Ancient Egypt, New York, Hollywood, Madagascar and Far Far Away (remember Shrek?). Regarding the rides, two are water themed and five are thrilling roller coasters of which two of are currently the world's tallest ‘dueling’ roller coasters. Families with small children can also make the most of the kids’ roller coaster and a merry-go-round too.
Singapore Flyer
The Singapore Flyer is the world’s largest observation wheel. A one-of-a-kind experience and built over a three-story terminal building, the Flyer is 150 metres in diameter, 165 metres high, and travels at 0.21m per second (it is some 30 metres taller than the famous London Eye!) With breathtaking panorama views that are so radically different during the day and at night, it’s hard to choose the best time to take a ride. Passengers will get to see such city sights as the Singapore River, Raffles Place, Marina Bay, Empress Place and the Padang.
Chinatown
Chinatown is another Singapore icon; great for shopping (many swear by it as the cheapest souvenirs location in town.), to see all kind of important attractions and trying out authentic Chinese food. There are countless restaurants and hawker food vendors to choose from. Learn more about its history from the Chinatown Heritage Centre on Pagoda Street. Its main focus is on the Chinese immigrants who lived a hard life and were the main group of people who founded Singapore. Other attractions include Thian Hock Keng Temple, the oldest temple in Singapore, Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, Eu Yan Sang Chinese Medical Hall and Maxwell Road Food Centre.
Raffles Hotel
Visiting the iconic symbol of Paris usually ranks as the number one thing to do for most tourists.
Towering more than 1,000 feet (300 meters) high in the Champ de Mars park, this iron structure was constructed for the 1889 World Exposition. One of the world’s most photographed tourist attractions, the Eiffel Tower presents an excellent photography opportunity for both day and night times. Visitors can ride the elevator to see incredible views of the city or dine in one of the two fine restaurants that are situated within the tower.
Clarke Quay
Nightlife in Clarke Quay is what this party hub of Singapore is really famous. Dazzling lights, beautiful people and buzzing nightclubs – these are some of the things that imprint themselves on your mind the first time you visit Clarke Quay, Boat Quay and a kaleidoscope of concept bars and pubs along the Singapore River. A mind-boggling selection of themes and attractions round out your choice of after-sunset indulgence.
Originally a centre of commerce along the Singapore River, Clarke Quay is nowadays a labyrinth of restaurants, concept bars, retail stores and recreation outlets. Try Bar Cocoon or Bamboo Bar at The Forbidden City, Lunar Asian Fusion Bar for great shows, or Bar Opiume at the Empress Place by the riverside and then Attica or Canvas for an after-hours rave.
Marina Bay
Marina Bay in Singapore has undergone a transformation of epic proportions. Once a quiet body of water at the entrance of the Singapore River, this area now stands as a spectacular example of how this miniscule country has come to be one of the world’s most luxurious travel destinations.
Overlapping the Financial District, Clarke Quay and the central Civic District towards the north, Marina Bay boats some of Singapore’s most iconic hotels, skyscrapers, and attractions. It difficult to ignore the iconic Marina Bay Sands resort too, which itself is home to a substantial list of great things to do and see.
This section is your guide to Marina Bay; from all the best hotels to restaurants, shopping, nightlife and attractions – we’ve got it all!
Singapore Flyer
If the observation deck at the Marina Bay Sands doesn't quite do it for you, try taking in high tea while looking out over the city from the Singapore Flyer, the world's largest giant observation wheel. Choose from several different packages that allow you to be served and pampered while enjoying a view that encompasses not only the Singapore skyline, but reaches to the Spice Islands of Indonesia and Malaysia's Straits of Johor. There are several different ticket packages to choose from, and each includes access to the multimedia Journey of Dreams exhibit that delves into Singapore's history and the creation of the Singapore Flyer. Flights last 30 minutes each and run from early morning until late at night, so you can choose which view of the city you want to enjoy: the beginning of another bustling day or when Singapore is aglow after dark.





